Accident Description:
- The driver, who had a law enforcement background, was operating a rented sedan with several family members.
- While merging onto the highway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably.
- The driver attempted to slow the vehicle using the brakes, but the car did not respond.
- The vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h), exited the highway, sped through an intersection, and ultimately crashed and caught fire, resulting in the death of all occupants.
- While merging onto the highway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably.
- The driver attempted to slow the vehicle using the brakes, but the car did not respond.
- The vehicle reached speeds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h), exited the highway, sped through an intersection, and ultimately crashed and caught fire, resulting in the death of all occupants.
Fault Determination:
Manufacturer
- Initially suggested that a floor mat trapped the accelerator pedal.
- Investigation revealed the rented vehicle had an incompatible floor mat improperly installed and stacked.
- As similar incidents were reported across the country, attention shifted toward a possible issue in the electronic throttle control system (ETCS).
- U.S. authorities conducted a joint investigation into the vehicle systems.
- Investigation revealed the rented vehicle had an incompatible floor mat improperly installed and stacked.
- As similar incidents were reported across the country, attention shifted toward a possible issue in the electronic throttle control system (ETCS).
- U.S. authorities conducted a joint investigation into the vehicle systems.
Driver
- No evidence of operational error or negligence.
- Legal and public opinion supported that the driver acted appropriately under extreme circumstances.
- Legal and public opinion supported that the driver acted appropriately under extreme circumstances.
Rental Company
- Found partially responsible for installing and failing to secure the correct floor mat.
Outcome and Aftermath:
Legal Result
- No criminal charges were filed.
- Civil settlement: The victims’ families received over $10 million in compensation (specific amount confidential).
- This case was a key part of a broader $1.2 billion settlement involving the manufacturer.
- Civil settlement: The victims’ families received over $10 million in compensation (specific amount confidential).
- This case was a key part of a broader $1.2 billion settlement involving the manufacturer.
Manufacturer Response
- The company recalled over 10 million vehicles globally.
- Implemented hardware improvements including pedal redesign and the addition of a brake override system.
- Senior executives issued a public apology and testified before national legislative bodies.
- Implemented hardware improvements including pedal redesign and the addition of a brake override system.
- Senior executives issued a public apology and testified before national legislative bodies.