Toyota Facing Criminal Investigation
Toyota Facing Criminal Investigation by Texas Recall Accident Lawyer Justin A. Hill
Toyota’s problems continue to worsen. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Toyota is now being investigated for criminal violations. The Chronicle reports:
Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Toyota’s safety problems, the company acknowledged today as it prepared to answer questions on Capitol Hill about its widespread vehicle recalls. The Japanese automaker said it received a subpoena from a federal grand jury in New York seeking documents related to unintended acceleration in its vehicles and the braking system of its Prius hybrid. Toyota also said it received a subpoena and a voluntary document request from the Los Angeles office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC is seeking documents related to unintended acceleration as well as to its disclosure policies and practices, Toyota said. The subpoenas are the latest demand for documentation from Toyota Motor Corp. Over the weekend, the company turned over documents to congressional investigators, with some boasting it saved money by obtaining a limited recall from regulators in 2007. The documents could create a big challenge for Toyota President Akio Toyoda, who is scheduled to testify at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday. Two House committees are holding hearings this week on the Japanese automaker’s recall of 8.5 million vehicles since the fall to deal with safety problems involving gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. Toyota said it received the grand jury request from the Southern District of New York on Feb. 8. It received the SEC requests on Friday. It disclosed the latest requests in a filing with the SEC today and said it intends to comply with the requests. Toyota declined to comment beyond its disclosure with the SEC.
Hopefully, this investigation will reveal all the facts that heavily affect consumer safety. If someone you know was injured or killed as the result of a defective Toyota vehicle encourage them to immediately contact a competent attorney for advice. It is extremely important to do this quickly to ensure that evidence is preserved, statements are taken, and the rights of all are protected.
