Spontaneous Fires Affecting Numerous Kia and Hyundai Vehicles
An investigation conducted by WESH 2 News concerning vehicle fires has resulted in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealing some 400 complaints of fires in vehicles manufactured by Kia and its sister company, Hyundai.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, it has hundreds of fire incident reports connected with multiple Kia vehicles of various models. As a result, safety investigators for the government have begun to look into both Kia and Hyundai.
These are incidents are often harrowing in nature due to the fact they are completely unexpected. The driver is often caught unaware that the vehicle is burning, and is sometimes only notified by another motorist on the roadway. The incidents have involved vehicles becoming completely engulfed in flames, putting the lives of occupants at serious risk.
Although over 1 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles are under recall for problems related to engine failure, there is no current recall underway by the company or by NHTSA related to the recent spate of fire incidents. As a result, many Kia and Hyundai car and SUV owners are not in the loop concerning the potential current danger they may be facing as they drive to their next destination.
Assigning liability for design flaws or third party equipment
Although these fire incident reports involving Kia vehicles have gained attention in the national media, many other vehicle problems go relatively unnoticed and unreported. Many times the negligence rests with vehicle manufacturers and company owners related to a design flaw or faulty vehicle part or piece of equipment from a third party source. When any of these issues come to the surface, those responsible have a duty to report the problem to consumers and potential consumers. If a manufacturer fails to do so, they may be subject to legal liability and the associated remedies available in the justice system for wronged and injured plaintiffs.
If you have been issued a recall notice for a defective part in your Kia or Hyundai, make an appointment with your mechanic or dealership as soon as you can. The cost of the replacement part and labor should be covered. If the piece you need is not yet available, make sure to get something in writing from the mechanic. This way, if you sustain injuries or property loss in a car crash related to that part, you have evidence that you tried to get it fixed an could not.
If you have suffered losses or injuries as a result of improper maintenance, a defective vehicle part, or car crash due to the negligence of car manufacturers or another party, we can help. The Los Angeles auto product liability lawyers of Taylor & Ring understand the devastating impact on your livelihood and your health when the negligence of another person or entity led to your injuries. You can count on our strong and intelligent advocacy on your behalf to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. To arrange a free consultation about your case, call us today at 310.776.6390 or send us a request through our contact form.
David Ring is a nationally renowned plaintiff’s personal injury trial attorney and has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of seriously-injured individuals or families who have lost a loved one in a tragic accident. For more than 20 years, he has represented victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, assault, molestation and sexual misconduct in cases against a variety of employers and entities, including schools, churches and youth organizations.
He prides himself on providing aggressive, yet compassionate representation for children who have been sexually abused and women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted. Read more about David M. Ring.