Toyota accidents under investigation in B.C.

B.C.'s auto insurance company is reviewing accident claims involving Toyota vehicles to see whether some of the problems that led to widespread recalls are to blame.

The Japanese automaker has recalled more than eight million vehicles since November because of reports the gas pedals stuck to the floor, causing sudden acceleration.

There is a special process now in place at the provincially owned Insurance Corporation of B.C. for customers whose claims involved a Toyota that's been recalled. Spokesman Mark Jan Vrem said a dedicated adjuster will review all Toyota files, examining the vehicle to look specifically at gas pedal and floor mat problems.

According to Jan Vrem, 20 customers so far have contacted the insurer to have their files reviewed, saying they believe the Toyota defect was responsible for their accident.

Those reviews may lead to legal action against Toyota to offset claims the insurer may have already paid out involving defective vehicles, he said.

"We are taking a look at legal action against Toyota. We have a duty to protect our customers," said Jan Vrem.

"Our investigators will be taking a careful look at claims that are already closed. They'll go back and take another look at claims that are already open to determine if in fact the sticking gas pedal or the floor mats were a contributing factor," he said.