Former Toyota Lawyer Claims Acceleration Problems Due to Faulty Electronics
USA Today is reporting (2/11) that a former attorney for Toyota Motor Corp. is claiming that the unintended acceleration reports that have caused the recent flood of recalls by the company are not due to “sticky pedals” or floor mats. Rather, the attorney, Dimitrios Biller, claims that the electronic throttle control is to blame. If true, it would mean that Toyota may have engaged in a massive cover-up of the reason for the failure of its vehicles. Biller made the allegations last week in an interview with ABC news. Biller worked for Toyota from 2003 to 2007.
Biller has filed a lawsuit against Toyota claiming that the company purposely withheld information about the unintended accelerations from injured plaintiffs in civil lawsuits. He claims that the evidence was withheld in 300 rollover lawsuits that were filed by injured drivers. Toyota is fighting back and has countersued Biller claiming he continues to make “inaccurate and misleading allegations.” The recalls have affected over 5 million vehicles and eight models. Toyota continues to claim that the problems are due to floor mats and sticky gas pedals that that recent changes implemented after the recalls will fix the problem.
However, if there is any merit to Biller’s allegation of hiding evidence in civil cases and from the government, Toyota may have a real problem on its hands. As products liability attorney Brian D. Cook points out “sometimes the cover-up is worse than the crime.” If you are aware of problems with your Toyota and have questions about you rights in the legal system, please contact one of the experienced products liability attorneys at Bahe Cook Cantley & Jones PLC.
