Toyota Found Not Responsible In First Unintended Acceleration Death Case

A verdict clearing Toyota Motor Corp. in the death of a California woman whose 2006 Camry apparently accelerated despite her efforts to stop could bode well for the Japanese automaker as it faces similar cases.

Jurors deliberated for about five days before reaching their decision and concluding the vehicle’s design didn’t contribute to the death of 66-year-old Noriko Uno, who was killed in August 2009 when she was struck by another motorist, sending her vehicle into a telephone pole and tree.

The outcome of the so-called “bellwether” case could influence whether Toyota should be held responsible for sudden unintended acceleration as part of a larger group of lawsuits filed in state courts. Another case began in Oklahoma this week and there are more than 80 similar lawsuits filed in U.S. state courts.

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TheSteve - 10/11/2013 2:33:52 PM

+4 Boost

Toyota couldn't find a defect. CSIs couldn't find a defect. NASA couldn't find a defect. Even numerous government inquisitions could not find a defect. But lawyers think they can?

"Pedal Misapplication" folks. That's the finding for Toyota's alleged unintended acceleration drama. And it's not the first time. This was a replay of Audi's alleged unintended acceleration drama, years earlier. Same trial by media. Same trumped-up media experts staging mock-ups of how it *might* have happened. Same extensive investigations, and same conclusion: People were mashing the gas pedal when they believed they were standing on the brake. User error.

HughJass - 10/12/2013 12:04:48 AM

+1 Boost

I believe the jury ruled that the other car who actually hit her has to pay something like $10 million which I'm sure will be dragged out in court for atleast 5 years.