Parker Waichman LLP

What’s Really Behind Toyota Sudden Acceleration Problems?

A former lawyer for Toyota Motor Corp. has asserted that sticking gas pedals and floor mats are not to blame for unintended acceleration problems that caused the automaker to recall millions of cars in recent months. Toyota’s reputation for quality has taken a big hit in recent weeks, thanks to several recalls issued by the […]

A former lawyer for Toyota Motor Corp. has asserted that sticking gas pedals and floor mats are not to blame for unintended acceleration problems that caused the automaker to recall millions of cars in recent months.

Toyota’s reputation for quality has taken a big hit in recent weeks, thanks to several recalls issued by the automaker. On January 21, Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles due to accelerator pedals on those vehicles becoming stuck in a depressed position, causing unexpected and unsafe acceleration. Just a few months prior, in September 2009, Toyota announced it was recalling and replacing floor mats on approximately 4.2 million vehicles which were allegedly causing accelerator pedals in the vehicles to become stuck in the depressed position, leading to uncontrollable and rapid acceleration of the vehicle.

Then on Tuesday, Toyota recalled 400,000 hybrid vehicles, including the 2010 Prius and the Lexus HS250h, to fix their brakes. The hybrid recall came after the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it had opened an investigation into the 2010 Prius relating to reports of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump. The NHTSA said it had received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred.

Now, a former Toyota lawyer who once defended the automaker against rollover accident lawsuits recently told ABC News that the unintended acceleration problems are being caused by the electronic throttle system used in Toyota vehicles. According to USA Today, Dimitrios Biller worked for Toyota from 2003 through 2007.

Biller alleges that he learned of the electronics problems while he was a lawyer for Toyota and said his evidence for that would still be considered privileged, USA Today said. Biller has filed his own lawsuit against Toyota alleging it withheld data in civil lawsuits and from the government, and is also being sued by the company.

Toyota denies that electronics play any role in the unintended acceleration problems. The automaker also claims Biller never handled unintended acceleration lawsuits, but according to USA Today, his lawyer said Biller did work on one such suit in 2005.

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is set to take up the Toyota unintended acceleration issue at a hearing later this month, and it appears the committee’s investigators aren’t satisfied with the company’s explanations either.

“There appears to be a growing body of evidence that neither Toyota nor NHTSA identified all the causes of sudden unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles,” committee investigators told lawmakers in a memo this week. “Moreover, there is substantial evidence that remedies such as redesigned floor mats have failed to solve the problem.”

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Wow I have never had such a positive review of a law firm and I guess it’s because they never get it all right. This law firm did and they were the ultimate in professional acumen, business acumen and they made what I thought would be a hard process very easy. Tina Morace was the ultimate para legal who when I called and or had a question if was in a call,on vacation or busy made sure to make me a priority and return all my calls within half hr. Service like this makes me and will make me always recommend this law firm and to feel comfortable doing so. Tina’s service I hope will be recognized as she is the ultimate professional and made me feel comfortable for the whole two year process. Have an awesome day and once again they are awesome.
Cleveland Bannister
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I love dealing with Parker Waichman LLP they have been on point with me during this class action lawsuit I'm currently awaiting to be finalized... Sonia is one of the team there that has been pleasant to work with very efficient and gets things done, stays straight to the point.
J.Haywood
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Jill was great she took care of me the best alway call to check up on me,great law firm
Trapt Genres
6 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038