Honda Civic Hybrid Owner Takes Road Less Traveled in Lawsuit

Rather than accepting a settlement payout of no more than $1,000 by participating in a class action lawsuit against Honda, a California woman has opted out of the lawsuit. Instead, Heather Peters is suing Honda individually in small claims court, where she may recover up to $10,000.

Peters, a former attorney, is alleging damages as a result of deceptive and misleading claims by the auto manufacturer that the mileage on her Honda Civic Hybrid would be up to 50 miles per gallon. In fact, according to the Associated Press, as the battery deteriorated, Peters was only able to get 30 miles per gallon, which is the average mileage for a strictly gas-powered Honda Civic.  She is seeking damages for her lost gas mileage, the premium she paid for a hybrid vehicle, and the car’s diminished resale value, according to USA Today.

Peters has also created a website, DontSettleWithHonda.org, posting information about opting out of the class action lawsuits and about her own lawsuit.  Her small claims trial was held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in Torrance, California, but the judge did not rule immediately, stating that his ruling would be issued to the parties by mail.

Unlike criminal actions, civil litigation is initiated by private parties (individuals and companies) who typically ask the court to award them money damages as compensation for the wrongful acts by another that caused them physical or financial harm.

Civil actions involve a wide array of legal theories under which private parties may sue for damages, including breach of contract, false or misleading advertising or claims by consumers, negligence such as auto accidents and slip and falls, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, and mortgage foreclosure.

The attorneys at PERENICH The Law Firm have over 70 years of combined experience and resources to take a case through trial and a jury verdict.  We have tried dozens of cases throughout Florida, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties, and you can count on us to fight to resolve your case for what it’s worth.