The Volkswagen Class Action Lawsuit:Unlawful Emissions
If you own a VW, you might want to check your VIN to see if you're eligible for compensation from the diesel emissions class action lawsuit. The matter has become a serious catastrophe, with allegations from the EPA saying Volkswagen cheated their emissions tests with over 1/2 million diesel vehicles. If you're wondering if you've been affected by the Volkswagen lawsuit, read on.
Emissions-testing Defeat Through Software
The EPA recently found that VW used a piece of software to defeat emissions testing by letting cars detect when they are being tested, and then emit less diesel than normal. When cars are not being tested and the software isn't running, cars emit 10-40 times more than the legal amount of emissions for diesel.
Violation of the Clean Air Act by VW
In September of 2015, Volkswagen was served a suit that said it violated the Clean Air Act. VW intentionally programmed engines to avoid emissions controls, producing seriously more nitrogen oxide output than allowable. Since this case applies to more than 11 million cars around the entire world, and half a million in the US, VW now owes plenty of consumers money.
What Should VW Owners Do?
So what does this mean for you fi you own one of these cars? It includes numerous models of Audis, Passats, and Jettas, among other models. T hey may perform really well but are not up to par with standards, making them no longer retain their original value. VW has to recall cars affected, but the owner does not get anything for returning the vehicle. This means that VW has to compensate consumers if they own an effected diesel engine vehicle.
You may have already heard from an attorney asking you to join the suit against VW. These invitations may be to become a plaintiff for the case, but you don't necessarily want to get involved in a big legal battle. VW has already been offering gift cards to affected consumers. You might get up to $2500 for a class action suit alone. So what should you actually do? Nothing, yet. Simply wait for a notice in the mail that your car will need to be fixed if it is one of the effected models; if not, just drive your car as you would ordinarily.
Numerous Lawsuits Served Against Volkswagen
It has been estimated that in the US alone, over 350 lawsuits have been filed against Volkswagen. The EPA and the California Air Resources Board have said that VW used their software on the Beetle, Golf, and Audi A3 as well. Vermont owners are serious about the issue, as it violates the Clean Air Act and threatens public health as well. Many owners of VW models feel angry and determined to do something.
In addition to becoming lead plaintiffs of class-action lawsuits, Vermonters are bringing serious claims against the company. The current lawsuit states that buyers paid a higher price for vehicles compared to gas powered vehicles because of company statements concerning lower vehicle emissions. This makes the value of VW models lower, so owners will have to deal with serious problems making their cars compliant with federal and state regulations.
What VW Will Do Now
While it is possible that VW will buy back affected cars at nearly their current market value, it is more likely that VW will implement a fix. All they would need to do is to reprogram the software that allows the cars to go into test mode, or trick mode, of the emissions regulations. While this would unfortunately defeat the car acceleration and fuel economy benefits that people paid for to begin with, it would be better than simply keeping the technology there and putting out high emissions. Otherwise, the company could retrofit cars with urea-based scrubbing deices to minimize diesel emissions, but this would cost a lot for the company and be hard to implement. The Volkswagen lawsuit has caused major headaches for the company, but they have to do something.
Check Your VIN to See if You’ve Been Affected
Most likely, VW will combine software updates with cash payments to owners of affected models, and then have to pay plenty back to the EPA and plaintiffs. This is something a complicated issue, and VW isn't going to just get away with sending out some gift cards here and there to assuage consumers. They'll have to provide more than that. Keep in mind that a class action lawsuit may not mean big or instant money, but it will more than like provide remuneration of some sort. You should go ahead and check your VIN and consult a Volkswagen Class Action Lawyer if you think you've been affected by the diesel emissions recall from VW.