Toyota, Cleaver-owned car wash sued in woman's death

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Children of a woman killed at a Grandview car wash filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Toyota and a company owned by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II .

Rosland Watson, 40, was killed Nov. 5, 2009 while sitting on a bench outside the Grandview Auto Wash. A 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser leaving a car wash bay lost control then smashed into Watson and injured a second woman.

The Land Cruiser’s driver, John Page, told police his accelerator stuck, causing the crash. However, a police investigation determined Page pressed the accelerator instead of his brakes.

The lawsuit says Toyota should be held accountable because of its history of knowingly producing vehicles with defective acceleration and braking systems. The suit says the car wash is liable because “it did not live up to its duty to provide a safe environment for its clients.” Page is accused of negligent operation of his SUV.

“Ms. Watson was taken from her family much too early,” said Eric Dirks, one of the attorneys representing Watson’s two children. “What’s worse is that the tragedy was avoidable. The family lost a devoted mother and grandmother, all at a very young age and at a time when Ms. Watson was contributing so much to each of their lives in so many different ways.”

Lawyers for Cleaver and Page did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.  Toyota released a statement.

“Toyota sympathizes with anyone affected by an accident involving a Toyota vehicle,” said Mike Michel, a Toyota spokesman. “But because we have not had a chance to review the lawsuit, it would not be appropriate to comment.”