Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinner
His car wasn't part of the recall, he f 'd up. |
Here's a bit better article about it:
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/148308862
The new trial had several reputed witnesses who had similiar (exact) problems with their 96 Camrys, 'new' evidence that he was braking at the time, and a realization that the mechanic who testified in the previous trial was incompetent and it sounds like his previous attorney was as well.
The trial was such a sure fire win for him that the prosecutors had offered him a chance to walk free from jail before the trial - that's not a deal they would be willing to do if they thought they had a case.
Just like all accidents it could have been avoided, but I'm willing to bet (and make up a statistic) that 90+% of drivers in similiar situation is to slam on the brake and keep slamming, maybe some will have the state of mind and experience of getting to neutral or turning off the ignition and hoping your steering doesn't lock (keep key in) but that's not something, especially pre-Toyota recall, people would be thinking of doing in a runaway car because they never thought they would be in a runaway car. I think I'll fault Toyota on this one and not this guy.