Attorney
When a car company manufactures a vehicle component part, it has a duty to do so correctly and safely, testing the product regularly and observing federal regulations.
Hyundai’s Genesis models manufactured between 2009 and 2012 were found to have sufficient corrosion in certain brake system components that could result in reduced braking efficiency and increase the risk of an accident. The carmaker was hit with a penalty of more than $17 million after failing to report the defect.
For Hyundai, as for every other carmaker, safety, rather than profit, should be the top priority. There is no excuse for failing to report a safety-related defect. Companies must be held accountable when they put the American public in danger.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that Hyundai knew of the brake defect as far back as 2012. Rather than issue a recall, however, the carmaker told its dealers to simply change the brake fluid in affected vehicles, but not to worry about explaining the issue or informing customers of the potential safety problem.
Luckily, there have been no fatalities due to the defect, but six drivers have been involved in crashes, including two that led to injuries. Hyundai has received close to 100 complaints about the Genesis, most of which suggested difficulty in braking.
Federal law demands that automakers report safety-related defects within 5 days. Hyundai failed to protect its customers’ safety. The company deserves to pay every penny of this $17 million dollar fine. If automakers refuse to act out of concern for their customers’ well-being, perhaps they will start acting out of concern for their own bank accounts.
Below, William Lightfoot talks about how important it is to have legal representation when challenging a giant corporation:
I Was Injured in a Car Accident Because of a Defective Part, and I Need an Injury Attorney
If you were in a car accident related to the defective brake system in the Hyundai Genesis, call our firm right away for a free consultation. Our experienced product liability attorneys can help you retrieve the compensation to which you are entitled.
Did You Know? The 1950 Crosley Hot Shot is often called the first modern disc brake. While very popular, they also suffered from issues like corrosion.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys