California judge in runaway Lexus lawsuit says he’s likely to keep Toyota’s settlement sealed

Judge in Toyota suit says sealed settlement likely

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A California judge says he’s inclined to keep confidential a settlement between Toyota and the relatives of four people killed when a driver was unable to stop a runaway Lexus.

Superior Court Judge Anthony Mohr said Monday he would probably sign such an order.

An attorney for the dealership that loaned the Lexus objected, because Toyota’s settlement doesn’t cover claims against the dealership.

The August 2009 crash killed off-duty California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor, his wife, their daughter and Saylor’s brother-in-law.

Toyota Motor Corp. subsequently recalled millions of cars to replace floor mats it said could cause the accelerator to jam.

Mohr’s announcement came during a rare joint hearing with the federal judge overseeing claims filed in federal court against Toyota.