Vehicle Safety Recalls – Do Not Ignore Them!

Have you ever done a recall check on the vehicle you drive every day? Have you received recall notices and toss them in the glove box without giving them a second thought. Even if you think that the repairs being requested are minor, there are good reasons for you to take action and get them taken care of.

What is a vehicle safety recall?

Safety recalls are issued when a vehicle has a possible defect or doesn't stand up to federal safety standards. When the problem is identified, the manufacturer must make any and all repairs to each and every vehicle with that defect at no charge to the owner of the vehicle.

How do you find out if your car has open recalls?

The government has set up a website that makes it easy for you to find out if your vehicle has any open recalls. You can find a ton of information about the latest recalls as well as recalls from years past. Going to http://www.safercar.gov/ will help you to track down any recalls and find instructions about what you should do to get those issues resolved.

How do you respond to safety recalls?

If you receive a recall in the mail, by email, or over the telephone, you should be given instructions with it. In most cases, you simply contact the dealership closest to you that sells the make of vehicle that you drive, set up an appointment and take it in for the repairs. Some dealerships offer a free rental car while the work is being completed if it is going to take a day, two, or even longer.

Legal Repercussions

If you were to cause an accident while driving the vehicle with the open recalls, there is a chance you may be held legally responsible for any injuries or damages sustained in the accident. You were likely provided ample notice about the recall and the injured party's legal representation may come after you instead of, or as well as, the manufacturer that issued the recall.

If you are injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver that didn't respond to the recall notices, your lawyer may be able to take legal action against that driver to recoup the cost of your medical bills, pain, and suffering.  

Never ignore safety recalls. Doing so puts yourself at risk physically and possibly even legally if something should go wrong. Contact a lawyer, like one at Randall A. Wolff & Associates, Ltd, for additional info if you have been involved in an accident where there was a safety recall on one of the vehicles. 

Share