Auto Recalls: How Faulty Parts Can Cause Vehicle Accidents
It’s important that you understand the possible risks of driving a dangerous vehicle without knowing it, especially if you’ve bought a used car that has a recall or if you didn’t get a recall notice from the manufacturer. Even though a lot of cars, about 30 to 50 million, have been recalled each year for the last five years, many of these cars are still out there on the roads and highways in Texas.
How To Know If Your Vehicle Is Subject To A Recall
Regardless of whether a recall is initiated 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 You Should Do If You Discover There Is A Recall On Your Vehicle
In case 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. If you have questions about the recall, contact the nearest licensed dealership for the manufacturer. 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 meet your vehicle’s needs.
The manufacturer must 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 essential to be careful 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’ lives at risk on the road. Sometimes, a rental car might be offered until the problem is completely fixed.
What If A Faulty Part Causes Me To Be In An Accident
Vehicle owners often 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 didn’t receive the notification letter.
Therefore, it’s important to take a proactive stance by regularly checking for vehicle recalls to avoid possible car accidents caused by defective vehicle parts. If you have been in a car accident because of a product defect, you might be eligible for compensation to cover the damages you experienced as a direct result of the accident. Furthermore, you may also have the right to file a claim against the manufacturer for their slow response in issuing the recall.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT DUE TO A FAULTY PART, 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.
