Injured By A Hyundai or Kia Vehicle?
In recent years, reports of car fires involving vehicles manufactured by Hyundai and Kia have raised concerns among consumers and prompted legal action. A number of their models including the Santa Fe, Soul, Sportage, Sonata Hybrid, Sorento, Optima, Tucson, Elantra, Veloster, and Forte have all had reports of engine fires that have led to serious injuries, in some cases tragic fatalities, and the catastrophic failure of many vehicles. A settlement has been reached to provide financial compensation for those impacted by these malfunctions affecting more than 3 million vehicles.
If you own a Hyundai or Kia that has caught fire spontaneously without being involved in a crash or accident of any kind, you could be entitled to compensation from your car company. These types of product recall/defective product cases can be somewhat complex and as such it is highly recommended to retain the services of an experienced product liability attorney near you to help you navigate the claim process. At the Law Offices of Rodemer | Kane we can help with these types of claims. Contact our Colorado Springs law office online or call us at 719-437-7286 to set up a free case consultation.
The History of Hyundai and Kia Car Fires
Numerous incidents of spontaneous car fires involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been reported over the last few years. An investigation into these reports discovered that models as far back as 2011 were impacted by faulty manufacturing that led to a heightened risk of engine failure, which would cause a fire. While the automakers did initiate recalls and addressed certain issues, concerns persist among consumers regarding the overall safety of these vehicles.
A number of engine models were found to have faulty connecting rod bearings in their engines, which caused a larger problem of complete engine failure. These bearings are crucial for the engine to work properly. As the engines operated, the metal pieces within these bearings wore out over time and caused metal debris to move around in the engine along with the engine oil. Over time, this debris accumulated, causing two main problems. First, the rod bearings began to fracture and break, which is not good for the engine’s health. Second, the debris piled up so much that it clogged the oil filters in the engine, making it difficult for them to clean out impurities from the engine oil. This, in turn, led to a drop in oil pressure, and when the engine doesn’t get the right oil pressure, it can eventually fail, causing the engine to stop working or to catch fire.
Once engine fires began to be reported for these vehicles, regulatory authorities stepped in and heightened scrutiny on the safety of these vehicles, discovering millions that were impacted by this defective manufacturing.
How To Sue Hyundai and Kia After A Car Fire
Consumers who have experienced car fires with Hyundai or Kia vehicles have the ability to submit a product liability claim. Product liability cases revolve around proving that a product was defective, and that this defect directly caused the injury or damage. In the context of these car fires, the manufacturing error is a major defect, which makes Hyundai and Kia liable for damages.
The fact that Hyundai and Kia issued recalls related to engine and fire risks acknowledges that they know there is the existence of safety concerns. This admission is crucial for establishing liability. Because so many people have been affected by these defective cars, a class action lawsuit has been issued against the carmakers. A class action lawsuit consolidates multiple claims into a single case, streamlining legal proceedings and providing a collective voice for affected consumers.
If you own a Hyundai or Kia that has had an engine fire, you have the ability to automatically be included in the legal proceedings through the class action lawsuit. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, the severity of injuries or damage resulting, it may make more sense to opt-out of the class action suit and pursue an individual claim. It is always advised to speak with a product liability attorney near you for counsel about the best course of action in these situations.
Contact A Product Liability Attorney in Colorado Springs About Your Hyundai or Kia Car Fire Case
The Hyundai and Kia car fire lawsuits underscore the importance of consumer safety and the responsibility of automakers to deliver products free from defects. If you have suffered a car fire involving a Hyundai or Kia vehicle, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Rodemer Kane online or call us at 719-437-7286 to set up a free case consultation. Our legal professionals can assess the specific details of your case, guide you through the available legal options, and help you pursue compensation for damages incurred. As investigations continue, consumers have the right to demand accountability and seek justice for any harm caused by defects in their vehicles.
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