Toyota To Pay At Least $3 Million In Sudden Acceleration Wrongful-Death Suit
Toyota has argued, in this case and others, that the cause of the accident was human error. But the jury heeded the plaintiffs’ claim that the acceleration was due to a fault in the electronic throttle system of the 2005 Camry, and that Toyota acted in “reckless disregard” to public safety.
While Toyota has already paid out millions in settlements tied to claims of unintended acceleration, including more than $1 billion to settle a class-action suit against the company, this is the first jury verdict that has not gone in Toyota’s favor.
Toyota has been ordered to pay $1.5 million in compensatory damages to the driver of the car, and another $1.5 million to the family of a woman who has killed in the crash. The jury will now deliberate on how much the car-maker should pay in punitive damages.
Toyota hit with $3-million verdict in sudden acceleration death [LA Times]
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