Skip to content
Vehicle recalls have increasingly become a common drawback within the automobile industry, however, many auto owners are not fully aware of the risks and effects that arise from safety recalls.
With approx. 257.9 million vehicles registered in the country, American car owners should make a conscious effort to stay up to date on automobile failures that have been revealed and linked directly certain manufacturers. Vehicle owners can take precautions to prevent being a victim of manufacturing errors, and should know where to go in the event that your auto is recalled.
When investing in a car [for personal, family, or business purposes,] you should be confident that you and your loved ones are protected rather than harmed while navigating the roads.
In circumstances where an automobile’s manufacturer assembling procedures and tactics are considered incompetent, that corporation is held liable. In some instances, car accidents are attributed to defects within the mechanical and physical parts within the vehicle itself rather than attributing the cause of the accident to the vehicle driver, distractions on the road, or unsafe road conditions.
Below is a roadmap to understanding auto recalls process within the auto industry.
What is an auto recall?
When an automobile manufacturer or the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) concludes that one (or a few brand models) car model has a defect that directly jeopardizes the safety of passengers or does not fully comply with all federal safety standards.
How do I know if my car has been deemed unsafe and recalled?
Auto manufacturers are required by law to notify customers who have registered their car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This notice is usually in some form of U.S. Mail. You can also stay up to date on the latest recalls by signing up for recall notifications via email on the NHTSA webpage. Perhaps the simplest way to stay informed on vehicle malfunctions and safety upgrades is by taking your vehicle for routine servicing. If the automobile failure is rooted in the manufactures discrepancies, the corporation may be held liable.
Taking Action: What do I do if my vehicle is being recalled?
If certain equipment or parts within the vehicle pose safety risks for customers, you cannot operate your vehicle confidently as you may be faced with peculiar safety hazards and dangerous situations. The manufacturer should explicitly communicate proceeding steps in the recall notice itself, typically suggesting the owner to contact a nearby dealership and schedule a service visit.
How much will it cost if my car is recalled?
The manufacturer is solely responsible for covering the cost of repairing or replacing any
defective vehicle parts that result in safe-risks. Any dealer that refuses to fix the defects cost-free should be reported to the manufacturer directly. Filing a report through the NHTSA in the event of unsatisfactory service provided by a manufacturer is highly advisable.
Manufacturers take pride in providing innovative built-in safety features, so when they fail their promises to their loyal consumers, it is important to speak up, take action and hold the corporation liable for their errors.
About Harvey L. Walner & Associates
Our attorneys have over 75 years of combined legal experience in personal injury specializations, including personal injury accidents, worker’s compensation, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. If you or a loved one should have the misfortune of being in a personal injury accident, and you need a personal injury lawyer, the experienced attorneys at Harvey L. Walner & Associates, Ltd. are here for you. Call us today for a free consultation.
