James Sikes and His Toyota Prius Acceleration Problem: Too Much Hollywood Script?
Article Submitted By: JRodgers
The latest California driver to loose control of his Prius seems just a little too media savvy and attention hungry.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article on BestCashCow that Toyota is entering a death spiral. I continue to think that Toyota's problems are real and are just beginning. Their refusal to address the sudden acceleration issue as an electronics problem - instead opting to satiate customers by moving the pedals around - is doing dramatic damage to the brand from which the company will never recover. To boot, Toyota was, as I predicted, poorly prepared in front of Congress two weeks ago. I drive a Lexus. My next car will be an Infiniti.
Putting the marketing damage aside, I am amazed by the parallels between this case and the Ford Pinto cases in the 1970s which led to the development of product liability tort law in the US. We give large product liability awards in the US in order to stop manufucturers from putting low values on human lives and producing products that may kill people. That gets manufacturers to fix problems rather than than treat them as inconsequential.  A couple of large awards will take down Toyota. I am short Toyota stock and long very long-dated Toyota puts.
But this situation two nights ago with James Sikes and his Prius is really bugging me. It seems like the guy is piling on to a news story. He was too prepared to go straight to the media. He called 911 before trying to pull the emergency brake. Sikes, according to published reports, is a 61-year old real estate executive and longtime lottery player who won $55,000 and was selected in 2006 to appear on a California Lottery TV game show. This smells to me like a washed up Californian angling to be a plaintiff in a lawsuit or to be on the Amazing Race 18.
If it happened in Iowa or Kansas maybe I'd believe it, but these days anything coming out of California just seems scripted for Hollywood.
Comments
Clivey, March 02, 2011
The brakes on a non hybrid car use the vacuum caused when you shut the throttle to operate the power assistence on the brakes - because the Prius can operate without the engine running, the brakes are operated by an electically powered servo, and there cannot loose braking power due to no engine vacuum (stuck open throttle), also the Prius reduces engine power when the brakes are applied - definately a scam!
Ben, April 25, 2010
I haven't seen anything on this guy on the Net since March 11. Did he just go away? Any follow up prosecution for attempted fraud? He should at least get a speeding ticket.
Mr. Davis, April 21, 2010
Even in my old lifted Cherokee with no sway bars, 94 mph is not THAT scary... What an idiot...
Greedy america, March 21, 2010
All I can say is Greedy America once Again.....
Fireball Foster, March 21, 2010
My wife drives a 2008 Prius similar to the Sikes car and when I heard this story I was obviously concerned for her safety. I gave her my Lexus to drive and I took the Prius and have driven it for the last two weeks with no problems. Yesterday I finally had the chance to test Mr Sikes' story. We live in Arizona so it was easy to find a lonely stretch on Hwy #86 west of Tucson. I accelerated to 94 MPH ( no easy task !! ) on a flat stretch of highway and SLOWLY applied the Brakes with even steady pressue while keeping my foot firmly planted on the accelerator. I have never done this and didn't know what to expect and to my surprise the car stopped easily with no drama whatsoever!!!! My friend, who's an automotive expert, explained to me later that at 94 MPH the Prius is virtually out of power to accelerate and will stop very easly with the oversize brakes and moderate pressure. Next I again accelerated to 94 Mph and set the cruise control. By the way 94 sounds fast, but on a lonely hwy it feels slow and you have plenty of time to react and think of solutions while driving the car with one hand. At 94 I easily flipped the transmission gear shift lever ( it's right next to the steering wheel and can be done without removing your hands from the wheel) and the car slowed easliy to a stop....again no drama. Next, I again took the Prius to 94 MPH and pushed the "OFF" button and held it for 3 seconds or so and the car silently came to a stop in a few 100 feet...again no drama!! Summation: Admitedly I was alert and thinking at the time of my test and not surprised by sudden acceleration like Mr Sikes had claimed... BUT, the Prius acceleration is SO SLOOOOOW you have plenty of time to react long before it gets to 94 MPH!!!!!!! It has since come to light that Mr. Sikes isn't a confused helpless "old man" as the media had portrayed him , but a heady wheeler-dealer who was also a car enthusiast with plenty of experience driving high performance cars. One would think he could figure out to move the gear shiftlever during his "ordeal". Toyota can't find a problem with unintended acceleration because there is no problem to find!!! The only real case was the unfortunate family of the state trooper who lost their lives in a runaway lexus. In that case he was driving an unfamiliar loaner car when the pedal jammed and he kept pressing the "OFF" button not knowing it takes 3 seconds of constant pressure to turn the car off . Unfortunately he failed to realize the brakes can easliy overpower the engine power and had he simply "jammed" the brakes the car would come to a stop, but when the "off" button wouldn't work he froze and disaster stook only a few seconds. The clincher in the Sikes story is the fact he ignored the 911 operator's plea to flip the car to neutral or hold the "OFF" button". Don't forget Sikes has owned this car for two years and was VERY familiar with the controls!!!!! Sikes' claim of being "too scared" to remove his hands from the wheel" simply doesn't make sense since he admits to holding the cell phone with one hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think it's safe to say Mr. Sikes is lying and here's a summary of facts against him : 1) unintended accleration involves a few seconds of panic NOT 23 minutes of telephone conversation 2) He is a car enthusiast very familiar with his car 3) the brakes were applied 250 times on ansd off at light pressure NOT a heavy push as Mr. Sikes claimed 4) He has sordid past of deception
Sam G., March 18, 2010
When I first saw this news clip I had my doubts. Then when Sikes "explained" what happened I had no doubt! How can the lamestream news swallow this fabrication with no questions???????
