In August 2009, a 911 emergency call made from an out-of-control vehicle, speeding at more than 100 miles per hour, reported, “We’re in a Lexus... and we’re going north on 125 and our accelerator is stuck... there’s no brakes... we’re approaching the intersection... hold on... hold on and pray....” The call ended with the sound of the crash that killed everyone in the vehicle, according to a recent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) press release.

During the past four years, consumers have followed the saga of Toyota’s issues with “entrapped” floor mats and “sticky” accelerator pedals. In late 2009 and 2010, Toyota issued three separate recalls, totaling more than 10 million vehicles worldwide, following reports of often lethal problems related to these defects. Finally, after many investigations and endless litigation, on March 20, 2014, Toyota agreed to a $1.2 billion settlement with the DOJ for misleading consumers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The automaker has also paid $66 million in civil penalties, but still faces numerous wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits.

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