Gas Pedals redesigned for safer Toyota cars

After months of studies, Toyota has finally arrived at a solution to its defective car mats that caused the death of a CHP officer’s family back in August.

Toyota spokesperson Brian Lyons said that they modified the pedals making it ¾ of an inch shorter than the previous with more rounded edges. They would also replace the Styrofoam padding under the floor carpet of the Camry, Lexus and Avalon models. A system was also installed to cut the power in case of a sudden acceleration.

Lyons added that these remedies were arrived at after extensive testing of their cars and consultation with the federal transportation officials.

Lyons also clarified that there was no indication of faulty wiring in a recent incident involving Lexus ES 350.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 14 fatalities and eight injuries had been reported due to cases of sudden acceleration.

Injuries or deaths due to defective cars or car parts may be a subject of a product liability case. The filing of a personal injury case can help victims recover compensation claims.

Treadmill cord causes death of Tyson’s daughter

Due to their age and understanding, children are more prone to dangers. Who would have known that even a stationary treadmill could kill a 4 year old kid?

Shockingly, a tread mill cord caused the death of Mike Tyson’s daughter, Exodus Tyson. Exodus’ older brother found her lifeless body. She was rushed to the hospital and placed on a life support but died the next day.

Investigations revealed that Exodus either “slipped or put her head in the loop of a cord hanging under the treadmill’s console” causing her to suffocate.

This incident has added to the boxing champion’s already tumultuous life. Tyson claimed that this was the most challenging battle he has yet to overcome this year after being hooked on drugs and alcohol.

Accidents especially on children happen regardless of who they are. The only question every time an accident happens is that who was at fault or negligent.

In this particular case, the treadmill manufacturer may be sued if the hanging cord should not suppose to hang. A product liability case may be filed against the manufacturer if negligence is found to have contributed to the child’s death.

In this complicated case, the assistance of a personal injury lawyer is advised. As news on product defects circulates us, it is an advantage to look at the treadmill for any possible manufacturing defects which may have contributed to the death of Exodus.

Steps to Prevent Defective/Dangerous Products from Entering U.S. Territories

The present global financial crisis is not the only problem for Americans. Ensuring the safety of American consumers has also been a struggle.

In fact, some of the most controversial and serious product liability cases and settlements involved suits filed against major car manufacturers, pharmaceuticals companies, medical device makers and food corporations.

Defective bassinets, faulty cars, salmonella infective food and toys with excessive lead content or made with dangerous ingredients were among the products that consumers have been exposed to. Many of these products came from overseas like China.

The question now is what are the steps taken by the government to ensure the safety of Americans especially the children?

In a Congressional Hearing last November 2008, Attorney Tomas Gowen urged lawmakers to pass a law barring dangerous and defective products from entering the U.S. territories and holding the manufacturers liable should their products cause injuries.

Gowen recommended that all foreign manufacturers and sellers should obtain import license containing the name, address, product lines and brand names made by such company.

The license also requires revealing the name of the agent who would sell the same. Moreover, such import license would also compel foreign manufacturers to maintain adequate product liability insurance.

Gowen’s testimony represented those victims of negligent foreign manufacturers. We have yet to see how the Congress reacts to this proposal.