Accident Injuries and Automotive Recalls. What You Need To Know.

It is essential to understand the possible risks of driving a potentially dangerous vehicle without even knowing it, particularly if you have bought a used car that has a recall or if you did not receive a recall notice from the manufacturer. Even though a large number of cars, between 30 to 50 million, have been recalled each year for the last five years, many of these vehicles are still being used on the roads and highways in Texas.

To keep yourself safe, as well as others on the road, it is important to stay updated on vehicle recalls and to know your rights and responsibilities regarding these issues. If you or someone you care about has been injured because of a recalled or defective vehicle, you might be entitled to compensation.

How To Find Out If Your Vehicle Has A Recall

Regardless of whether a recall is initiated voluntarily by the manufacturer or mandated by the government, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to inform all consumers about any open recalls pertaining to their specific make and model. However, there is a possibility that these notifications may be misdirected or disregarded as junk mail, leading to the original owner of a pre-owned car receiving the recall letter instead of the current owner. Therefore, it is crucial not to assume that your vehicle is exempt from any recall for a faulty component, as manufacturer recall notices can easily go astray in the mail and fail to reach the intended vehicle owner.

Fortunately, there are multiple methods available to verify if there are any open recalls for your particular make and model. To begin, you will require your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be located inside the driver’s side car door where a barcode is visible upon opening it. Additionally, the VIN can be found on the bottom corner of the driver’s side windshield. It is also listed on your vehicle registration form as well as your auto insurance card. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledges the challenges faced by vehicle owners when a recall is issued for a specific make and model. Consequently, the process has been streamlined to ensure that vehicle owners are promptly informed about safety recalls and can take the necessary actions accordingly.

Click here to see if your vehicle is under recall.

What If My Vehicle Has A Recall?

In the event of a recall, the notice will give detailed steps for vehicle owners to fix the faulty part. This typically means setting up a service appointment with an authorized provider. To check on the recall, contact the nearest licensed dealership for the manufacturer. However, it’s important to make sure that the dealership has a service department that is authorized by the manufacturer. Depending on how many service providers are around you, you might have to reach out to several places to find one that can properly take care of your vehicle’s needs.

It’s essential for the manufacturer to clearly explain whether the defect affects the vehicle’s safety. It’s highly recommended not to drive your car if the recall poses a potential risk to your health and safety. Even if the recall allows you to keep using the vehicle, it’s vital to be cautious and quickly set up a service appointment. If needed, you can get help from a towing service to take your vehicle to an authorized provider, making sure the recall is handled without putting your life or others on the road at risk. Sometimes, a rental car might be offered until the problem is completely fixed.

What If My Accident Was Caused By A Defective Part?

Vehicle owners frequently find themselves in situations where recalls are announced too late, putting them at risk of accidents due to faulty parts. It’s important to highlight that only about 75% of recalled vehicles actually get fixed, as some owners might ignore the manufacturer’s notice or may not even know about the recall, particularly if they bought a used car or never got the notification letter.

Thus, it’s essential to take a proactive stance by regularly checking for vehicle recalls to avoid possible auto accidents caused by defective vehicle parts. If you have been in an auto accident because of a product defect, you might be eligible for compensation to cover the damages you experienced as a direct result of the crash. Furthermore, you may also have the right to file a claim against the manufacturer for their slow response in issuing the recall. You should contact the Law Office of Brian Brunson for a free consultation.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CONTACT US TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.