The Impact Of Vehicle Recalls On Consumer Safety: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Notices

Safety recalls are commonly sent in the mail to notify vehicle owners of a problem with a part in their vehicle. Since the vehicle’s manufacture date, a safety or function issue has arisen that requires replacement or repair. The notification that comes in the mail will usually instruct an owner to contact a local dealership to schedule a complimentary service appointment. 

These are some of the most easy notices to set aside and forget about. Taking time out of the day to attend to a safety recall is not high on most people’s priority list. There are more pressing issues that tug at our calendars each day. Those are the pressing concerns that grab our attention—not the item listed in a safety recall. 

Despite the inclination to set aside the recall notice for another day, it is best to attend to that repair as quickly as possible. 

What Is Included In A Safety Recall?

When a part or system in a vehicle fails to function adequately enough to meet the minimum performance or safety standards, a recall may be initiated. A safety issue may impact every system or part of a vehicle- the brakes, headlights, GPS, or engine. There is no part of a vehicle that is not subject to breakdown or issues that a recall may not impact.

Vehicle manufacturers are keenly aware that relatively small defects or issues can lead to significant problems down the line. On the other hand, some safety recalls pertain to substantial and urgent matters. For this reason, it is necessary to review the mail to ensure that all possible recall notices are being addressed. 

How To Handle A Safety Recall Notice

The safety recall notice must contain certain elements under Federal law. The make, model, and VIN of the vehicle impacted by the recall must be provided in the recall notice. A description of the defect or issue and the reason for sending the notice must also be communicated to the vehicle owner. Finally, a request will be made for the owner to contact a dealership in their geographic area to schedule a service appointment.

Getting The Vehicle Repaired Under The Safety Recall

Scheduling the repair with the dealership is a significant step to take once you receive a safety notice. Contacting a dealership as soon as possible helps ensure that your issue is repaired quickly. Most of the time, a dealership will make the repair free of charge. Additionally, you can have additional repairs made while the vehicle is in the shop. 

Beware Of Open Recalls When Purchasing A Used Vehicle 

When purchasing a used vehicle, it is helpful to ask the prior owner about potential open recalls. For one, asking about this before buying the vehicle may help to prevent the acquisition of a notorious “lemon.” 

Secondly, even if the recall is minor, it is good to know about the necessary repair in advance. This way, a plan may be enacted to attend to the necessary repair. It may even be possible to have the vehicle repaired prior to purchase if a dealership currently owns the vehicle. 

The Dangers Of Making Assumptions About Vehicle Safety 

Vehicle safety should be at the top of every driver’s and owner’s priority list. Proper operation of a vehicle begins and ends with having a safe vehicle. Malfunctioning parts or defective software lead to issues that impact how well the vehicle operates. It is difficult enough to drive safely with a fully functional vehicle. Make sure that all steps are taken to ensure vehicle safety when a safety recall notice arrives. 

How Can A Safety Recall Impact A Personal Injury Lawsuit?

An open recall on a vehicle places that vehicle’s owner in a position of liability. A vehicle manufacturer may be added to a lawsuit as a potentially liable party for injuries suffered in the car accident. This increases the options for the injured party to pursue damages.

Even if the at-fault vehicle also had an open recall at the time of the accident, the injured party must be able to show that the defective part caused the accident. A faulty rear-view camera would not play a part in a t-bone accident, for example. 

What Legal Claims Are Available Regarding A Safety Recall?

A product liability lawsuit involves an argument that a vehicle manufacturer was at fault for creating a defective design in a part or system within a vehicle. The manufacturing of a part may result in liability on behalf of the manufacturer. Or, if a manufacturer put out no warnings alerting the owner to a defective part that, too, may cause liability to attach.

Negligence claims are much more common in car accident cases. A negligence argument arises from a party’s failure to act with reasonable care. The potentially negligent parties in connection with a vehicle are numerous. Vehicle manufacturers, the suppliers of parts, and dealerships all may have had a part to play in causing an accident. 

Unfortunately, when discussing fast-moving vehicles, a party may be involved in an accident or pass away. A wrongful death lawsuit is the legal method of holding a party responsible for an accident that led to the death of a loved one.