In a gripping legal battle, a couple from Ventura County has taken on a global automotive giant over allegations of negligence and product liability. Eduardo and Delys Esparza filed a complaint against Toyota Motor Corporation in the Superior Court of California for the County of Ventura on December 2, 2024. The lawsuit stems from a car accident involving their 2014 Toyota Prius, which they claim resulted in severe injuries due to the vehicle's defective airbag system.
The case details an incident that occurred on December 5, 2022, when Eduardo Esparza was driving his Toyota Prius with his daughter Pearl as a passenger. They were involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle driven by Joey Anthony Rios, who allegedly ran a red light. The airbags in the Prius failed to deploy during the crash, leading to life-threatening injuries for Eduardo and additional injuries for Pearl. The plaintiffs argue that this failure is indicative of negligence on Toyota's part. "Defendants...had a legal duty to adequately and properly manage and operate their business," states the complaint, accusing Toyota of failing to ensure the safety and reliability of its products.
The Esparzas' lawsuit includes multiple causes of action: negligence, strict liability, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, and loss of consortium. They allege that Toyota's negligence in manufacturing and design directly led to Eduardo's injuries. Furthermore, they assert that Toyota breached both express and implied warranties by selling a vehicle that was not safe for its intended use. The couple claims that these breaches have caused significant personal harm and financial losses.
In addition to seeking compensatory damages for medical expenses, economic losses such as lost wages, property damage, and pre-trial interest, the Esparzas are also pursuing damages for loss of consortium. This claim highlights how Eduardo's injuries have adversely affected their marital relationship, depriving them of companionship and support.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Albro L. Lundy II and Evan R. Koch from Baker Burton & Lundy P.C., along with Marcy Pettitt from Pettitt Houtz & Klindt LLP. The case is being heard under Case No: 2024CUPLO33857 at the Superior Court of California for Ventura County.