Given the size of the complaints filed against Toyota following the major recalls of 2010, the court and lawyers will have to select only a few cases. Called bellwether cases, they will serve as lead lawsuit, representative for all the others.
“I believe we have made substantial progress in this litigation,” Selna was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. “We need to move forward toward our goal and that is the trial of these cases.”
Even if the trial start date is some two years away, the lawyers of those battling the Japanese manufacturer feel happy that, at last, a major step forward in these cases has been made. Toyota is also happy with the outcome.
“We are pleased that the court has established a clear schedule for selecting bellwether cases and trial dates within 2013,” Celeste Migliori, Toyota spokeswoman told the source. “Toyota has worked hard to ensure that this case moves forward quickly and efficiently.”
Last time we heard from Judge Selna, in November last year, we ruled against Toyota's request for the cases to be dismissed. The judge decided that owners who have filed suits can recover any compensation awarded under the lawsuit for lost resale value. The decision applies to owners who file lawsuits regardless whether they've experienced or not unintended acceleration.
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