Following the recall of cars manufactured with defective Takata airbags in October 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is under investigation. The review, announced by the Obama administration in late October 2014 and which will be conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will assess the agency’s role in analyzing crash data and “policing” vehicle defects.
The Cause of the Review
The review came as a response to the way that the NHTSA handled the Takata airbag recall, and several other recalls in 2014. According to a 2014 article in The New York Times, the rollout of the recall didn’t happen properly. For example, car owners were urged to act immediately to protect themselves from the dangerous airbags (which had the potential to explode, sending shrapnel into the car), but automakers weren’t prepared to make the repairs necessary. As a result, car owners who sought repairs were left confused.
The Takata dilemma isn’t the first of its kind, though: The NHTSA has acted slowly in previous cases of vehicle recalls. In fact, those who scrutinize the agency say that Takata airbags had been investigated years earlier, but the investigation ceased due to insufficient evidence. The GM ignition switch defect recall was another instance of frustration among many
The Role of the NHTSA
The hope is that that investigation of the NHTSA, which is in charge of issuing/publishing safety and recall information for consumers, will improve the efficacy of the agency. For vehicle owners, few things are more dangerous than a defective vehicle – the investigation ideally will reduce risks to drivers by helping the NHTSA create a system that conducts recall investigations more thoroughly and gets information about recalls to consumers in a more efficient manner.
Get Legal Help If Injured Because of a Defective Vehicle
If you’ve been in an accident that involved a defective vehicle or vehicle part, you may have a right to file a product liability suit for damages against the manufacturer. In order to win your case, you’ll have to prove that the defect caused or contributed to your accident and injuries. Furthermore, you’ll have to file your claim within three years of your accident.
The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. understand how frustrating understanding your rights as an accident victim can be. If you need help filing your claim, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 800-550-0000.
