Skoda Diesel Claim: Get the Compensation You Deserve
With the increasing awareness of environmental issues, car manufacturers are facing scrutiny over their emissions practices. Skoda, a popular car brand, has been implicated in the diesel emissions scandal, commonly known as dieselgate. If you own or have owned a Skoda diesel vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused by excessive emissions.
Understanding Skoda Diesel Emissions Claims
To fully understand Skoda diesel emissions claims and the impact of the emissions scandal, it is important to grasp the scale of the issue. Skoda, along with other car manufacturers, has been accused of installing illegal defeat devices in their diesel vehicles to cheat emissions tests. These devices intentionally hide the fact that some engines are releasing dangerous amounts of NOx emissions, which are much higher than the legal limits. This contributes to an already dire environmental situation and puts public health at risk. Skoda diesel emissions claims aim to hold the car manufacturer accountable for their actions and seek compensation for the affected vehicle owners.
What is a Skoda Diesel Emissions Claim?
A Skoda diesel emissions claim refers to a legal action taken against Skoda due to their involvement in the diesel emissions scandal. Typically, the claimants are vehicle owners seeking compensation for the financial losses and damages caused by excessive emissions from their Skoda diesel vehicles. These claims are commonly pursued through group litigation, where multiple claimants join forces to increase their chances of success and share legal expenses. Skoda diesel emissions claims are part of the larger issue of the emissions scandal, which has affected various car manufacturers worldwide, including England.
The Skoda Emissions Scandal was a component of the broader 2015 Dieselgate problem, which involved Volkswagen Group admitting to using "defeat devices" in their cars, including Skoda models, in order to manipulate emissions tests. These vehicles emitted up to 40 times the permissible US NOx levels. In the UK, approximately 1.2 million Volkswagen Group cars were affected, with 131,569 being Skoda vehicles. The scandal not only revolved around emissions but also potentially exaggerated fuel economy figures, impacting high-mileage users such as taxi services. Since the disclosure, Volkswagen has faced significant fines and compensation payments. It was later revealed that Volkswagen had knowingly inserted cheat software in more than 11 million cars worldwide to cheat emissions tests, resulting in lower NOx emissions being shown during tests compared to actual road usage. Subsequently claims have been raised against Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover to name a few.
What Skoda Diesel Engines Are Affected?
Several Skoda diesel engines, such as the 1.2 TDI, 1.6 TDI, and 2.0 TDI, have been affected by the emissions scandal. Models like the Octavia, Superb, Yeti, Fabia, and Rapid are impacted. These engines were fitted with illegal defeat devices that manipulated emissions tests. Skoda claim that technical solutions are being developed and will be presented to responsible authorities before the end of October. Owners of affected vehicles may be eligible for compensation from Skoda.
Skoda Emissions Scandal: Key Statistics
Statistic | Source |
---|---|
Skoda's parent company, Volkswagen Group, admitted to installing emissions-cheating software in 11 million vehicles worldwide | Reuters |
The scandal affected approximately 1.2 million Skoda vehicles, including the Octavia, Fabia, and Superb models | Bloomberg |
Skoda recalled 1.2 million vehicles worldwide in 2015 and 2016 to address the emissions-cheating software issue | Automotive News Europe |
The recall included Skoda Octavia, Fabia, Rapid, and Superb models produced between 2009 and 2015 | BBC News |
Skoda set aside €139 million ($164 million) to cover the costs related to the emissions scandal | Reuters |
The company's market share in Europe dropped from 4.6% to 4.2% in the aftermath of the scandal | JATO Dynamics |
Skoda's CEO, Bernhard Maier, apologised for the emissions issue and pledged to regain customers' trust | Automotive News Europe |
The Czech government launched an investigation into Skoda's emissions practices in 2015 | Radio Prague International |
Skoda's sales in the UK dropped by 3.4% in the year following the scandal, despite overall market growth | The Guardian |
Please note that these statistics were sourced from various news outlets and may be subject to updates as the Skoda emissions scandal develops.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Skoda Diesel Claims?
To be eligible for Skoda diesel claims, you must meet certain criteria:
- The vehicle must have been purchased or leased within specific dates.
- The diesel engine installed in the vehicle must be one of the affected models.
- The engine must have been involved in the emissions scandal, emitting excessive pollutants due to the defeat device.
- You must have suffered financial loss or other damages as a result of the scandal.
- Meeting these eligibility criteria will allow you to pursue a claim either individually or as part of a group action against Skoda and seek compensation for the harm caused by the diesel emissions scandal.
Criteria for Making a Diesel Claim
To make a diesel claim against Skoda, vehicle owners must fulfill the following criteria:
- Purchased or leased the diesel car during the specified period relevant to the dieselgate scandal.
- The vehicle must have been affected by the diesel emissions scandal, with a diesel engine equipped with a defeat device.
