Fiat Chrysler Hit with Record $105 Million Civil Penalty in Connection with Safety Violations
Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) imposed its largest ever civil penalty, $105 million, on Fiat Chrysler following alarming findings as to safety violations. The automaker giant has acknowledged its violations of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and has agreed to repair defective vehicles, submit to federal oversight and buy back some defective vehicles.
The NHTSA's penalties against Fiat Chrysler stem from the company's continued lapses involving recalls that included more than 11 million vehicles. Most notably, the company recalled millions of older Jeeps with rear gasoline tanks that have been linked to numerous fatal fires. The company apparently offered inadequate and lagging repairs, mislead safety regulators, and failed to alert car owners in a timely manner as to the dangers lurking within their vehicles.
Currently, over 1.56 million Fiat Chrysler Jeeps have been linked to deadly fires. The NHTSA accuses Fiat of delaying the installation of trailer hitches on the backs of affected Jeeps so as to provide more protection when the vehicles are traveling at low speeds. The company stated that Jeep owners have been unwilling to bring the vehicles in for repairs. As a result, Fiat Chrysler will now offer cash incentives to encourage Jeep owners to bring in their affected vehicles for repairs or will offer additional sums if owners elect to trade in their Jeeps for a newer vehicle without the dangerous rear gasoline tank. Jeeps affected in the recall include Grand Cherokees and Liberties from the years 1993 to 2007.
Recalled Car Accidents
Defective automobiles endanger the lives of drivers, passengers and others on the roads. If you have been injured by a defective automobile, you could have a viable claim for damages. Each year, millions of vehicles are recalled following reports of potential hazards. Car makers are charged with the responsibility to investigate, report, and, if necessary, take action to remedy vehicle defects.
Automobiles or their parts can be deemed defective by design, manufacturing error, or the failure to warn consumers of the potential hazard. The most commonly defective parts in an automobile include brakes, gas pedals, tires, gas tanks, ignition interlocks and valve sprints. In the event of a crash linked to a defective automobile or automobile part, potentially liable parties include the automobile manufacturer, distributors, vendors and several others who have might have played a role in the supply chain. Anyone injured in a defective automobile accident should consult with an attorney as soon as possible as these accidents are complex and require immediate action. An attorney can evaluate the facts and circumstances of your case as well as take the necessary steps to protect your right to compensation.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!
If you have been injured in a car accident that may have involved a defective automobile, the Georgia Car Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm has over 39 years of experience in the industry and we accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time in which to file a personal injury claim following your accident. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2015/nhtsa-fiat-chrysler-enforcement-action-07262015