It seems that several times each year, automobile manufacturers initiate recalls on hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of vehicles. Some of the issues may seem relatively minor, but those left without repair could have serious consequences to a vehicle's owner, any passengers and others out on the road. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by an auto defect, according to the law of Texas, you may have legal recourse.
When might authorities initiate a recall?
Auto manufacturers may initiate a recall either voluntarily or per the order of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA has set very strict safety standards that every part of an automobile must meet in order for it to be ready for consumer use. The agency may initiate a recall if they detect a safety-related defect or if any part of a car fails to meet those federal safety guidelines.
What are some examples of issues that may warrant a recall?
Anything that presents a risk to vehicle safety may warrant a recall. A few examples include:
- Problems with accelerator controls
- Issues with the fuel system
- Air bag defects
- Engine cooling system failure
- Seat belt failure
- Sudden breakage of steering components
If you believe that your car has some sort of defect, you can report the problem to NHTSA and the vehicle's manufacturer. You can file a complaint with the NHTSA in a few ways, for example:
- Call the vehicle safety hotline
- File a report online
- Send a report via U.S. mail
While auto manufacturers voluntarily offer most recalls when they find issues during testing, there are times when they do not initiate recalls until consumers complain. That is why reporting the issue is a must.
If I have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an accident caused by an auto defect, what can I do?
Sadly, this is an all too common thing. If you have suffered injuries, you have the right to seek possible compensation for your losses by filing legal claims against the vehicle manufacturer and others in the chain of supply who may be held accountable for your suffering. If you lost a loved one in such an incident, you may file wrongful death and possibly survival actions against all those deemed responsible. An experienced attorney will be able to assist you in filing and litigating those claims that are appropriate for your circumstances.