Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) manufactured several models of Jeeps with an extremely hazardous rear gas tank that allegedly increased the risk of Jeep gas tank explosions following even a relatively minor rear-end collision.
The Jeep models in question have allegedly led directly to severe injuries and deaths that have sparked huge vehicle recalls, product liability litigation and wrongful death lawsuits.
Some Jeeps have gas tanks mounted in the extreme rear of the vehicle, next to the rear bumper, so in the event of a rear collision, the tanks can rupture and the vehicles can explode.
In one wrongful death case, a jury returned a verdict of $150 million, and stated that FCA “acted with reckless or wanton disregard for human life.”
FCA has admitted that Jeep gas tank explosions could affect the following models due to design defects:
Joe Lyon is an experienced Auto Defect Lawyer and Product Liability Attorney representing injured plaintiffs in auto accidents cases and investigating Jeep gas tank explosions.
The Lyon Firm works with auto engineers and NHTSA experts to determine the root cause of any car accident.
FCA should have been aware that mounting a gas tank in the rear end of a vehicle poses rupture and fire risks. In the 1970s the auto industry saw similar safety issues and recalled vehicles with the same design defect.
Chrysler recalled 1.5 million vehicles over a gas tank issue more recently, because the tank hangs below the rear bumper. Some reports put the Jeep fire death toll around 50 people. In 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started investigating Jeep gas tank explosions and fires. It was not until 2013 that FCA said there was a defect that posed a safety risk.
The Jeep Grand Cherokees in question had rear gas tanks only 11 inches from the back of the vehicle and hangs 6 inches below the bottom of the car. FCA was aware of safety warnings came from customers who witnessed rear gas tanks rupture in both low-speed and high-speed rear impacts. This is clearly something a collision testing period should have shown.
An automaker has a duty to warn the public about certain safety and fire risks after they are discovered. If a car maker fails to protect customers and injuries and deaths occur, product liability and personal injury lawsuits may be filed on behalf of plaintiffs and punitive damages can be awarded by juries.
Many product liability cases have had a positive impact on public health and safety, and we have witnessed improved lives and future injuries prevented as companies are forced to remove products and change designs and warnings as a result of litigation.
Consumers can follow recall news or search for current and past recalls on the Web sites of the NHTSA, as well as on other car safety advocate outlets. Look on your car windshield for a 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. Your VIN is also located on your car’s registration card.
If your car has been recalled and you have suffered an injury, contact an auto defect attorney to investigate a potential claim
You may not be aware that your car is defective. It is not always obvious when your seat belt or other safety component fails to function as intended. It can take an expert in auto engineering to determine what contributed to an accident or injury.
You can contact The Lyon Firm, and we will work diligently to review your auto accident case. If an auto defect was in part responsible for an auto injury, a lawsuit can be filed and a large settlement is likely.
If negligent manufacturers and automakers are directly responsible for an auto-related injury, a product liability and personal injury lawsuit may be filed and compensation may be recovered for accident victims. Plaintiffs may seek compensation that may include property damages, past and future medical expenses, lost wages and future earnings, and pain and suffering.
The Lyon Firm takes pride in representing consumers to make America’s roads safer by holding negligent auto manufacturers accountable for auto defects that lead to accidents and injuries. When car makers fail to institute basic safety measures and fail to test auto components before releasing cars tot he public, they may be targeted in product liability lawsuits.
Auto defects have been known to cause accidents in tire failure, tread separation accidents, brake malfunction and sudden acceleration cases.
Auto defects may not cause every accident, but they can play an integral part in causing injury in the event of an accident. This is common in defective seat back collapse, seat belt defects and airbag defects. When these crucial safety features fail to function as they were intended.
Auto manufacturers and car makers can be held liable in auto defect lawsuits. Many automakers outsource some of their production and may not always be aware of some defects. Honda, for example, purchased all their defective airbags from Takata.
Some defective auto part suits name other defendants like negligent auto dealerships or auto repair shops who alter car parts or fail to properly repair automobiles and leave a serious safety risk.
The list of defective automobiles changes each year, and it is more likely that certain components are defective rather than an entire brand name. Nowadays many car makers use the same third-party suppliers, which compounds safety issues when a defective auto part is produced.
In recent years, the most common auto defects have been faulty airbags. Millions of cars were recalled for defective airbags. Other common auto defects are defective throttles, defective car software, and tire failures. Tire failure has been an issue in many car accidents and truck accidents.
Product liability lawsuits may be filed against automakers if they produce and sell defective cars to the general public, whether knowingly or unintentionally. Automakers may be negligent for not properly testing cars properly before releasing them to consumers. Any accident or injury related to an auto defect can result in a good case against a car manufacturer.
Defective products on the market present safety and health hazards for adults and children. Cheap and defective products may pose fire and burn risks; electrocution, strangulation and choking risks; and severe health risks. The manufacturers of consumer products have a duty to foresee potential injury and properly design and test products before they are released.
Companies must also properly warn consumers of any risks associated with their products. Any failure to protect consumers that results in accidents and injury can lead to lawsuits filed by plaintiffs and their product liability lawyer
The Lyon Firm aggressively, professionally, and passionately advocates for injured individuals and families against companies due to a defective product or recalled product to obtain just compensation under the law.
(Pikeville, Kentucky): Confidential settlement for Plaintiff who suffered spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia due to defectively designed seat belt. Four passengers with three-point (lap/shoulder) belts walked away from the accident, and the only passenger wearing a two-point belt (lap only) suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury. The settlement assisted with home improvements to assist in daily living. GM entered federal bankruptcy during the process and no longer manufactures two-point lap belts for vehicles.
(Hillsboro, Ohio): Confidential Settlement for the family of elderly man who was catastrophically burned while operating a propane wall heater. The burns resulted in his unfortunate death. The heater, manufactured and sourced from China, was alleged to allow the flame to reach outside the grid area in violation of ANSI standards. The Defendant resolved the case following discovery and mediation. The recovered funds were paid to the victim’s surviving spouse and children. The company no longer manufactures this type of heater.
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