M.L., March 18, 2010
I bet Mr. Sikes was a little weasel in high school who eveyone beat up for amusement.
Lynn, March 18, 2010
I knew Patty before she married James and found her to be very pleasant, attractive and considerate. After the marriage it was apparent she was headed down the wrong path with this loser. I know they quickly fell out of our social circle and spent the next 10 years trying get- rich- quick schemes and shady dealings.
George Custer VI, March 18, 2010
I wish Mr. Sikes was with the 7th at the Little Big Horn!!!
Everett McGill, March 18, 2010
It's a fool who looks for answers in the chambers of the human heart.
Dr. Hook, March 18, 2010
Honesty is the best policy ...unless you're an exceptionally good liar!!
Vern, March 18, 2010
I'm a certified Audio Analyst for the California Board of Weights and Measures and considered an expert witness in voice Identification and stress evaluation. I heard Mr. Sikes 911 call and in my opinion his stress level and fear are contrived. The short breaths, stuttering and monotone are all indications of deception.
j.d. Hatfield, March 18, 2010
Maybe next time Mr. Sikes is on a curvy mountain road his gas pedal really does get stuck and he runs his sorry ass off a cliff!!
P.T. Barnum, March 18, 2010
You can fool some of the people all the time.....You cam fool all the people some of the time.....But you can't fool all the people all of the time.
Brittany, March 17, 2010
Knowing Mr. Sikes this is no surprise. He would sell his mother and kids for fame and fortune.
Gustav, March 17, 2010
James Sikes attempted to join the San Diego Corvette Club but was rejected after several members complained he was soliciting them for investments.
Hummer Lvr, March 17, 2010
How does this creep go out in pubic?????????
Robert Zimmerman, March 17, 2010
You don't need a weatherman to see which way the wind blows!!!
Rebecca D., March 17, 2010
I've read all the comments and Mr. Sikes seems to have few takers. I'm not a scholar, mechanic or engineer but when I heard the 911 call I knew this was a scam. He's faking nervousness and confusion to appear helpless with no way out but a high speed crash. He refuses to follow the operator's instructions to move the gear shift lever to neutral or push the "OFF" button. Remember, he's owned this car for 2 years and is very familiar with its controls. Once the cameras are rolling and the trooper shows up the car magically behaves nornmally after 23 minutes of "terror". How could anyone with a brain not question his ridiculous tale??? The mainstream media simply plays along and even fabricated the trooper pulling in front to slow him down....no facts, just a better story!!! Now as Mr. Sikes sordid past comes to light his motives are obvious but realizing he's caught in a web of lies his attorney advises him not to sue and open him up to a charge of extortion. People like this don't need any punishment...living life as they are must be unbearable!!!!!
Calif Girl, March 17, 2010
I notice now their real estate website is shut down. I don't think this story is over!
Calif Girl, March 17, 2010
I taked to Patty on Sunday morning. I called from NY, and she said I shouldn't be afraid to drive my Toyota Rav4. Odd statement coming from her after what "poor Jim" had gone through. First I was surprised she even answered her phone at 8 a.m. on a Sunday with all the media hype. I wanted to know what she meant that their careers were ruined. Her answer was people were using their website for lots of other purposes than what it should be used for. These comments have been really helpful. Thanks to everyone.
Hansel, March 16, 2010
I know James sikes from a local gay club in town. The brass rail. This does not surprise me he is a crook and a homo. Ps I just work there I am not queer.
Sikes is deplorable, March 15, 2010
The law firm that Sikes hired - http://www.thegomezfirm.com/index.html - are ambulance chasers. All they do is sue to get big $ for just the kind of case that Sikes was hoping to cash in on. I think Sikes was hoping to sue Toyota and cash in, but he miscalculated the believability of his lies and now he is back-pedaling, saying he won't sue Toyota because he realizes he'd be found out to be a fraud and it would get him in hot water. What a society we live in today!
Tuna Butter, March 15, 2010
How can you doubt this guy? Listen for yourself! http://www.pattyandjimsikes.com/
Tuna Butter , March 15, 2010
Did you not hear about the second prius having the same problem.....earth to meekus~
Susan B Anthony, March 15, 2010
To Tuna Butter- Get a life you looser! You must be related or friends with the Sikes, who in thier right mind would believe this joker!
Yanthi, March 15, 2010
I just read through these comments and had to leave one of my own. I was dating a woman in title insurance in 2001 in Bonita, and the Sikes were a menace back then; they were known in the realty world as flakes and frauds and tried to build their empire by reducing commission rates. Was I surprised when they attempted to move into the yacht business (my line of work) by doing the same thing...reducing commissions and pushing themselves as professionals at boat shows, etc. Even at reduced rates, boat owners and sellers could see through the thin veneer of the Sikes personalities and they didn't last long in the yacht business. What a couple of yahoos>
Gimme Break, March 15, 2010
Oh yeah he;s a real stand up guy...check his background Einstein!!!!!
