Court Upholds $15.6M Verdict Against Toyota Dealerships
Pennsylvania’s Superior Court upheld a ruling that awarded $15.6 million to the driver and passengers in a Toyota van that malfunctioned after two dealerships allegedly failed to follow the recommended maintenance procedures when servicing the vehicle.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The state Superior Court upheld a ruling last week that awarded the driver and five passengers in a Toyota minivan $15.6 million from Center City Toyota and Ardmore Toyota. The plaintiffs alleged that the dealerships had failed to properly inspect the vehicle, which malfunctioned and careened into a ravine, reports The Legal Intelligencer.
Dr. Noreen Lewis and her passengers were severely injured in March 2008 when the van’s steering wheel locked and the brakes failed. A jury award Lewis $11.3 million and the passengers $4.3 million in March 2013, a decision the dealerships appealed.
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