You may be considering filing a Windshields lawsuit if you’ve recently suffered from a cracked windshield. But how do you get started? Here are some of the basics you need to know. What is a class-action lawsuit? What does a warranty claim entail? What are the best ways to get the compensation you deserve? Read on to learn more. Listed below are some common issues that can lead to a lawsuit.
Class-action lawsuit
A federal judge has ruled in favor of plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against Subaru, the automaker, for the defective design of its windshields. The plaintiffs claim that the windshields on Subaru vehicles crack excessively and fail to protect drivers and passengers from road hazards. The company denies that its products are at fault, and insists that its warranty covers design defects and not manufacturing problems. Plaintiffs are seeking damages and restitution, as well as notice to owners.
Subaru has denied liability in the case and has refused to fix or replace affected windshields under warranty. As a result, they claim that replaced windshields are defective. The replacement process can cost more than $2,000, so it’s not surprising that the company has decided to settle. But is this the end of the road for Subaru owners? If so, what happens now? Will the new law apply to all Subaru cars?
Design flaws
The biggest reason for cracks on windshields is that they are not made to withstand a sudden temperature change. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks on a windshield, making it essential to park your vehicle in a climate-controlled area during periods of high and low temperatures. Furthermore, high vibrations can cause a loose windshield, increasing the risk of crack propagation. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent cracks from forming on windshields.
Today, many windshields are made from laminated glass. This type of glass is 2.5 millimeters thick and is formed in a furnace to fit a car windshield frame. It is then laminated with a PVB film in an autoclave, a hot pressurized vessel, to form a tough, rigid surface. The bonding process between the two films is also characterized by hydrogen bonding, which further strengthens the laminate. The result is a tightly bonded windshield that resists shattering due to impact.
Inflated repair prices
A lawsuit alleges that Geico underpaid a glass company that fixed the windshield of a small business owner’s vehicle. Geico agreed to pay the prevailing competitive price for the windshield repair and left the remaining balance due. As a result, the owner’s auto insurance premium went from $16,000 to $22,000. Fortunately for the business owner, his insurer eventually settled the case. But the lawsuit remains a major headache for the small business owner.
At Home allegedly inflated the windshield replacement costs of its customers to defraud the insurer. The company referred to the “NAGS” catalog to determine the repair price. However, insurance companies do not always pay this “NAGS” price. Geico’s pricing agreement stated that the auto glass company would use the “NAGS” pricing structure to determine the price of its replacement and labor services. Geico would reimburse At Home 50% of the windshield repair price.
Warranty coverage
Your car’s warranty coverage may cover some of the costs of a new windshield. If the glass was damaged due to a car accident, it’s likely to qualify for this protection. But what does it cover? This warranty typically covers a limited number of things, including collision damage, vandalism, hail, and other weather-related hazards. Other items that will not fall under this warranty include factory defects, acts of terrorism, and failure of the chemical bond.
If you have a warranty on your car, you should read the fine print carefully to determine if it covers a windshield. This warranty is important for several reasons, including the fact that it protects you financially if something breaks. It also covers repair costs in certain situations, such as when your windshield cracks or gets chipped. It’s also essential to note that some warranties don’t cover repairs or the costs involved in replacing a windshield.