Tuna Butter, March 15, 2010
I am starting the official Save Jim Sikes fan club
Dan Jilliard, March 15, 2010
This story absolutely defies any logic. How do you not put the car in neutral or at least a lower gear to slow it down?? The brakes will stop this car at full throttle easily. The fact the brakes were working and "burned" just proves he was riding them lightly and not trying to stop. Accidents involving unintended acceleration occur in seconds when the driver simply panics with no time to react...NOT 23 MINUTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The one real case when the family was killed occurrd in about 12 seconds and the driver simply panicked when trying to shut the car off because the shut off button has a 3 second delay. Had he put it in neutral all would have been saved. How can anybody believe this moron was on the phone with 911 for over 20 minutes while zoomimg down the hwy??? Then again, they elected Obama.
Tuna Butter from Chula Vista, March 15, 2010
I heard his 23 minute 911 call and it sounds to me like he's a stand up elderly man.
Gimme break, March 15, 2010
To the previous blogger who thinks this guy may be innocent...I bet you believe we can add 30 million people to the healthcare system, save money and get bettrer care. Or that the stimulus plan saved millions of jobs. Or Nancy Pelosi makes any sense!!!
Reality Check, March 15, 2010
To the previous blogger...Are you on planet earth???? He's an experienced driver with many high performance cars. He's has the time to reach for his cell phone...call 911 for 26 minutes...but can't move the gear shift lever which is 3 inches from the steering wheel!!! I guess you think OJ is innocent Too
Tuna Butter from Chula Vista, March 15, 2010
Lets not jump to conclusions....what happened to innocent until proven guilty?
marlene j, March 15, 2010
This creep approached me at a realtor convention and made inproper and off color remarks . I complained to the group organizers and he was asked to leave. This scam doesn't surprise me at all.
bob b, March 15, 2010
James Sikes belonged to our local Corvette Club here in San Diego. He wasn't well liked and left after a short tenure. Actually he kept hawking members to invest in his schemes. It is totally beyond me how a car guy could drive for over 20 minutes with a stuck throttle and not think to move the gear-shift lever!!!!
Rita G, March 15, 2010
When I first saw this story last week I turned to my hubby and said "Isn't that our old neighbor". Indeed we lived a few doors from the Sikes' in suburban San Diego during the real estate boom. They seemed like nice people at first but we heard bad things and steered clear. Stories came to light of money problems and dubious behavior. The most damaging fact for James Sikes is that he's a car enthusiast and has owned many high performance cars. How is it he's so clueless when something simple like moving the gear-shift lever could have prevented this.
Amy D, March 15, 2010
I drive my kids to school every day in my 2008 Prius and when I first heard this story I went for a defensive driving course to prepare for emergencies like this. Even though I doubt this man's story I am now more confident should this actually happen, I could deal with it.
Algonquin G. Calhoun, March 15, 2010
I've been a defense attorney for 37 years and I wouldn't want to attempt to defend Mr. Silkes. His real problem is if the Feds get involved.
George Patton, March 15, 2010
How can you drive for over 20 minutes without the sense to move the shift lever to neutral when it's designed to be used without removing your hands from the wheeel????????????? When he explained he feared removing his hands from the wheel nobody questioned him!!!!! It's beyond me how anybody would believe this ludicrous tale. How in the world could you drive on an LA freeway at full throttle for 23 minutes!!!!!!!!!! Now add in this scumbag's backgroud and you know this is a total fabrication along with the lady a few weeks ago who had a runaway Lexus and " God intervened " to stop it.
Henry Himmler, March 15, 2010
This low-life has been a scam artist all his life always looking for the quick buck.
from Boston, March 15, 2010
I become Toyota fan after trying several domestic models with extensive repairs. This is a great forum. Thank you everybody for exposing this scam bag. I know that Toyota reputation will withstand stupid MSM and real owners of General Morons (abama, pilosi and co.). They cannot play fair game.
Vermont Mike, March 15, 2010
I'm not taking any chances with my safety, so me and buddy took the engine out of my 2008 Prius and replaced it with a small block 283 GM crate engine. It'll put about 350 HP at the wheels. We just pulled the calipers right off and disconnected all computer gear and then installed cross-drilled Porsche parts. Watch it stop now. All this foreign supposed innovation is crapola. Yankee wheels always got you going and got you stopped. In style I might add. No more Japanese lawn tractors for me.
coriander, March 15, 2010
Sikes is obviously lying... for publicity, possibly being on a reality show, taking part in a Toyota suit, and all the benies that may come his way after this new-found fame. He is already making money off this fake incident. I hope they can prove he's lying and I hope Toyota sues him.
Another co-worker, March 14, 2010
Back in the height of the Real Estate boom Jim and Patty Sikes decided to start the discount 1% sells your home trend and hurt many hard working agents by having to lower fees becuase they would use stolen paper to print thousands of flyers and pay homeless men to go up to your door and leave a flyer. He was arrogant and at the time drove a green jaguar that he would leave running with the keys in the the ignition while he would go into the office for 10-15 minutes before returning. This guys sucks balls!
