What to Do Following a Sudden Acceleration
Unless you are a stunt driver in an action movie, you want to avoid sudden acceleration at all costs. While these deadly incidents are unpredictable, you can avoid problems by following dealer instructions regarding recalls and maintenance.
For example, Toyota recommends you remove the driver-side floor mat and stow it in your trunk, in order to avoid the possibility of it interfering with normal acceleration.
What to do when your car is a runaway
If you are driving a Toyota and find the vehicle is accelerating out of control, try taking the following actions to slow it down or stop it:
- Pull the floor mat back and dislodge it from the gas pedal
- If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, firmly and steadily step on the brake with both feet but do not pump it repeatedly as this will worsen the situation
- Shift the transmission gear selector to the neutral (N) position and use the brake pedal and emergency brake to make a controlled stop, then turn the engine off
- If you cannot put the vehicle in neutral, turn the engine off or to ACC. You will not lose steering or braking, only the power assist to these systems
- If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly push the button for at least three seconds to turn the engine off
- If the vehicle has a conventional key ignition, turn the key to the ACC position to turn the engine off. Do not remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel
This information and more can be found on the Toyota website, Toyota.com.
Steps to take following an accident
If an accident or collision occurs, seek prompt medical attention for any injured parties. Obtain a copy of the accident report. Take pictures of the interior and exterior with your cell phone or video camera. Documenting the accident scene and preserving wreckage is helpful to reconstructing what happened and winning your auto defect case.
You will also need the help of an auto defect lawyer, preferably one with extensive experience and success dealing with sudden acceleration and auto defect claims and court cases.
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