Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying and debilitating experience. In 2010 alone, there were 5.6 million motor vehicle crashes, according to crash statistics and reports published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unfortunately, defective and unsafe vehicles contributed to some of these accidents.
In order to protect yourself and your family, it’s imperative that you know that the vehicle that you’re driving isn’t defective. In order to learn about auto recalls and check whether or not your vehicle is subject to a recall, refer to the following.
What is an auto recall?
An auto recall, also known as a safety recall, is a recall of an automobile or automobile part suspected to have a dangerous defect that might increase risk of an accident. In some cases, the NHTSA mandates the recall, although it is not uncommon for the manufacturer to issue the recall itself. In either situation, the NHTSA will monitor the recall to ensure that vehicle owners are provided “safe, free, and effective remedies.”
A vehicle may be recalled for a faulty ignition switch, as was the case with vehicles recalled by GM in 2014, ineffective or dangerous airbags, or any other safety-related defect in the vehicle.
Where to Find Recalls for Your Vehicle
Auto recalls are an important part of keeping you and your family safe, and checking which vehicles are subject to a recall can help protect you. If you want to search for current or past recalls, SaferCar.gov is a great resource.
On SaferCar.gov, you can search for vehicles based on:
- model;
- year;
- make; or
- defect keyword(s).
Additionally, the service also allows for you to search for recalls of child restraints, tires, and vehicle-related equipment.
SaferCar.gov also provides a service that allows people to sign up for email alerts in order to receive information about the latest recalls. Because automobile products, such as tires, are often added to the recall list, receiving constant recall updates is a way to stay proactive.
How an Auto Recall Works
If your vehicle is recalled, the process is very straightforward, you will receive a notification letter that will describe:
- the defect;
- the hazard posed by the defect;
- a description of your free remedy; and
- a description of what you can do if you can’t have the problem corrected in a reasonable amount of time.
After receiving the auto recall notification, the vehicle owner should have the recall work done as soon as possible to decrease the risk posed by the defect.
If You Have Been Injured
While auto recalls are intended to protect people from harm, they don’t always work as quickly or effectively as they should, and accidents still happen. If you’ve been involved in an accident and suspect a defective automobile caused the accident, an attorney can help you fight for the compensation for your damages from the manufacturer.
At Gacovino Lake & Associates, P.C., we’ll guide you through the claims process, provide you with information about what types of compensation you may be eligible to recover, and help you gather the documentation you’ll need. Call us today at 800-550-0000 to get started on filing your claim immediately.