Anonymous, March 13, 2010
It's like a city bus suddenly having more passengers on board after it hit something than there were before the accident. Wonder if I, too, could find a way to get in on this! I drive an unbreakable LANDCRUISER, actually its LEXUS LX450 clone. This sucker keeps fulfilling all expectations, leaving me with nothing to bitch about. Why me!? A little hassle would be nice, so I could go popping the occasional Xanax or something to soothe my motoring frustrations. No one should be this satisfied with a vehicle, it being a Toyota product and all. If Toyota thinks I'm buying another of their products any time soon, they can keep waiting. This one seems to be lasting forever. Why me indeed!!!
glad their gone, March 13, 2010
When I first saw the news article I was like, "Hey I know that guy.... He's the weird one that used to live here." I have known of James and Patty for many years. Patty was a wonderful and talented woman and then she met Jim. I Always felt he was a snake in the grass. From his massage therapy, real estate scams, paralegal dealings, to postings of adult preferences on line and parties, and get rich schemes. From the time they moved to Atwater, then heard of their move to southern Californina they have always been crooked in their dealings. Patty changed after she met him. But I guess the saying goes, "If you sleep with the dogs, your bound to get fleas." I hope that Toyota doesn't give him one dime and they catch him for the snake he is. Even I know to put the car in neutral, emergency break, etc. He is a true scam artist.
Mike, March 13, 2010
Don't know if anyone else noticed, but the personalized licence plate on his Prius is "FRUGAL 08". Haha......what a tool this joker is! He makes a fortune during the Real estate bubble, then manages to over-extend himself to the point of filing for bankruptcy and he has the AUDACITY to get a license plate that says FRUGAL!
Out Foxed, March 12, 2010
Fox news online has an article questioning Mr Sikes story. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,589090,00.html Your house of cards is collapsing in a very dramatic fashion James!
Henry Toobin, March 12, 2010
I used to be part of the broadcast journalism industry for many years and retired just after 9/11 and just before the major networks decided to dumb themselves down because they didn't think that Americans wanted to ask tough questions anymore. CNN brought the industry to a new low on Tuesday when it paid this SOB to sit in a car and give them an exclusive and then gave him only underhanded pitches.
JA Aronson, March 12, 2010
I recently bought a new 2010 Prius and I was concerned for about two minutes when I heard the news on Tuesday morning. Then, I realized that the car doesn't go 94 mph and if it did it wouldn't take 24 minutes to figure out how to get it under control. By the way, I just saw the best customized license plate on a Prius. It said "Had a v8". The owner of that car may have been writing about the vegetable juice, but now there is a double entendre - my old Toyota Tercel was more powerful.
toyota guy, March 12, 2010
com'on people! you really think this guy is ligit? My wife drive herself and my kids around in a 2010 Avalon that hasnt had the pedal repair done.... She asked me what to do if the car accelerates, I said to put it in neutral adn press the brakes. I then proceeded to stomp the gas pedal of my 2010 4runner up to 60miles per hour and then began to depress the brakes while keeping the gas floored! what do you think happened next? The damn car came ot a complete stop in 5 seconds!!!!!! amazing isnt it.
JRodgers, March 12, 2010
I want to weigh in here and say that I am glad that I wrote this article on this website. The response from the people who know Sikes has confirmed my suspicions. The responses from people who are affiliated with Toyota have also affected me and led me to remove my short positions and puts. I don't want to profit at someone else's misfortune, especially when fraud may be a component of the misfortune. I am actually now inclined to go long the stock as I expect the stock to rally dramatically when, not if, the mainstream media reports that Sikes and many of the others are frauds.
Greg, March 12, 2010
Sikes is paid by Barack Obama! This guy is fake! If you take a good look he is al the time thinking about what he's going to say. His eyes are turning and turning en he didn't look in the carema. Great job but very FAKE!!! When does this STOP! Take a good look at your self Barack Obama and don't blame it on TOYOTA!
Karl Marx, March 12, 2010
I think the most amazing part of this whole story is that Mr. Sikes had leased this car....Who in their right mind would approve this guy for a loan???? No wonder banks need government bailouts
Frank G., March 12, 2010
I've read all the previous blogs and for those few who believe this guy I have a little advice...Wake up and smell the coffee.
Pat , March 12, 2010
I work for the San Diego Chamber of Commerce and can tell you the Sikes' are well known as scam artists
BigGuy23, March 12, 2010
I am a previous client of Mr. Sikes and have found him to be a disgrace to humanity.
Leslie N., March 12, 2010
When I first saw this story on the news I realized I had met this man a few years ago at a Realtor convention in LaJolla where he promptly hit on me with his wife sitting 10 feet away...what a creep!!!!
Willard Gusman, March 12, 2010
I'm a retired engineer with Boeing Aircraft and I can tell you this man is lying. The brakes in a Prius are ovesized and completely capable of stopping the car at any speed and engine at full power. The only way to burn the brakes as he did is to drag them as you drive but not pressing too hard to slow the car. When the police arrive he then presses firmly and the car stops but brakes smell horibly because he's been dragging them for 30 miles.
