The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Responding to criticism that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lacked adequate technical knowledge to investigate the potential for defects in Toyota's sophisticated electronics, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has enlisted the aid of electronics experts from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The scientists will help the NHTSA study the potential link between defective electronics and the cars' sudden acceleration problems. In addition, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has been enlisted to conduct a detailed review of electronic vehicle controls in all cars to determine if a systematic or widespread problem exists.

The NASA scientists have experience designing and troubleshooting electronics to withstand a variety of electromagnetic conditions, ranging from terrestrial to passing through high-strength planetary magnetic fields, to undergoing bombardment by cosmic radiation. It is hoped that their outside experience will ensure a comprehensive review. In addition, the NAS review is intended to provide an in-depth analysis of the possibility for widespread problems in the use of electronic throttle controls in cars.

The possibility that electronics are to blame for Toyota's spontaneous acceleration has deeply divided the automaker from its opponents in product liability lawsuits over their potentially defective vehicles. Toyota claims that the problems are mechanical, and has instituted its car recalls on the basis of mechanical problems: first, floor mat pedal entrapment, then the potential for pedal sticking caused by wear. Some product liability lawyers have claimed that the problem is not mechanical, but is electronic, and that Toyota is hiding the problem. The problem, they say, is that the electronic throttle controls can become subjected to transient electromagnetic fields caused by the radio and other nearby electronic components, causing the throttle to send incorrect signals and causing unintended acceleration. Neither the NHTSA nor Toyota has been able to duplicate the problem with electromagnetic fields, but the addition of outside expertise will hopefully ensure no stone is left unturned.

If you have been hurt in an accident due in whole or in part to a defective automobile, the product liability lawyers of The Cochran Firm can help. Please call or email us today to schedule a free case evaluation.