Florida Resident Sues Automotive Giants Over Defective Vehicle Fire Incident
In a dramatic legal battle, a Florida resident is taking on two major automotive companies over a terrifying car fire incident. Jonell Thomas has filed a lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America Corporation and Fitzgerald Motors, Inc., alleging negligence and seeking damages exceeding $50,000. The complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on December 11, 2024.
The case revolves around a 2021 Hyundai Tucson purchased by Thomas from Fitzgerald Motors, Inc., which allegedly caught fire shortly after being serviced for a manufacturer’s recall. According to the complaint, on December 30, 2021, Thomas experienced an alarming situation when her vehicle began emitting smoke from the engine compartment before bursting into flames. The plaintiff claims that she had to take immediate action to stop the vehicle while inhaling toxic fumes, resulting in bodily injuries.
Thomas accuses Hyundai Motor America Corporation of negligence in manufacturing and distributing a defective product. The lawsuit argues that the company failed to ensure the vehicle was free from defects that would render it unsafe for its intended use. “The Defendant knew or should have known of the dangerous condition,” states the complaint. Furthermore, it alleges that Hyundai acted with disregard for safety by not adequately inspecting or warning about potential dangers associated with the vehicle.