Making Claims on Auto Manufacturer Recalls
Motor vehicles are a vital part of everyday life in the United States. Many people rely on vehicles to get to work and transport their families. According to Statista, as of 2022, only 12% of American adults don’t own a vehicle.
The volume of motor vehicles on U.S. roadways is one of the reasons the government sets regulations to promote safety. Despite these efforts, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 42,000 people died in car accidents in 2021. Ensuring motor vehicles operate safely saves lives. Consequently, when manufacturers realize something in a vehicle doesn’t work as intended, they may issue a vehicle recall. Each year, millions of drivers are affected by vehicle recalls. Let’s explore your legal rights if you’re injured in a car accident due to a recalled vehicle or if your vehicle’s recalled.
START YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN!
What is a recall in the car industry?
A car is recalled when the NHTSA or manufacturer concludes an automobile’s feature poses a safety problem. Vehicles and tires must meet the safety standards for operation.
Manufacturers can issue voluntary recalls. These recalls occur before the NHTSA determines a specific make and model poses a significant safety risk. The NHTSA can issue a mandatory recall if they determine a safety risk the manufacturer hasn’t addressed through a voluntary recall.
What is the purpose of a vehicle recall?
Some vehicle recalls ensure that vehicle features work as expected. Other recalls can improve vehicle safety and may even prevent car accidents.
Why are so many vehicles recalled?
Car design has evolved since manufacturers introduced the first motor vehicles. Today, cars can include multiple features, such as heated seats, sound systems, and blindspot monitoring systems. The more systems and features a vehicle has, the greater the chance that something will malfunction.
Although vehicle manufacturers test vehicles before they’re released, there are factors they can’t simulate perfectly in test scenarios. Wear and tear on purchased vehicles can impact system performance, highlighting potential issues with vehicle features.
Who pays for a vehicle recall?
When the NHTSA or a vehicle manufacturer issues a recall, the manufacturer usually absorbs the cost of repairs. Federal law protects car owners from incurring the costs as long as their vehicle isn’t more than 15 years old.
Some vehicles are subject to a total recall. In these situations, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or pay the owner the vehicle’s fair market value.
Can you sue the manufacturer for a car recall?
Car owners can sue manufacturers when a car is recalled. Two main scenarios could prompt you to consider a lawsuit.
Suppose you receive a total recall for your vehicle. In that case, the manufacturer may not offer a refund that covers the amount you owe. In that case, you can sue the manufacturer for car recall compensation to cover your losses.
Accidents are another reason to sue a manufacturer over a recalled vehicle. You can file a lawsuit against car dealership for negligence if you’re in a motor vehicle accident caused by a recalled vehicle.
What should you do if you’re in an accident involving a recalled vehicle?
These are some steps you should take following a motor vehicle accident:
- Assess your physical condition
- Determine if anyone needs medical care
- Call for an ambulance
- Call the police
- Get the names and phone numbers of other motorists involved
- Get the motorists’ insurance information
- Note the make and model of the vehicles
- Get witnesses’ names and phone numbers
- Contact a personal injury lawyer
- Photograph or video the accident scene
Taking these steps ensures you comply with accident reporting laws and protect your legal rights following an accident. Gathering evidence and contact information at the scene ensures you can protect your legal rights after an accident.
What shouldn’t you do after an accident?
Your actions after an accident may be subject to scrutiny. Do not do any of the following things after an accident:
- Drive away
- Refuse to exchange information
- Admit responsibility
- Destroy evidence
Taking any of these steps can cause legal issues following an accident. You must avoid mitigating the responsibility of any party at the scene because other motorists may try to limit their liability. You can immediately receive legal guidance at the scene by contacting a car accident lawyer.
Who can help you protect your legal rights after a car recall?
Personal injury lawyers handle tort law cases, such as car accidents and suits stemming from defective products. You can Google “recall lawyers near me” to find attorneys with experience handling vehicle recall lawsuits.
How much does hiring an attorney cost?
