Nice New Toyotas

Amidst numerous concerns over its vehicles, Toyota has issued yet another recall. Previous recalls have focused on problems with the accelerators on a number of their vehicles, leading to sudden uncontrolled acceleration. These acceleration incidents have led to the deaths of multiple people. This time, the company is addressing a computer issue with the brakes on its popular Prius hybrid. Could the accelerator issues also be a computer problem?

In modern vehicles it is not rare for the brakes, steering, and even acceleration to be partially computer-controlled. Although some customers fear a loss of control to a computer, most of the time these systems actually increase the vehicle’s safety by responding to problems before the driver is aware of them. However, unless automobile manufacturers take extreme care, mistakes in these computer systems can have disastrous results.

As a hybrid, the Prius makes use of both electrical and gasoline-based drive systems to increase its fuel efficiency. One of several methods it uses to recharge its batteries is known as regenerative braking. When the driver hits the brakes, the vehicle stops the car by using its momentum to drive a generator. If the driver needs to stop suddenly, however, the computer must give control to a standard braking system. Difficulties switching between these two systems are what led to the most recent recall.

Steve Wozniak, one of the co-founders of Apple Computers and a long-time Prius enthusiast, owns dozens of Priuses and has claimed to have discovered a software issue that might be behind the acceleration issues. He reports that some vehicles can experience sudden acceleration without any input from the driver. And this is in addition to the brake issue that has already triggered the new round of recalls

The acceleration and braking recalls are a serious embarrassment for Toyota. Other automobile manufacturers use computer-controlled systems very safely. In fact, many European car companies have had systems in place for years that automatically prevent uncontrolled acceleration. Apparently this is too much to pay for Toyota, a company that has been gradually reducing the quality of its components for years to cut costs.

If you or someone you love have been seriously affected by a sudden Toyota acceleration or braking incident, you are entitled to seek damages for your losses. The compassionate and experienced personal injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier are here to help you seek justice.

No one should have to suffer because of a company’s negligence. To discuss your case with a lawyer, call the acceleration injury lawyers Habush Habush & Rottier today.

Joseph Devine

America is a nation on wheels. Car ownership is built into the fabric of America: most Americans are completely dependent on their vehicles for getting to work and running errands. For that reason, when a safety issue comes to light with a company’s vehicles, it should be taken very seriously. This is all the more true when America’s largest automobile supplier begins a massive series of recalls for vehicles that can accelerate out of control.

Understandably there has been a massive backlash against Toyota over these concerns. Sudden acceleration has led to a number of deaths and serious injuries. Although reports have trickled in over the years of drivers losing control when their vehicles suddenly accelerate out of control, it has taken Toyota until very recently to issue a series of recalls. The most recent series of recalls has extended beyond accelerators to braking issues as well.

Initially they blamed the unintended acceleration on faulty pedals that get stuck under floor mats. Since then, new information has come to light that suggest both mechanical and computer errors as the culprits. The braking issues, so far restricted to their Prius model, is reportedly caused by a computer problem. Having so many different problems, with so many different causes, will not help Toyota rebuild its reputation.

Toyota is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, holding a significant market share in every part of the world. Even in America, it holds a larger share of the market than any other brand. In addition, it is the largest contributor to Japan’s economy: the largest contributor of taxes and the largest single employer. A massive blow to Toyota’s wellbeing will be felt across the entirety of Japan’s economy.

Nonetheless, any company that puts its consumers at risk should have to pay the price. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured because of sudden unintended acceleration or braking problems with a Toyota vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering and losses.

The compassionate sudden acceleration injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier are here to help you win the battle against reckless, profit-centric car manufacturers. To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact Habush Habush & Rottier today.

Joseph Devine