Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP

Nebraska Widow Files Personal Injury And Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Toyota for Sudden Unintended Acceleration Involving 2006 Toyota Prius

Los Angeles, CA -- Robert J. Nelson of the national plaintiffs' law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, announced that Jacquelyn Donoghue of Holdrege, Nebraska, filed a lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., seeking compensation for injuries to herself and for the death of her husband John Donoghue in a sudden unintended acceleration accident. The complaint was filed today in Federal court in Los Angeles, California, where Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., has its headquarters.

Since 2001, the electronic throttle system in most Toyota vehicles, including the 2006 Toyota Prius driven by Jacquelyn Donoghue, has relied on sensors, microprocessors and electronic motors instead of a mechanical linkage, such as steel cable, to connect the accelerator pedal to the engine throttle plate.

"Millions of Toyota vehicles were not equipped with a safety feature, known as 'brake-to-idle' override, that enables drivers to override the electronic throttle and control the vehicle in the event of a sudden unintended acceleration," stated attorney Robert J. Nelson. "This safety feature is used by other automotive manufacturers. Toyota's failure to incorporate it, the complaint alleges, in the Prius driven by Jacquelyn Donoghue, played a direct role in the death of her husband John Donoghue."

Description of the Toyota Sudden Unintended Acceleration Accident

On December 14, 2009, Jacquelyn Donoghue, a 67 year-old nurse, was driving home with her husband John in their 2006 Toyota Prius on Highway 75 in Nebraska. Both were wearing their seat belts. Mrs. Donoghue was an experienced driver with an excellent driving record.

As she traveled down the highway, the Prius suddenly accelerated and went out of control. The Prius slammed into a Subaru Forester that was delivering mail on the side of the highway. The passenger side of the Prius struck the rear of the Forester with so much force that John Donoghue was killed in the passenger seat. The vehicle continued off the highway and eventually stopped only when it ran into a snow drift.

In addition to the devastating loss of her husband, Mrs. Donoghue suffered serious injuries of her own, including head trauma, a fractured shoulder, a broken jaw, and a collapsed lung. Upon discharge from the hospital after three weeks, she was compelled to move out of her home in order to live closer to family members who could help take care of her.

Legal Resources For Drivers and Passengers Injured in Toyota Sudden Acceleration Accidents

Lieff Cabraser represents persons injured in accidents involving Toyota and Lexus vehicles that suddenly accelerated across America. If you would like to learn more about your legal rights please visit our Toyota and Lexus sudden acceleration information page or call us toll-free at 1-800-541-7358 and ask to speak to attorney Todd Walburg. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.

About Lieff Cabraser

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, is a sixty-plus attorney law firm that has represented plaintiffs nationwide since 1972. We have offices in San Francisco, New York, and Nashville. Lieff Cabraser has a comprehensive and diverse practice, which includes representing persons injured and families of loved ones who died in auto accidents due to the negligence of other drivers or manufacturing defects. Since 2003, The National Law Journal has selected Lieff Cabraser as one of the top plaintiffs' law firms in the nation.

Source | Contact

Robert J. Nelson
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
415-956-1000