You can request a free consultation to discuss your case with a licensed attorney and determine if you qualify to pursue a claim against a vehicle manufacturer. Injury lawyers usually offer a contract featuring a contingency fee. Contingency fees equal a percentage of the settlement the client receives. You won’t pay a cent to hire your attorney or pursue your case if they charge a contingency fee. Your lawyer will take their contracted share of the settlement when they resolve your case.
How long do you have to determine whether to take legal action?
Almost all laws include a statute of limitations. In most cases, the statute of limitations prevents people from pursuing legal action after the statute has elapsed. In Nevada, personal injury and wrongful death cases must be filed within two years from the date of the accident.
Several factors affect lawsuits against manufacturers for recalled vehicles. The manufacturer must comply with federal laws and ensure recall information is available online and free to access. However, the recall information must be private.
Recalls may include a time limit for pursuing a claim, and motorists that fail to pursue a claim within that timeframe may not be able to pursue a lawsuit. An auto accident attorney with product recall experience can evaluate your case and determine whether you have legal grounds to pursue a lawsuit.
Can you be sued for driving a recalled vehicle?
You may be exposed to legal action if you ignore a vehicle recall and the recall causes an accident. Injured motorists, cycles, or pedestrians may file a contributory negligence suit.
In these cases, you may still qualify for compensation from the manufacturer. Several factors determine contributory negligence and legal culpability. Therefore, hiring a personal injury attorney ensures you protect your legal rights.
What will your car accident attorney do for you?
Your injury lawyer will investigate the accident and gather all relevant information. They’ll use that information to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver. Your attorney can also pursue a lawsuit against the manufacturer if a recall contributed to the accident.
Your attorney will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation following your accident. They’ll pursue compensation for property damage and other expenses, such as medical bills. Your attorney can also seek compensation for loss of income and pain and suffering from your injuries.
Our injury attorneys will help you navigate the legal process. We’ll explore every legal option to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve if your vehicle’s recalled or you’re in an accident involving a recalled vehicle.
Sources
Car ownership in the U.S. in 2022. (2022).
Newly Released Estimates Show Traffic Fatalities Reached a 16-Year High in 2021. (2022).
Legal Disclaimer
This webpage is not intended to be an advertisement or solicitation. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Material contained in our website is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice or solicitation of legal services.
Transmission of information from this site is not intended to create, and its receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship between Adam S. Kutner and the user of this site. In the event that any information on this web site does not conform fully with regulations in any jurisdiction, this law firm will not accept representation based on that information.
Adam S. Kutner
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
Con más de 31 años de experiencia luchando por víctimas de lesiones personales en el valle de Las Vegas, el abogado Adam S. Kutner conoce bien el sistema judicial de Nevada y cómo lograr que los clientes lleguen a un acuerdo de manera rápida y sin problemas.
Llame al (702) 382-0000 para una consulta gratuita
Adam Kutner es uno de los 100 mejores abogados litigantes con experiencia y conocimientos que lo beneficiarán
Llámenos hoy al (702) 382-0000 en cualquier momento para programar una consulta gratuita. Trabajaremos para conseguirle la máxima liquidación lo antes posible.
Conozca a más abogados asociados
Adam Kutner Reviews & Testimonials
“We were in a car accident – we were coming off of the interstate and were waiting – yielding at the exit and a car sped through the exit and smacked us in the rear.
It was definitely scary especially because we had our baby in the car. My husband and I and our baby in the back seat. We definitely – immediately went back in and checked on her to make sure she was okay.
We definitely had back pains my daughter had headaches. She kept holding her head and crying. It was pretty bad.
I remember seeing a couple billboards and a friend of mine did say they had a pleasant experience with Adam Kutner, so we called them right up.
They definitely were thorough, and you could tell just by talking to the people in the office that they genuinely cared about their clients.
They contacted us saying you know, explain the process on how the settlement gets done and about a week after that happened we had our settlement which was great and in my opinion Adam S. Kutner is the best attorney in Las Vegas.”
– Janae Reynolds. 5/5 Stars
Real Client Testimonial: Janae Reynolds