CALIFORNIA – The mother of two victims of a runaway Lexus crash in Santee last year will appear before Congress next Wednesday. Lawmakers are currently looking at the federal government’s response to the recall of millions of Toyota vehicles. Fe Lastrella, the mother of Cleofe Saylor and Chris Lastrella, planes to travel from her home in Vallejo with her husband to testify in front of the House Oversight and Government Performance Committee.

Chris Lastrella, Cleofe and Mark Saylor, and their daughter Mahala were killed August 28, 2009 when the accelerator of a Lexus ES 350 sedan stuck in the open position. The car was traveling between speeds between 112 and 150 miles per hour before the accident. The county Sheriff’s Department determined in December that the crash was likely caused by a wrong-sized floor mat that entrapped the accelerator. Other factors, such as electrical, mechanical or computer glitches could not be ruled out because the car was damaged so severely.

The accident triggered the largest vehicle recall in U.S. history, the first of several issued by Toyota Motor Corp. The manufacturer has recalled 8.5 million vehicles worldwide since November. If you know someone who was injured or lost a loved one due to a defective vehicle, you may wish to speak with a lawyer at Berman & Riedel, LLP.

Our San Diego plaintiff’s attorneys help many people whose lives have been altered in tragic accidents every year. Each of our clients are given the personal attention their cases deserve. If you would like to speak to a qualified attorney following a tragic accident, you can set up a consultation with the firm free of charge. You can also learn more about personal injury and wrongful death law at www.bermanlawyers.com.