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9/1/2009
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Toyota Motors May Have Forced Attorney to Conceal Evidence in Car Rollover Cases

Dimitrios P. Biller, the former manager of legal counsel for Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., alleges company executives forced him to conceal evidence in numerous car rollover cases over the past 20 years, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Biller, who resigned in September of 2007, said Toyota executives forced him, in multiple instances, to illegally withhold information from opposing attorneys. They also required him to destroy data which proved Toyota's roofs were substandard in more than 300 car accident cases.

The victims in these cases were seriously injured or killed due to crushed roofs and filed lawsuits claiming a direct connection to Toyota's faulty roofs and their injuries or death.

This isn't the first time a car company has been accused of concealing evidence in litigation. In 2001, the Michigan Supreme Court supported a ruling which imposed a $547,000 fine on Ford Motor Company for withholding test data that indicated seatbelt failure in a lawsuit.

As an injury lawyer who's represented clients severely hurt in car accidents, this issue is extremely important to me. The idea that an attorney representing a company would intentionally conceal and destroy evidence is distressing and we need to ensure Mr. Biller's allegations are fully vetted.

Toyota released a statement which said Biller's statements were "inaccurate and misleading." The company is painting him as a disgruntled employee looking for retaliation after being asked to leave the company.

Labels: accident Accidents car injury lawyer rollover roof Toyota

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses exclusively on injury and accident law. We have a proven track record in the court room, and you can review our case results to see for yourself. Our attorneys have deep roots in Virginia and handle cases throughout the commonwealth. Our office is based in Virginia Beach, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every injury case meets our criteria, we off a free, initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call promptly.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition. Rick and James, along with fellow attorney John Cooper were named Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (2010 Ed., less than 5% of lawyers are chosen), and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical, respected law firms. Our firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

We also offer free special reports along with editing the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a public information service. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube, a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers blog, a Medical Malpractice and Surgical Errors blog, and a blog dedicated to accident and safety issues on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

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1294 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757)-460-7776
Fax: (757)-460-3428
Toll Free: 1-800-752-0042

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101 Eaton Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
Phone: (757)-788-8162

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