A 44-year-old man was critically injured in an Orange County car accident after his Toyota pickup truck accelerated out of control and slammed into a big rig delivery truck parked at a supermarket's driveway in San Clemente. The Orange County Register reports that the man was driving a 2000 Toyota Tacoma the morning of March 12, 2010, on El Camino Real when the crash occurred. The pickup truck was caught under the big rig and the driver had to be extricated from the vehicle. The driver of the pickup sustained serious head injuries.

My heart goes out to this critically injured victim. I hope and pray that he makes a complete recovery. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.

Toyota Sudden Acceleration Issue?

Authorities are not sure yet whether this accident had anything to do with Toyota sudden acceleration issues. However, witnesses to the accident say that the pickup truck suddenly accelerated before hitting the big rig. The driver of the pickup made no attempt to brake before the collision, officials say. Toyota recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles for sudden or unintended acceleration caused by defective gas pedals, faulty floor mats and braking problems. The pickup involved in this crash was apparently not on Toyota's recall list.

Vehicle Defect Issues

If I were a member of this critically injured man's family, I would have the pickup truck preserved in its current state, unaltered, so it can be examined by an expert for any evidence of auto product defects or mechanical malfunctions. If this crash was in fact, caused by product defects in the Toyota, then the auto maker can be held accountable for the accident and resulting injuries.

In such cases, victims or their families would be well-advised to consult with a reputed Orange County personal injury lawyer who has extensive experience and a superior track record of fighting against large auto makers including Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Nissan. Injured victims may seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization and other related damages.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons named in this article and their family members.