Brook69, March 12, 2010
I own a 2009 Lexus LS430. Do I have anything to worry about? It has been wondeful so far and I hate to have to sell it. This Mr. Sikes appears deceptive, but he's kinda' cute.
B.K., March 12, 2010
I've known the Sikes' for almost 10 years and they are the consummate con artists. They make a great first impression and both appear sincere. I honestly believe there is absolutely nothing they wouldn't do for money. You will now see James avoid the spotlight he craves so much because he realizes his story is unravelling!!
Mark360, March 12, 2010
Is it any secret why the so called mainstream media has ignored the real facts in this story. When we first heard of Mr. Sikes "ordeal" it was a feeding frenzy for the press....terrified old man in a runaway prius...it had all the elements the liberal media loves... little guy vs big bad large corporation selling inferior products to an unsuspecting public. As the real story emerges, the california libs have dropped coverage because it no longer fits their agenda. Why would they want to report that Toyota has always had the highest customer satifaction and safety record among major manufacturers for over 20 years...that's no news and doesn't play well on the morning talk shows!! Fortunately, as Mr. Sikes' past comes to light we have hopefully been spared his appearance on Oprah, The View and Joy Behar preaching the evils of large corporations that actually employ people and earn profits.....WITHOUT government bailouts!!!!!!!
Hidaki B, March 12, 2010
I'm a retired Toyota executive and am proud to have worked for such a fine organization for 23 years. To watch these opportunist try and extort fame and/or money Toyota is despicable.
Lois F., March 12, 2010
I'm an elementary school teacher and watched Mr. Sikes interview on local news with my class. About half way thru the show one of my students blurted out "He's lying Ms Fenton" This from an 11 year old !! I assume the lamestream media will pick this up eventually but it's easy to see why people pull these stunts when there are no real journalist looking for the truth. Why let the facts get in the way of a good story.
Billy Bob McAllister, March 12, 2010
This boy needs to come on down to Shallow Creek Arkansas on a Fridasy night and see what real people are like. People who love their families, respect their elders,say yes Maam and no Sir, Salute their flag every morning and say their prayers every night and love this country. People who help each other in a time of need and cheer others succeess and greive in their failures. People who aren't afraid of hard work and aren't looking for a hand out or government entitlement. He's looking for treasures in all the wrong places.
Toyota family, March 12, 2010
I live in Georgetown, KY, home of the Camry plant, and have countless friends and family members employed directly and indirectly by Toyota. This government and media pile-on is so transparent. Sikes and his "event" led the nightly news. On NBC with Brian Williams, the story was the lead and lasted almost seven minutes (We are in two wars, congress is trying to pass the most expansive bill in history and this is the "big news"). When this obvious fraud is exposed will NBC devote a leading seven minute segment to that? Important to remember that Mr. Sikes' car has a brake override system not present on recalled Toyotas which works by giving preference to the braking system when it senses the accelerator and brake being applied at the same time. I think he produced brake smoke and smell by riding the parking brake. I hope Toyota nails Mr. Sikes to the wall.
legal eagle, March 12, 2010
Understand this ...Mr. Sikes didn't simply file for bankruptcy protection where you cut a deal with your creditors and pay them a percentage of the debt...NO.. he filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy where you simply stiff EVERYBODY with no attempt to pay ANYTHING!!!! This Provision was enacted for the lowest form of mankind with no conscience or remorse.
Sylvia V., March 12, 2010
The facts will speak for themselves as they did in Balloon Boy . The police know this guy's background but they want him to think they believe him so he'll continue to talk. He will probably try to cut a deal to avoid jail time for slander. If he trys to sue Toyota the charge would be much more serious..... extotion, which is a felony. Mr. Sikes is very familiar with the legal system and knows trying to get money out of Toyota would doom him at this point.
Clueless in California, March 12, 2010
I am a very good judge of character and I'm sure James is being truthful. I was a neighbor of his in Bonita and he was always nice to my cats. He even offered to care for them when I was taken to the home.
Nick 280, March 12, 2010
I always believed thre's a little good in everyone...now I'm not so sure.
Sam H., March 12, 2010
If this guy claims not to want any money why is he lawyered up so fast???? I know, the lawyer is probably a close friend from his many other scam attempts!!!
B.J., March 12, 2010
Another wannabe playing the ignorant MSM for fools.. Thank God for a savvy internet.
Barbara Ann, March 12, 2010
We lived near this scumbag in Bonita and voted him most likely to end up in Alcatraz.
Roland Chemtob, March 12, 2010
I don't like this dialogue - He is innocent until proven guilty.
Dancin' Dan, March 12, 2010
How does this guy sleep at night????? How does he go out in public??? Who are his friends??? Does he have children and parents?? At holiday get togethers what do they talk about??? Are John and Kate getting back together??
Tony D, March 12, 2010
Yo' Bro ...Back where I come from we had ways to deal with dirtbags like this and we didn't need no stinkin' attorneys!!!
G-Force, March 12, 2010
Sikes also filed for bankruptcy in 2008 saying "nearly all real estate agents file for bankruptcy". Classy guy.
