Even though potential auto industry whistleblowers in Michigan have several ways to report safety infractions to the government, the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act (MVSWA) may make it easier. The MVSWA protects consumers as well as the public because it encourages those with knowledge about safety infractions to alert the government.
If you are unfamiliar with the MVSWA, it is worth the effort to learn more if you work in the state’s auto industry. This will equip you to choose the whistleblower reporting method that best meets your needs. You should seek help from an attorney if you feel concerned about retaliation after you blow the whistle regardless of how you choose to report wrongdoing.
Following are several things you should know about the MVSWA.
- Whistleblowers may receive up to 30% of any penalties collected from those who commit fraud or safety infractions.
- Only industry insiders such as employees, independent contractors and parts suppliers may report auto safety violations through the MVSWA.
- Whistleblowers do not have to be U.S. residents to report under this act.
- The government does its best to preserve the anonymity of MVSWA participants.
- The act requires that whistleblowers must voluntarily report safety infractions.
- Whistleblowers who report using this method are entitled to federal protections against retaliation.
Having safe motor vehicles helps reduce traffic fatalities and increases the safety of all Americans. Reporting corporate wrongdoing with the help of an experienced attorney helps makes those involved with the auto manufacturing industry accountable for committing safety violations. An attorney can help you fully understand the different reporting methods available to you, including the MVSWA.