I was hurt in an accident involving a Toyota recalled vehicle. What should I do? Board Certified Toyota Defect Lawyer lists TOP 5 STEPS TO TAKE:

A: If you were injured in an accident caused by a Toyota recalled vehicle, you should take the following steps.  It is assumed here that you are taking care of yourself and your injuries, so this list applies in addition to getting yourself the medical treatment you need.  PLEASE NOTE:  IF YOU HAVE HIRED A LAWYER, YOUR LAWYER SHOULD BE TAKING ALL OF THESE STEPS FOR YOU ON AN IMMEDIATE BASIS.

1.  Identify the Toyota vehicle.  Make a note of the make, model, and year.  Also, if you can, get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).  Take pictures of the car if you are able.

2.  Preserve the Toyota vehicle.  Take steps to make sure the vehicle is not tampered with.  If you own the Toyota, keep it at your home, preferably in a covered area like a garage.  If your Toyota is at a wrecker yard or storage facility, get it out of there and get it to your home.  If a family member or friend owns the Toyota, ask them to take these steps.  If someone else owns the Toyota, it gets trickier, and you will likely need the help of an attorney to make sure the vehicle is properly preserved.  IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT THAT THE TOYOTA IS PRESERVED, BECAUSE WITHOUT THE TOYOTA, IT WILL BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO WIN ANY TOYOTA RECALL LAWSUIT.

3.  Check to see if the Toyota vehicle is on the recall list.  Toyota recall lists seem to grow with each passing day.  At this time, the primary recalls relate to Floor Mat Entrapment [click here for the list] and the Gas Pedal [click here for the list]. 

4.  Get a copy of the police report.  This assumes police investigated the crash.  Get a copy of the crash report.  Most police agencies allow you to get the police report any time after ten days post-crash.

5.  Refuse to give a recorded statement to anyone.  After the accident, company representatives or insurance adjusters may call you asking you to give a "recorded statement."  Don't do it for the reasons we discuss in this V&B Article.  Essentially, anything you say can, and will, be used against you in any future Toyota Recall Lawsuit.

If you have any additional questions about steps to take after a Toyota Recall Accident, please contact our lawyers.