Jim Simmons, March 12, 2010
It looks like Sikes realizes he is in deep crap and is trying to make this story go away. Why else would he so quickly hire counsel to announce he isn't going to be taking action?
Are You Kidding?, March 12, 2010
Law firm: Prius runaway driver won't sue Toyota By The Associated Press Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 3:55 p.m. SAN DIEGOââ¬â A law firm for the driver who says his Toyota Prius sped out of control in California doesn't plan to sue the Japanese automaker. The Gomez Law Firm issued a statement Thursday, saying it represents James Sikes. It was unclear why the law firm was retained; a phone message to the firm wasn't immediately returned. Sikes told authorities he was driving near San Diego on Monday when his accelerator stuck. He says the car reached 94 mph before a California Highway Patrol officer helped him slow down. The statement said Sikes hopes an investigation will identify what caused the incident. The Prius is not part of Toyota's vast recall of gas pedals that can become stuck, but it is covered by an earlier recall of floor mats that can catch the accelerator.
Debi Diamond, March 12, 2010
I have a 2008 Prius and have never had a problem but now I'm afraid to drive it. If this is a hoax this man should be put in jail . Does he realize all the damage he has done???
Billy350, March 12, 2010
How can the media be so naive???????? I can see thru this scammer like a lace curtain.
R.G. Armstang, March 12, 2010
This guy makes Nancy Pelosi sound reasonable.
R.J. Gotay, March 11, 2010
Somebody call Fox News and get Glenn Beck on the case since the MSM won't expose this Hoax. Maybe he's a Communist or works for Acorn and Obama told the media to lay off.
Carl M, March 11, 2010
Is there any way I can contact a previous blogger D.L. Moore who thinks this guy is for real....I have a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell!!!!!!
Jeff, March 11, 2010
How would putting your car in neutral EVER cause it to "flip"? THat makes zero sense. And how come every news story I see involving unintended acceleration advises people to slam on the breaks, but they hardly EVER say anything about putting the car in neutral or turning off the ignition? When the Today show talked about this [obviously fraudulent] sikes episode yesterday morning, the only mention of shifting to neutral was made by the 911 operator. Matt Lauer said NOTHING about it. They should be shouting it from the dang rooftops. Maybe they're afraid of being sued or something?
Fielding Mellish, March 11, 2010
Last year we had two incidents (the boy in the weather balloon & the white house gate crashers) wherein the media described the perpetrators as ââ¬Åreality-show wannabesââ¬Â. There was a time when these people were simply called assholes. The major networks should be ashamed of themselves for enabling these poor misguided people.
Huck Finn, March 11, 2010
This is not his first rodeo. A search of prior insurance claim shows a significant loss from a home burglary in 2001 from Atwater, CA. Foreclosures, behind on car payments, cheats near death what is next? Toyota, oh what a feeling!
Rosco Tanner, March 11, 2010
This guy's a fake, but let's talk to the larger issue: Everything mechanical has a failure rate. In other words at some point in time there will be failure no matter how carefully something is manufactured..i.e Space Shuttle. The idea is to minimize that failure rate and know how to deal with it when it occurs. If you build 10 million of ANYTHING there will be some failures!!!! Prius does not have a serious mechanical problem in my opinion, it's more the driver's lack of training!!
guest, March 11, 2010
Hear are the most recent incidents taken from county grantor grantee records: Doc No: 2009-0017064 Record Date: 1/14/2009 Document Type: MECHANICS LIEN Grantor(s): SIKES JAMES Grantee(s): HUNTLEY HAROLD W WILLYS CONSTR ********************************************* Doc No: 2008-0455328 Record Date: 8/25/2008 Document Type: DEFAULT Grantor(s): FIVE STAR SERV CORP SIKES JAMES ALLEN TR SIKES PATRICIA LYNNE TR SIKES FAMILY TRUST Descriptors(s): DOC 403983 MAY 12 05 *************************************************** Document Details Back To Search Results Doc No: 2008-0617310 Record Date: 12/2/2008 Document Type: NT TRUSTEE SALE Grantor(s): FIVE STAR SERV CORP SIKES JAMES ALLEN TR SIKES PATRICIA LYNNE TR SIKES FAMILY TRUST
Jill D., March 11, 2010
You've done it now Jimmy boy...Did you really think your past wouldn't come to light???? Cheer up...when you get out of jail I'm sure you'll have a future in politics!!
Bob J., March 11, 2010
I'm a little disappointed in Jim....his previous scams were much more sophisticated!! I guess the lure of a live TV audience was too tempting to pass up. Unfortunately, I was a neighbor of this sad excuse for a human being until his creditors ran him out of town. This man's past would make Bernie Madoff look like a choir boy!!! The corporate Toyota lawyers are going to eat him alive and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. I only hope they can prosecute that low-life wife of his also!!
wilson100, March 11, 2010
is it Sikes or Psychs?? What a nut case.......
H . Anderson, March 11, 2010
I'm a clinical psychiatrist and from looking at Mr. Sikes body language he shows serious deception....Rapid eyeblinks, tongue moistening lips repeatedly, Shifting weight from side to side rapidly, Failure to establish eye contact, intentionally trying to make his voice quiver to feign nervousness and fear. In my opinion, he's an actor and not a very good one!!
