Closing arguments set in Toyota fatal crash lawsuit

Toyota crash
This June 10, 2006, photo shows a 1996 Camry driven by Koua Fong Lee that crashed into the back of an Oldsmobile Ciera in St. Paul, Minn.
Thomas Whisenand, St. Paul Pioneer Press / AP 2006

Jurors may soon begin deliberating a federal lawsuit stemming from a 2006 Minnesota car accident that killed three people.

Closing arguments are expected Wednesday. Several people are suing Toyota Motor Corp. over the crash, including the Toyota's driver, Koua Fong Lee. Lee spent 2 1/2 years in prison for the deadly crash before he was released amid reports of a sudden acceleration problem affecting the automaker's cars.

Lee maintains his 1996 Camry accelerated on its own as he was exiting Interstate 94. The Camry slammed into the back of a family's Oldsmobile, killing two people instantly and paralyzing a girl who later died.

Toyota's attorney contends the brakes and throttle system were working properly.

The Toyota model was older than those recalled by the company because of the sudden acceleration issue.

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