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The mother of a Pittsburgh University student killed in a car crash is suing Toyota in a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming that a faulty accelerator caused the accident that resulted in the death of her 21-year-old daughter in October 2007. Sandra Livingston, of Roosevelt (NY), filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court in Los Angeles, where the car maker’s corporate offices are situated. According to the lawsuit, Tyrene Livingston had taken her 2007 Toyota Yaris to Bob Massie Toyota in McKeesport just four days before the October 26 crash, complaining of what she believed were braking issues. However, after inspections and tests, Tyrene was told there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. On October 26, 2007, Tyrene was driving on state Route 30 in East Pittsburgh to a teaching internship. According to the complaint, Yaris suddenly accelerated out of control so that Tyrene was unable to stop it by applying brake. The Yaris crossed four lanes of the highway at uncontrollable speed, went over a curb, crashed through a guardrail, went down an embankment, and into some trees. The accident resulted in Tyrene Livingston’s death, the lawsuit states. The problems linked to sudden acceleration in different Toyota models led Sandra Livingston to file the lawsuit. Plaintiff’s attorney said Sandra Livingston was totally devastated when her daughter, who was the love of her life, was killed. The lawsuit mentions data compiled by Safety Research and Strategies Inc., confirming that sudden acceleration incidents involving vehicles manufactured by Toyota have accounted for at least 725 crashes, 304 injuries, and 18 casualties. The plaintiff argues that Toyota has been aware of the problems associated with sudden unintended acceleration for some time, still failed to recall the vehicles and change their design to ensure safety. Toyota’s conscious disregard for the safety of consumers resulted in numerous injuries and deaths, the complaint states. Toyota’s spokesperson said he could not comment on the issue.
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