I’m also with the many who think Shakespeare had it right when, in Henry VI, Dick The Butcher says “The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.”. Even my late grandfather, a copyright attorney, agreed and laughed at that prospect.
For the most part, most personal injury lawyers (ambulance chasers) have corrupted and taken advantage of our legal system. I’m sure the firm involved, which I did send a note to as requested, could possibly be in the same vein as those who advertise during Jerry Springer; I do not know since I do not live in California.
However, I can see all of this working towards a compromise on the windshield issue; Toyota does not need bad PR given its reputation for quality and, if some were to be on the horizon, I think a little half-way action could happen. I’ve worked for companies who have seen their stock plummet after a lawsuit was filed publicly and then, subsequent media reports multiplied the damage a thousand-fold.
Logically, they have an interest in working with the FJ owners since there are relatively fewer of us then say Camry owners; it might be more cost-effective to offer some form of warranty on the windshield (as part of the 3/36K factory one) or other type of program versus legal fees and costs.
In another universe, if this issue were regarding the Prius, I’m sure Toyota would have jumped quicker since it is the media darling and icon of the global warming debate; the last thing they need is negative reporting on a big seller.
I just recieved an email from Ross McLaughlin, please look at the contents below.
Ron,
These are the same people who handled the Honda Element suit. I talked to this firm last week about it. They said your stories sound very similiar to the Element saga.
In both cases where my windshield cracked I was at least 100 feet away from the nearest vehicle and I was only driving at the posted speed limit of 25MPH (residential neighborhood). I was not behind any trucks when they the windshields cracked. IT IS NOT MY DRIVING THAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM! Toyota definately has a problem and they need to address it. I hope you are lucky enough not to have to deal with this problem but my guess is it will happen to you one day. The odds of getting a broken windshield are pretty good if you count all of the members on this forum that have experienced this problem. Talk to me after it happens.
Here is a link to the oldest broken windshield poll. 7% have broken. The # may be a little high, but not the huge problem some make it out to be. Like I said earlier, the cost of the windshield is the real issue. THE front windshield is yours broken yet?
Quote:
rdvrk219 previously said:
< Begin my $0.02 >
I’m also with the many who think Shakespeare had it right when, in Henry VI, Dick The Butcher says “The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.”. Even my late grandfather, a copyright attorney, agreed and laughed at that prospect.
< End my $0.02 >
What do you call 200 lawyers on the bottom of the ocean? A damn good start!
__________________
Grok FJ
NON supporting member
Take what man makes and use it,
But do not worship it,
For it shall pass.
If to do were as easy as to know what were good to do,
Chapels had been churches, and poor mans cottages, princes’ palaces.
Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats.
H. L. Mencken
These lawyers did the right thing and helped the Honda Element owners with a 60,000 mile windshield warranty, that is not a bad thing. That is better than what we have now.
__________________
Mods:
Had LoJack installed, disconnected the DRL's, added a second horn (Tundra) added a Gobi ladder.
These lawyers did the right thing and helped the Honda Element owners with a 60,000 mile windshield warranty, that is not a bad thing. That is better than what we have now.
Agreed and, regradless of the outcome, I thank you for getting this ball rolling (it does take an Army of Davids sometimes).
I'm sure this firm is on the up and up and if they got results with the Element, excellent! It's just sometimes the old adage comes into play when it comes to groups like lawyers; one bad apple.....
In both cases where my windshield cracked I was at least 100 feet away from the nearest vehicle and I was only driving at the posted speed limit of 25MPH (residential neighborhood). I was not behind any trucks when they the windshields cracked. IT IS NOT MY DRIVING THAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM! Toyota definately has a problem and they need to address it. I hope you are lucky enough not to have to deal with this problem but my guess is it will happen to you one day. The odds of getting a broken windshield are pretty good if you count all of the members on this forum that have experienced this problem. Talk to me after it happens.
Then what broke it? Some kid take a pot shot with a BB gun? Someone throw a rock at you? High speed collision with a fat ladybug? I'm calling bull**** on this. You couldn't make up a better "its not my driving" scenario than this.
Its this kind of scenario that puts all of this to question. You are trying to get all of us to believe that your are driving along like a presidential motorcade and something drops out of the sky to break your brand new windshield. No vehicle within 100 feet, residential neighborhood, unexplainable breakage. Come up with a reasonable scenario on what could have hit your windshield with enough force to break a windshield.
You want those of us who haven't suffered a breakage to support this, don't make up BS to bolster your position that its the manufacturers fault, not yours...
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Sun Fusion 4X4 AT ATRAC Hack'd
Demello sliders
Demello front bumper w/Warn M8000
Demello rear bumper
OME 886/140 Front, 895/N71e rear
All-Pro rear links w/bracket skids
Inchworm Lefty
ARB front air locker
Nitro 4.88 gears
Bud Built skids front to back
Super Swamper SSR 35 X 10.5
Safari Snorkel
ARB Full Rack w/wind deflector
Train Hard, Rest Harder
TLCA # 17784
These lawyers did the right thing and helped the Honda Element owners with a 60,000 mile windshield warranty, that is not a bad thing. That is better than what we have now.
Did you ask the important question of them and the lawsuit your are basing their good reputation on...How much did you make off of that lawsuit?
__________________
Sun Fusion 4X4 AT ATRAC Hack'd
Demello sliders
Demello front bumper w/Warn M8000
Demello rear bumper
OME 886/140 Front, 895/N71e rear
All-Pro rear links w/bracket skids
Inchworm Lefty
ARB front air locker
Nitro 4.88 gears
Bud Built skids front to back
Super Swamper SSR 35 X 10.5
Safari Snorkel
ARB Full Rack w/wind deflector
Train Hard, Rest Harder
TLCA # 17784
Say what you want, what I stated above is the truth, I have no reason to lie. I had people in the car both times when the cracks happened. Furthermore I really don't care if you believe me. The bottom line is I am just trying to help all FJ owners, if you don't want the help, don't sign up. I could care less if you get involved, I do how ever wish you luck with your windshield. You will believe it when it happens to you.
__________________
Mods:
Had LoJack installed, disconnected the DRL's, added a second horn (Tundra) added a Gobi ladder.
Linear Mode
