The auto industry constantly races to bring the newest technology and models to the public marketplace, even when they are unsafe for general use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is empowered to police the industry, but they often lack the resources to do so effectively.
The federal government offers financial incentives to combat this issue for anyone with inside information regarding wrongdoing. With the help of a Lexington NHTSA whistleblower program lawyer, you could recover a monetary reward while protecting the public from careless vehicle manufacturers. Connect with the seasoned whistleblower attorneys at Bill Nettles today to learn more.
The NHTSA whistleblower program aims to encourage vehicle safety by providing employees with an incentive to report bad behavior and unsafe practices. Its goal is to dramatically reduce car companies’ willingness to cut corners. To qualify for this opportunity, a person must have details regarding violations of federal standards like the Vehicle Safety Act.
In order to be eligible, an applicant must be an employee or contractor for a vehicle manufacturer, dealership, or part supplier. They need to have information regarding a violation of federal law, and these details cannot have been previously submitted. In addition, providing these tips must be voluntary. A person required by law to report wrongdoing or already under investigation by the government will not qualify for benefits.
It is important to have the support of an NHTSA whistleblower program attorney in Lexington. Not only could they provide helpful guidance on the process, but they could also work directly with the government on an insider’s behalf. This could reduce stress and improve the chances of a positive outcome.
Not every tip submitted to the federal government results in monetary payments. Other factors must also be present, along with meeting the eligibility criteria. First and foremost, the information provided must result in some kind of enforcement action by the NHTSA. If the tip goes nowhere, compensation is not available.
The specific outcome of the case can vary. An award could be available if the case is resolved with an investigation, product recall, or penalty issued to the company in question, as long as the resulting judicial or administrative penalty was more than $1,000,000.
Payments are made at the discretion of the Secretary of Transportation and are often shared amongst all parties that offer helpful information to the government. The secretary may also consider the lengths a person went to protect the public, including reporting the issues to their employer before filing a claim.
Ultimately, the award is a percentage of the penalty leveraged against the vehicle manufacturer. The government typically awards between 10 and 30 percent of the collected sanctions to any party who provided actionable information. An NHTSA whistleblower lawyer in Lexington could walk a client through each step of this complex process.
If you believe your company is putting lives at risk, do not hesitate to speak up. Vehicle safety is crucial, and you have the opportunity to do what is right and be rewarded for your efforts.
Let a Lexington NHTSA whistleblower program lawyer help you navigate this process. Call our law office today to learn more.