Amy Wuertlitzer, March 11, 2010
When I first saw Jim Sikes picture on the news the other night I yelled to my husband "Hey, they finally nailed Sikes". I soon realized he was babling some nonsense about a runaway car. I don't know much about cars but I do know a lot about Mr. Sikes and it's easy to tell when he's lying....his lips are moving!!!!! Lock him up, throw away the key...the world will be a better place!
Vern Braswell, March 11, 2010
I think this guy should go on Glenn Beck and have him exposed for what he is!!!!! Maybe Obama will hire him as Transportation Czar!!!!!
Ingrid Joensson, March 11, 2010
I drive a Prius and am obviously concerned about the prospect of unattended acceleration. Whe I heard this story I decided to take my car on the highway and see if I could turn it off or slow it down by using the brake. I live in Arizona and found a long stretch of deserted highway south of Apache Junction. I acclerated to 90 MPH ( this took quite a while ) and pushed the engine "OFF" button for a few seconds. The car shut off and slowed down with no drama whatsoever other than a firm steering wheel feel. I didn't even touch the brakes and the car slowed very quickly as I pulled to the side of the road...that was easy!!!! I tried it again, this time setting the cruise control at 90 MPH and used just the brakes....It slowed the car dramatically with a slight pull to the left, but not close to any control issue. I now feel confident I can deal with any unintended acceleration. It escapes me how Mr. Sikes couldn't do any of these procedures.
Heather Guadabasco, March 11, 2010
When I first heard this story I really felt sorry for the guy , but then his name sounded familiar. He's well known in this part of California for all the wrong reasons. I don't know a whole lot about cars butI do know if there's a way to make a quick buck Jim Sikes is your guy....look in the dictionary under con artist and there's his picture!!!!
Sherwin Rossmeyer, March 11, 2010
Are you kidding me!! I've been a certified mechanic for 32 years and I can tell you this guy is lying!!!!!First of all the brakes can stop a Prius at full throttle, but why not just put the car in neutral as the 911 operator repeatedly told him to do??? The engine button has to be held for 3 seconds to shut down but he was on the phone for 26 minutes!!!!! The previous crash that killed a trooper and family hapened in a matter of seconds and in no way can be compared to this "incident". This low-life should be prosecuted along with his wife who has made complicit statements.
Michael P Dielo, March 11, 2010
SCAM...SCAM...SCAM!!!! Mr. Sikes should have staged this a week earlier so he would have been up for an academy award performance!!!! I have had dealings with this scumbag and I hope they lock him up. He has a long history of fraudulent behavior including insurance scams. Ask anybody in the real estate business in this part of California about he and his wife....SCUM!!!!!
sal monella, March 11, 2010
I told my wife this was a scam from day one....his account just makes no sense. When I heard he was on the phone for 26 minutes with 911 I was certain. How would anybody who's breathing, believe this scam artist??? His past is coming to light with a history of deception and fraud. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to put the car in neutral or at least downshift to a lowewr gear or kill the engine. Did you notice he was wearing a CORVETTE CLUB jacket......It would seem he would have some auto savvy!!!!!
Tired of Nonsense, March 11, 2010
To Pomonym - - we should show the same respect to Toyota that you advocate providing Mr. Sikes. Lets get the facts before anybody gets blamed.
Pomonym, March 11, 2010
How dare you accuse this poor guy of doing this on purpose. Well, okay, maybe he made some bad decisions, and maybe he had some good reasons to seek publicity, and maybe he had a death wish, and maybe he needs the money. But we just don't know yet, so all we can do is speculate. I hope Toyota can figure out what went on in Sikes' car, and I hope this makes everyone aware of what to do if your accelerator sticks. Just hits the brakes and put it in neutral.
Politburo, March 11, 2010
There isn't any evidence of an electronics problem. How do you expect Toyota to respond to a problem that doesn't exist?
Dave, March 11, 2010
I think before this is over you will find out that Mr. Sikes was several payments behind on his Prius and that he also was accused of insurance fraud previously.
T J E, March 11, 2010
Sikes has a background with the force. They will cover his behind. He needs to be concerned with Fed involvement.
EM, March 11, 2010
I really think the police need to get a hold of his computer and see if he did searches on braking and accelerating at the same time and what would happen.
T J E, March 11, 2010
If he gets anything from Toyota then I am also entitled and I do not drive a Toyota.
Doh, March 11, 2010
I knew this was a scam the minute I heard the 911 call.I saw right through this sleaze bag taking advantage of a situation.It never ceases to amaze me how stupid people are in their attempts to scam a major company to get something for nothing.His character and past will hopefully put this hoax to a halt before it further damages a really good automobile company.I hope none of the American Auto makers are involved in instigating or conspiring in this obvious scam.I bet a lie detector test would reveal a lot.
AronLiv, March 11, 2010
Sikes is clearly a fraud, but he'll never see the inside of a jail. The Salahis showed us that there seems to be free pass to everything, including crashing a White House dinner, so long as you are just seeking a crack at reality TV.
