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Each year whistleblowers receive hundreds of millions of dollars for blowing the whistle the right way and NHTSA whistleblower law firm Brown, LLC can assist you if you’re thinking about blowing the whistle about a transportation industry issue that potentially affects safety. In the first-ever case of its kind an NHTSA whistleblower award of $24.3 million was given to an industry insider who promptly alerted the authorities of a concealed defect in Hyundai and Kia engines, and whistleblowers with similar cases are encouraged to come forward to see if they are eligible for an NHTSA whistleblower reward.
The Whistleblower Program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a critical aspect of the NHTSA’s mission to promote safety on the nation’s highways. The program provides a means for individuals to report violations of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or other vehicle defects that may compromise the safety of the American .For further information and to fully understand your rights, you should consult experienced NHTSA whistleblower attorneys like the qui tam lawyers at the whistleblower law firm of Brown, LLC.
What is the NHTSA Whistleblower Program?
The NHTSA Whistleblower Program is an important means by which individuals who have information about defects in vehicles, equipment, or child safety seats to report their concerns. NHTSA investigates these reports to determine if a safety defect exists. If a defect is found, the agency may take appropriate action to address the problem, such as issuing a recall. Often, fines are assessed as well, and if a fine is levied pursuant to an insider tip, the individual could potentially receive an NHTSA whistleblower award.
A whistleblower who provides information that leads to a recall and/or a fine may be eligible for an award of up to 30% of the penalties collected from the manufacturer. The award provides an incentive for individuals to come forward with information about potential safety defects and helps to ensure that the NHTSA has the information it needs.
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To be eligible for an award under the NHTSA Whistleblower Program, an individual must provide original, previously unknown information about a violation of the FMVSS or other safety-related defect that leads to a recall. Information provided must be specific, credible, and reliable. The individual must also be the first to provide the information to the NHTSA, and the information must be deemed “material” – that is, significant and not trivial.
As in other whistleblower programs, the ideal NHTSA whistleblower is an “insider” – a worker or a manager who knows a car company is “cutting corners” on the assembly line, for instance. But insider status is not a requirement, so long as the information reported was not previously known to the public. It’s usually best to work with an experienced NHTSA whistleblower law firm like Brown, LLC who can help you present your case in the best light, in order to maximize your chances for an award.
What type of information can be reported through the NHTSA Whistleblower Program?
Information about violations of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or other safety-related defects in vehicles, equipment, or child safety seats can be reported through the NHTSA Whistleblower Program.
Who is eligible for an award under the NHTSA Whistleblower Program?
Individuals who provide original, previously unknown information about a violation of the FMVSS or other safety-related defect that leads to a recall are eligible for an award under the NHTSA Whistleblower Program. The information must be specific, credible, and reliable, and the individual must be the original source of the information.
How much is the award under the NHTSA Whistleblower Program?
Whistleblowers who provide information that leads to a recall and/or fines are eligible for an award of up to 30% of the penalties collected from the manufacturer. The exact amount of the award will depend on the specific circumstances of each case.
Is it possible to remain anonymous when reporting through the NHTSA Whistleblower Program?
Yes, with the help of an experienced NHTSA whistleblower attorney, individuals can report information through the NHTSA Whistleblower Program anonymously, and their identities will be kept confidential while the agency investigates. But be aware that a whistleblower whose information leads to a recall – and thus a reward – will probably not be able to remain anonymous. Consult an experienced NHTSA whistleblower law firm like Brown, LLC to learn your rights.
What happens after a report is submitted through the NHTSA Whistleblower Program?
After a report is submitted through the NHTSA Whistleblower Program, the agency will investigate to determine if a safety defect exists. If a defect is confirmed, the NHTSA may take appropriate action, such as issuing a recall, to address the problem and protect the public. The NHTSA may want to interview the whistleblower, and a whistleblower law firm like Brown, LLC will work extensively with you to make sure you’re prepared for that interview.
How long does it take NHTSA to act on a report submitted through the Whistleblower Program?
The timeline for NHTSA action on a report submitted through the Whistleblower Program will vary depending on the complexity of the investigation and the amount of information provided. In some cases, the agency may be able to take action quickly, while in other cases, it may take several months or even years for the NHTSA to complete the investigation and determine the best course of action.
The NHTSA Whistleblower Program is an important tool for ensuring the safety of the American public by providing a means for individuals to report potential safety defects in vehicles, equipment, or child safety seats. If you have information about a violation of the FMVSS or other safety-related defect, consult an established and experienced whistleblower law firm like Brown, LLC to learn your rights under the NHTSA Whistleblower Program.