Automobile Accidents Caused By A Defective Vehicle Or Parts: The car defects and recall lawyers of Stanley Law hold auto manufacturers accountable. Sometimes manufacturers fail in their duty to produce safe motor vehicles for consumer use.
When accidents happen on New York and Pennsylvania roadways, sometimes it is because auto parts or systems go wrong. Not because of damage or wear and tear. But because of faulty manufacturing.
Is your motor vehicle a deathtrap?
Do you know if your vehicle is an accident waiting to happen? Our car crash attorneys know that serious recalls are quite common. More common than you might realize.
The automobile has evolved quite a bit since the days when Henry Ford revolutionized transportation by rolling out the Model T. Constant advances in technology have kept drivers and passengers safer. Despite all of the safety marvels and testing, cars and trucks are not foolproof. Oftentimes, vehicles are put on the market with defects that expose occupants to danger.
When these issues are discovered, the owners of these vehicles must be notified of a recall. Recalls can be as minor as a radio dial that doesn’t work. But there are some doozies like SUV’s with door locks that can catch fire. There are brakes that can freeze, wobbly rear suspensions and much more.
What triggers a recall
A recall is issued when the automobile manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes the determination that:
- A motor vehicle or its equipment does not comply with a Federal Vehicle Safety Standard.
- When a safety-related defect is identified in the vehicle or its equipment.
Most of the time, manufacturers preempt the NHTSA by volunteering information on safety defects. They then conduct a recall on their own before regulators get involved. 2020 had several notable recalls:
Some of the Automobile Recalls this Year
Ford
Ford Motor Company reports that in certain Fiesta, Fusion, Mustang, Escape, C-Max, Focus, Transit Connect, Lincoln MKZ and MKC vehicles, the door may open when driving. Interestingly, these vehicles were recalled previously. But the repairs may have been shoddy. Over 2,100,000 drivers of these vehicles may not be aware of this hazard.
Nissan
The hood on certain 2013-2018 Nissan Altimas could unexpectedly open while the vehicle is being driven. This is because of the inadvertent release of the primary hood latch. Then a corroded secondary latch binds and remains in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. Some vehicles included in this recall were previously recalled and will need additional repairs. It’s estimated that at least 1,800,000 Nissans have been affected.
Takata Airbags
Takata airbags have been plagued with safety-related issues and the latest concern is for those airbags with non-azide driver inflators (NADI). This can result in airbags exploding or under-inflating when they’re deployed. No less than 56 million Takata airbags in approximately 41.6 million vehicles are affected, spanning 19 different car makers.
Yet this is just the tip of the iceberg. Cars.com put together a more exhaustive list of recalls.
The onus is on the manufacture
When a vehicle or its equipment, car seat or tire is found to be an unreasonable safety risk or falls short of minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is obligated to do something. They must either repair it, replace it, offer a refund, or in rare circumstances, repurchase the vehicle.
When a defect calls for repair, the dealer must make the repairs at no cost to the owner. Dealers are notorious for trying to upsell by offering tire rotations, oil changes, and the like. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you choose to accept these other services.
Don’t rely on auto makers to keep you in the know
Although owners are supposed to be notified of recalls, this can be a slow process. Our car accident lawyers always advise motorists to be proactive to seek out what recalls, if any, apply to their vehicle. There are a handful of websites you can visit and enter your VIN number to see if there are any pressing recalls you need to take action on.
Summary on automobile defects and your rights
When your vehicle compromises your safety or puts a dent in your wallet, it’s possible that legal remedies exist. Whether that includes a personal injury lawsuit or the recovery of damages to recoup your car’s resale value, Stanley Law can offer informed advice that keeps you in the driver’s seat, not the manufacturer.
Contact us for a free consultation on our website or phone us at 1-800-608-3333. We’ll be there for you.
