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April 3, 2014

Japanese automaker Toyota Corp. has been ordered to pay a $1.2 billion fine for knowingly concealing information about sudden acceleration problems in many of its vehicles. U.S. Attorney Gen. Eric Holder issued a statement that said "Toyota intentionally concealed information" and misled the public about the danger that some Toyota and Lexus models might suddenly accelerate and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Saying that the automaker had deliberately avoided taking responsibility after customers began complaining about the problems in 2009, Holder went on to say that the fine is "the largest criminal penalty imposed on a car company in the history of the United States," and that the record fine is merited by "shameful" conduct on the company’s part.

Holder said that Toyota had regarded a serious a public safety issue "as if it were a public relations problem" and tried to cover up the potential problems to protect market share and the company’s reputation for safety and reliability.

"Rather than promptly disclosing and correcting safety issues about which they were aware, Toyota made misleading public statements to consumers and gave inaccurate facts to members of Congress," Holder said. "And they concealed from federal regulators the extent of problems that some consumers encountered with sticking gas pedals and unsecured or incompatible floor mats that could cause these unintended acceleration episodes."

Holder also said that car companies have a duty to tell customers about safety problems and correct them as quickly as possible. "Toyota violated this basic compact," he said.

Orlando Toyota recall accident attorney James O. Cunningham is relieved to hear that the automaker is being forced to acknowledge that they basically lied to millions of customers that there was a sudden acceleration problem in many of its models but wishes that the company had come clean years ago when given the chance. If they had, many lives could have been saved and hundreds, if not thousands, of people would not have been injured in accidents caused by sticking accelerators.

If you believe that you were injured due to a defective product and you would like to speak with an Orlando personal injury lawyer, call Mr. Cunningham today at 888-FLA-AUTO (888-352-2886) and schedule a free consultation. He has been helping injured people receive the fair and just compensation they deserve since 1977 and has a proven record of success in product liability cases.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.

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15 Florida Locations

Orange County:
Orlando, FL

500 Delaney Avenue #404
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-425-2000

Seminole County:
Lake Mary, FL

300 International Parkway #100
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-487-4408

Osceola County:
Kissimmee, FL

17 S. Orlando Ave.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407-966-4408

Volusia County:
Daytona Beach, FL

1301 Beville Rd., Suite 8
Daytona Beach, FL 32119
Phone: 386-243-4994

Volusia County:
DeBary, FL

465 Summerhaven Drive, Suite C
DeBary, FL 32713
Phone: 386-320-3911

Volusia County:
Deland, FL

120 South Woodland Blvd.
Deland, FL 32720
Phone: 386-206-1264

Citrus County:
Inverness, FL

110 North Apopka Ave.
Inverness, FL 34453
Phone: 352-205-4341

Polk County:
Lakeland, FL

1102 S. Florida Ave., Suite 104
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-968-7551

Polk County:
Winter Haven, FL

325 Avenue A, N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-968-7173

Hillsborough County:
Tampa, FL

100 S. Edison St. Suite D
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-355-9772

Marion-Sumter Counties:
The Villages, FL

3420 U.S. Hwy. 27/441
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Phone: 352-419-0825

Lake County:
Mt. Dora, FL

Mt. Dora, FL
Phone: 352-436-4696

Lake County:
Clermont, FL

3721 S Hwy 27, Suite A
Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: 352-503-4674

Brevard County:
Titusville, FL

506 S. Palm Ave.
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: 321-222-7300

Brevard County:
Cocoa, FL

96 Willard Street, Suite 206
Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321-757-1373

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  • I was involved in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver ran a red light and my car was a total loss. I was referred to James Cunningham due to the fact that our attorney’s have been very impressed with James Cunningham’s work. This fact turned out to be very true… A Personal Injury Client
  • My car accident case was handled by Mr Cunningham and I was very pleased with how everything was done. He handles his own cases and his staff is top notch. He got me a very nice settlement without going to court. Derek
  • We contacted Jim Cunningham to help guide us through the "maize" of possible outcomes in settling with insurance companies, medical bills, and even police investigation with the accident. David
  • Cunningham worked hard was professional, supportive, diligent and always maintained contact. I am very satisfied with the service that him and his team provided. Mr Cunningham is a lawyer that will work for you. Dezhaun
  • I consulted with several attorneys, but as soon as I met James Cunningham, I knew he was the right attorney for me. He immediately expressed concern for my well-being, and his compassionate, professional manner put me at ease. Diane