Get real, March 10, 2010
Unbeknownst to most people, the Prius being a hybrid has a system called regenerative braking. Because of this, the brakes on the car are quite large in comparison to the size of the car and the horsepower it can generate. That car's brakes have the ability to stop the car if the car was at FULL throttle! This is NOT the case in all cars but it is in the Prius. This whole story stinks to high heaven! Consider the following coincedences: 1. It happens right after being told by the dealer his car is not part of the recall. 2. It happens on a VERY deserted part or a rural highway where traffic is always light. 3. It happens at 1:30 in the afternoon so as to further minimize traffic. 4. It happens in the same town as the CHP officer incident. 5. He claims to not be able to shut the car off or put it in neutral but as soon as the CHP arrives, he's able to do both. 6. He drives allegedly at 90mph and is on the phone with 911 for 24 minutes. 7. He of course now has an attorney and guess what, it's the same one who represents the CHP officer who was killed in August. There's more but I think any sane person can get the picture. This is so phony it defies description and when all this comes to light, I sure hope the press is as hard on him as they have been on Toyota!
Gary, March 10, 2010
To Dan S. who asked: "This is brilliant! It is so obvious when you think about it. This is so clearly a scam? Why hasn't the mainstream media picked up on it?" In my opinion, the mainstream media is controlled by our Government and, our government owns GM through the taxpayer paid bail-outs. The USA also owes Japan about $1 trillion in loans which they cannot easily repay. The MSM will not cover any story that isn't in the best interests of the Government and, Toyota auto sale's success is also not helping our government's underhanded efforts to sell GM cars. By eliminating superior competition, like Toyota, we shall only have USA cars as our remaining choices. Need I say more?
Former Co-Worker, March 10, 2010
After further investigation with the California Department of Real Estate licensee status check, http://www2.dre.ca.gov/PublicASP/pplinfo.asp , James Sikes is a licensed real estate agent but is not listed with any brokerage. His wife Patricia though is listed with a broker and James uses the address for mail. His web site gives the consumer the impression that they are both affiliated real estate agents; his picture and DRE number are present (he does have a current license) and in fact he does the narration. Agents (salespersons), unless they are brokers and James is not, need to be affiliated with a broker in California otherwise they are limited to what they can do in an agent capacity. I wonder why he does not hang his license with the wife's broker. It could be they are acting in a shadow capacity and sharing MLS and association fees which is in my opinion, not ethical or fair to other agents. It also may limit consumer protections and expose the broker legally.
DanS, March 10, 2010
This is brilliant! It is so obvious when you think about it. This is so clearly a scam? Why hasn't the mainstream media picked up on it?
Former Co-Worker, March 10, 2010
James Sikes and his wife Patty are former co-workers at a real estate brokerage I worked at in Bonita, CA (Realty Executives Premier now Coldwell Banker Premier). They are sleazy operators and were let go after numerous complaints and warnings due to their under handed and under cutting tactics they used on other agents in our brokerage. They have no scruples and a lousy reputation. It seems to me that James also has a prior law enforcement background. That would be very interesting to check out. As soon as I heard his name my scam radar turned on.
Julius, March 10, 2010
Not saying there isn't a problem with some Toyota and Lexus models but this case seems very odd. Video shows how easy it is to pop Prius into neutral from high speed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II_03lbr-Jw&feature=related The breaks are also built to override the throttle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiSQeaeWxGU&feature=related
Gary, March 10, 2010
To Mike: Your last comment says a lot about Sikes, and if this is the case, then we may increase the liklihood that this is another scam, and that he wants to enjoin the pending Class-Action law suit against Toyota. Of course, there could also be some other "factors" that contributed to Sikes unwillingness to put the Prius in neutral. If this guy conspired (with others) to stage this matter, then it could turn out to be more of a legal defense for Toyota than harm.
Mike, March 10, 2010
Jim Sikes?.....The name sounded familiar to me, then it clicked. He was the owner of a foreclosed home that we were trying to buy last year in Bonita, a suburb of San Diego. That in-of-itself is not enough to question someone's character, but the fact that he gutted the ENTIRE kitchen out of this 4,000 ft custom home certainly is! They stole EVERYTHING before moving out. Appliances, cabinets, granite countertops....even the lights! What made it even more pathetic at the time was we learned that he and his wife were pretty well known local realtors whom you'd think would be above such sleazy shenanigans. I'm tempted to contact Toyota corporate and have them scrutinize this joker carefully.
Mike, March 10, 2010
I think your right. I just read he refused to put the car in neutral, as directed by the police officer, because he was afraid he'd flip. I'm guessing his life is going to get very crappy if he staged this. For his sake i hope he isn't lying.
D.L. Moore, March 10, 2010
I agree with you -- punitive damages will get Toyota's attention allright, but likely, it will be too late for their American business. I disagree with you regarding the runaway Prius call being staged. If you listen to the entire 24 minute 911 call, and you hear the fear in the driver's voice, and his reaction when it finally was over -- you'll understand that this was not a faked event: http://10newsblogs.com/audio/prius-911call.mp3
Steven Ragsdale, March 10, 2010
As soon as it came Channel 6 broke the news on Monday, I turned to my wife and said this guy is the latest Hollywood actor.
