Millions of Vehicle Recalls Remind Owners of Need to Ensure Safety

In our previous blog, we discussed recent recalls over defective Takata airbags. We also discussed how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a consumer advisory urging consumers to take immediate action to take recalled cars and trucks in for service. While news of recalls may seem commonplace in today’s headlines, the fact is that 2014 has seen more vehicle recalls than ever before – a record-setting 56 million. That’s about three times the number of expected new auto sales in the U.S. this year.

Two of the most notable recalls this year include:

• Takata Defective Airbags – Airbags manufactured by the Takata Corporation were the root of nearly 8 million U.S. vehicle recalls. These airbags have been found to separate during deployment, sending metal debris toward drivers and passengers. Recently, the new evidence has found that Takata may have known about the dangerous defect, yet concealed information.
• Defective Ignition Switches – General Motors made global headlines for the many injuries and deaths associated with its defective ignition switches. These switches were prone to slipping into the accessory position while a car is in motion, causing power to be shut off from the engine, power steering, airbags, and brakes.

Both of these serious defects have raised a great deal of controversy – and rightfully so, they’ve caused injuries and deaths to numerous innocent victims. Not only do stories of defective auto parts raise concerns about auto part manufacturers, but they also help consumers realize that they need to take certain measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.

At Shook & Stone, we work to protect the rights of auto accident victims, including those injured in accidents caused by unsafe auto products. Below, we’ve compiled a few helpful tips and resources that can help you – and your passengers – stay safe from auto recalls.

• Watch for Notifications – If you own your vehicle, you should be informed of any safety recalls by the automaker; they’re required by law to let you know. These notifications will be clearly marked, so don’t throw them away thinking they’re junk mail. The notifications should also contain information about the reason for the recall and where you can take your vehicle in for service – which should be free.
• Look Online – If you haven’t received a notification and are concerned about recent recalls, you can take matters into your own hands by looking online. You may be able to find information about recalls on the vehicle manufacturer’s website. The NHTSA has a VIN search tool you can use to find out if your vehicle has any safety recall issues have not been addressed.
• Check Before You Buy – If you’re looking to buy a car, check online – using the NHTSA VIN search tool – to see if there are any recall issues that haven’t been fixed. If there are, you may be able to use it as a bargaining chip for a lower price.

Defective auto products injure and kill numerous people each year. These tips and resources can help you better protect yourself and your passengers from auto recalls. If you have questions about an auto accident and your rights, contact a Las Vegas car accident lawyer from Shook & Stone today.