Most of the time, drivers cause car accidents with negligent behaviors. Sometimes, however, vehicles and auto parts fail to work properly. When brakes, tires, seat belts, air bags, and other defective auto parts fail, the results can be devastating.
Fortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tries to prevent these accidents long before they happen. If the NHTSA discovers a problem with a car or its parts, the organization issues a recall to the public. Once this occurs, vehicle owners can have their cars or trucks fixed or replaced, free of charge. Manufacturers also take responsibility for the defects, providing these repairs or replacements without charging consumers.
The only downside of the automotive recall system is that many accidents occur before the NHTSA discovers defects and issues recalls.
Solving problems after the fact does little for the victims of crashes caused by defective auto parts.
That’s where May, Rammell & Wells steps in and helps hold negligent manufacturers accountable.
Check Your Vehicle for Recalls
Everyone reading right now should check their vehicles for recall. Simply go to the NHTSA website (linked above) and enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). When you do so, any outstanding recalls that affect your vehicle will appear. The NHTSA tracks every safety recall from the past 15 years. If your vehicle has no unrepaired recalls, you will see this message:
“0 Unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN"
If your vehicle does have a recall, be sure to get it repaired as soon as possible. The recall should indicate whether or not it is safe for you to drive until you get your car fixed.
Remember, your vehicle’s manufacturer is required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, or offering a refund. In some cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle from you.
You might be the first person to notice a safety defect. When this is the case, your complaint could launch a screening, analysis, investigation, and recall. Hopefully, the NHTSA can help remedy the problem before an accident occurs or the problem affects other drivers.
What To Do When Your Vehicle Fails
If your car or its parts fail and cause an accident, report a safety problem to the NHTSA immediately. This crucial step can help keep others safe.
If you were injured in the accident, seek medical attention immediately and follow all instructions from your doctor.
Because you did not cause your accident and your crash would not have occurred if your vehicle and all its parts were working properly, you should also call an attorney.
Our lawyers at May, Rammell & Wells can help make sure you do not have to face the consequences of your accident alone. We fight hard to protect your rights and hold negligent manufacturers accountable for your injuries and other losses.
Call us at (208) 623-8021 or contact us online to request a case review today.
