|
The accident involved a Toyota Lexus with a stuck accelerator, which may have been caused due to improperly installed floor mats.
Toyota has instructed all of the American dealers to inspect these vehicles, with special care taken to determine if the floor mats are installed correctly. They have also issued a statement saying that all Toyota and Lexus dealers have been given instructions to inspect their fleets immediately. This includes new, used and loaner fleet vehicles. Toyota has also asked others to inspect floor mat installation and safety, including other car dealers, automakers and even service stations and car wash facilities to insure that the floor mats are installed correctly, and are the proper ones for the vehicle.
The horrific accident occurred when off-duty California Highway Patrol officer Mark Saylor was driving a car on loan from an El Cajon dealership while his was being serviced. The 2009 ES-350 was carrying Saylor, his wife, their 13 year old daughter and his wife's brother. Saylors brother-in-law, Chris Lastrella, is captured on a 911 tape stating that the accelerator of the car is stuck and that they can't stop the car. Moments later, witnesses saw the Lexus which looked as though the tires were on fire as it came barreling into a Ford Explorer, went over an embankment and flipped numerous times, then burst into flames.
According to investigators, the fire seen coming from the tires by witnesses was likely caused by the continuous braking action of Saylor, who was attempting to stop the car. The car was traveling at about 125 mph according to the 911 call, and early investigations indicate that the accident could have been caused due to all weather floor mats that were installed in the accident vehicle from another Lexus model, which could have jammed the accelerator.
Strong attention from California defective floor mat attorneys and lawyers, as well as the media has been focused on this accident, particularly the aspect of defective floor mats. Mark Saylor borrowed the Lexus from Bob Baker Lexus dealership in El Cajon, who has refused to comment on the tragic accident pending further investigations.
The loss of an entire family in such a needless accident proves that Toyota and the dealership in question need to be accountable, and answer all questions they can to avoid these tragedies in the future.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of recalled products. Contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.
|
—
