On August 28, 2009 CHP Officer Mark Saylor was driving a rented Lexus ES 350 when the vehicle accelerated on its own which resulted in a severe crash that took the life of Officer Saylor and three others. It also resulted in Toyota's massive floor mat recall. The vehicle had previously had an incident of UI with another renter.
Last week, Toyota settled a lawsuit from the Saylor and Lastrella families, resolving the product liability claims against both Toyota and Bob Baker Lexus for an undisclosed amount. This is, however, different from the version of the story presented by the Los Angeles Times who claim that the settlement, "has left out co-defendant Bob Baker Lexus." Toyota went on to clarify that, they are not " in a position to address the additional claims the families have against the dealership that are independent of Toyota." We'll update if we get any additional information on the suit against Baker Lexus.
smrtypants44 says:
12:57 PM, 09/20/10
I really don't see why Toyota should be responsible for dealership incorrectly (and apparently dangerously) installing the all weather mats.
e90_m3 says:
01:17 PM, 09/20/10
Re: Smarty Pants
Because fighting on will cost far more in legal costs and bad publicity.
Our malpractice insurance has a clause saying that if they think settlement is the cheapest option, they will settle even if the lawsuit is completely baseless. If we choose to fight on (out of principle, say) and lose in the end, the malpractice insurance will NOT cover us beyond what the settlement would have cost.
Such is life.
06scooby says:
02:43 PM, 09/20/10
I kind of aggree with smartypants44... I think the dealer should have been the main defendant.
roadburner says:
12:55 PM, 09/21/10
"Our malpractice insurance has a clause saying that if they think settlement is the cheapest option, they will settle even if the lawsuit is completely baseless. If we choose to fight on (out of principle, say) and lose in the end, the malpractice insurance will NOT cover us beyond what the settlement would have cost."
When I worked in insurance defense the carriers would settle 99% of the time, even if they had an airtight case. And the adjusters always complained about their huge caseloads. Idiots.