Toyota Recalls 95,700 Vehicles over Cold Weather Braking Concern

Toyota has begun working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 95,700 vehicles with a brake issue that could lead to poor stopping at low temperatures. The recall involves 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models with the 1.8-liter engine, and only customers in 19 cold weather states are eligible for the recall.

Toyota says the problem may arise when condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation port seeps into the brake system vacuum port and freezes. As ice accumulates, the brake vacuum port could plug up and "power assist to the brakes would gradually decrease and lead to lengthened vehicle stopping distances."

Owners of affected vehicles will soon receive a notice from Toyota, followed by instructions to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for no-cost repairs. Dealer technicians will install a newly designed intake air connector that relocates the brake system vacuum port, a one-hour procedure.

No other Lexus, Toyota, or Scion vehicles are involved. Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the Scion Customer Experience at 1-866-70SCION(707-2466).

Black & Decker Coffeemakers Recall

The coffeemakers can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

This recall involves Black & Decker 8-cup programmable thermal coffeemakers. Model number TCM1000IKT is printed on the rating plate on the bottom of the coffeemaker. They have been sold at Walmart and small retail stores nationwide from April 2008 through July 2009 for between $50 and $65.


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of 9,800 Black & Decker Thermal Coffeemakers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Consumer should immediately stop using the coffeemakers and contact Applica to receive a free replacement household product.

For additional information, contact Applica at (866) 699-4595 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.acprecall.com.

Preparing to meet with your Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in an accident (car or other type of accident), or have suffered an injury due to the nonaction, negligence, or actions of another, it is important to see an attorney to discuss your possible claim.

Before you see an attorney, gather documents and other information you may have regarding the incident that caused your injury. Bring this information with you to give your attorney. You may have different types of information depending on your situation, or your attorney may ask you to bring additional information not listed in this checklist.

General information and documentation related to your injury may include:

*Name and address of the ambulance company
*Name and address of the hospital you were taken to
*The dates of the incident that caused your injury
*The dates that you were taken to the hospital/emergency room
*Names and addresses of the doctors that examined you
*Names and addresses of any witnesses to the incident that caused your injury
*Dates you were unable to work due to your injuries
*Name and contact information for your insurance company, insurance agent and any other insurance representatives you have talked to
*A copy of your accident report
*Copies of all written statements
*Applicable insurance policies
*Health insurance documents
*Disability insurance documentation
*Any other documentation, including hospitalization
*Medical Bills
*Receipts for anything you've had to buy or fix because of your injuries
*Documentation of lost wages

Any questions please feel free to call Messa & Associates at 1-877-MESSALAW.

Wii recharging stations recalled

Distributor has received six reports that battery pack can overheat.

About 220,000 Psyclone Essentials and React Wii 4-dock battery recharging stations, manufactured in China and distributed by Griffin International Cos. Inc. of Minneapolis, because the battery pack can overheat.

The company has received six reports of overheating, including two hand burns. The Psyclone Essentials stations were sold at Target, Toys "R" Us and Amazon.com nationwide. The React stations were sold at Best Buy stores nationwide.

Both were available between January 2008 and July 2009. Details: by phone at 888-344-4702; on the Web at www.psyclonegamer.com/Wii4Dock

60 Riders have been killed in Rhino Accidents

Summer is here and that means off-road riding is in high season in many communities.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 60 riders have been killed in Rhino accidents and more than 440 wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits are pending, while Yamaha has settled others.

Many stem from rollovers in which drivers or passengers fell or were flung through the open door space to the ground, then smashed by the 1,100 pound vehicle. Adults and children as young as 3 years old have suffered serious injuries, including amputated limbs and crushed legs, arms or heads.

In March 2009, a free vehicle repair and helmet giveaway was offered to all owners of Rhino model 450, 660 and 700 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), in order to enhance stability and reduce the potential for rollover, as well as improve occupant protection.

In order to provide a safer ride, all Rhinos must have half-doors, additional passenger handholds, spacers on the rear wheels, and the rear anti-sway bar removed. Consumers should immediately stop using Rhino ROVs until the repairs are installed by a dealer.

For additional information on the free Rhino repair progarm, contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.yamaha-motor.com.

For more information, please contact one of our personal injury attorneys at 1-877-MESSALAW.