- Incurred financial loss or experienced other damages, such as reduced fuel economy or increased emissions-related costs, as a result of the emissions scandal.
Checking Vehicle Eligibility for Diesel Claim
To check the eligibility of your vehicle for a Skoda diesel claim, you will only need the vehicles registration Number also known as the license plate, can be used to determine its eligibility for a diesel claim. Providing this number to legal professionals or claims management companies specializing in diesel claims will help assess whether your vehicle falls within the claim eligibility criteria.
How to start the Skoda Diesel Claim Process?
If you believe you are eligible for a Skoda diesel claim, you can initiate the claim process by following certain steps:
- Submit a Claim Form: Fill out the necessary claim form provided by legal professionals or claims management companies. Provide all required information and supporting evidence to initiate your diesel claim.
- Gather Information: Collect all relevant documentation, such as purchase or lease agreements, service records, and any evidence of financial loss or damages caused by excessive emissions.
- Liaise with group claim law firm: We will introduce you a specialist griup claim law firm specialising in diesel claims. They will guide you through the claim process and help you understand your legal rights and give you any legal advice regarding the case. The case could end up in the high court so it is essential to use a group claim law firm to ensure you stand the best chance to get any compensation claims.
Using Car Registration Number in the Claim Process
Your car registration number, also known as the license plate, plays a vital role in the Skoda diesel claim process. Providing this number allows us to determine your vehicle's eligibility in seconds and support your claim. The car registration number serves as an identification key that allows legal entities to verify ownership, vehicle details, and its involvement in the emissions scandal. It is essential to accurately provide your car registration number when initiating a diesel claim, as any discrepancies may negatively affect the claim process. By including this information, you can ensure that your claim is properly validated and increase your chances of obtaining compensation for the harm caused by the dieselgate scandal.
What Can I claim against Skoda Diesel Emission Scandal?
If you have been affected by the Skoda diesel emissions scandal, you may be eligible to claim compensation for various damages, including:
- Financial Loss: This may include depreciation of the vehicle's value, increased fuel costs, or the expenses associated with repairs or modifications to meet emission standards.
- Loss of Performance: If your vehicle's performance or fuel economy has been negatively impacted by the emissions scandal, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment from the car.
- Health Impacts: Excessive emissions, such as NOx, can pose health risks. In cases where the emissions have directly impacted your health, compensation for medical expenses or related costs may be claimable.
Understanding the potential claims you can make against Skoda due to the diesel emission scandal is crucial in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Legal Experts and Their Role in Diesel Claims
Legal experts, such as solicitors and law firms, play a vital role in diesel claims, guiding claimants through the complex legal processes involved. Their expertise and knowledge of emissions-related litigation enable them to provide valuable advice and support, including:
- Evaluating Claim Eligibility: Legal professionals can assess the eligibility of your claim based on the specific circumstances, vehicle model, and relevant laws.
- Collecting Evidence: They will help gather the necessary evidence, such as vehicle documentation, service records, and any other supporting documents required to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiating with Skoda: Legal experts will represent your interests and negotiate with Skoda or their legal representatives to secure fair compensation for the harm caused by the diesel emissions scandal.
Working with legal professionals ensures that your claim receives the attention it deserves, maximizes your chances of success, and helps you navigate the complexities of the legal process effectively.
Understanding the 'No Win, No Fee' Policy
One concern many claimants have is the potential costs associated with pursuing a Skoda diesel emission claim on a no-win no-fee basis. Fortunately, many law firms offer a "no win, no fee" policy, also known as a conditional fee agreement. This arrangement protects claimants from upfront legal costs, allowing them to pursue their claim without financial risk. If the claim is successful, the legal costs are covered by the compensation awarded, typically as a percentage of the amount received. If the claim is unsuccessful, claimants are not responsible for paying legal fees. The "no win, no fee" policy provides claimants with the confidence to pursue their claim, knowing that they will not be burdened by legal costs unless compensation is obtained.
I don’t have an Skoda Recall Letter, What Do I Do?
This is not a problem. The Skoda diesel emissions scandal affected vehicles that were equipped with illegal defeat devices, allowing them to cheat emissions tests. Even if you no longer possess a recall letter, you can still gather other evidence, such as vehicle documentation, service records, or any communication from Skoda or the vehicle manufacturer regarding the emissions scandal, to support your claim. Consult legal professionals who specialize in diesel claims to assess your eligibility, evaluate the evidence, and guide you through the claim process, even without a Skoda recall letter.
Can You Make a Claim if You No Longer Own the Skoda Car?
Even if you no longer own the Skoda car affected by the dieselgate scandal, you are still be eligible to make a claim for compensation as a new claimant if the vehicle is affected. The eligibility for a diesel claim is not limited to the current owners but extends to previous owners who experienced financial loss or damages due to the emissions scandal. Complete the claim form and insert the dates that you owned the vehicle from and to and you can be part of the group claim.