Each year, thousands of vehicles in California and across the country are recalled for various reasons. You may remember the recent large-scale recalls by General Motors and Toyota. While many of these automobiles are returned to the manufacturer without incident and without causing a serious car accident, many are not. In fact, a number of these recalled vehicles are sold on the “gently used” market to unsuspecting buyers, just like you, before they undergo the much-needed safety repairs.
Automotive safety recalls can occur for a number of reasons and be related to issues with a vehicle’s tires, seat belts, brakes, and/or other equipment relating to the automobile. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident that was caused by a vehicle safety defect, contact a skilled personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
To determine if a used car you are interested in purchasing has been recalled, you can run a background check on the vehicle’s VIN. Additionally, the dealer should also be aware of all safety recalls and clearly inform you of any safety issues surrounding the vehicle before you make your purchase. Buying a car that is subject to a recall of any type could mean putting yourself, your family, and other drivers on the road at risk.
A number of recent vehicle recalls involve fire hazards, steering issues, defective seatbelts, and tire defects. Sometimes, a car’s unknown safety defect will lead to a car accident, at no fault of your own, or make an already serious car accident even worse. For example, a truck with defective brakes may have been able to avoid causing a multi-car pile up and injuring innocent victims if the truck’s brakes had been working properly.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident and your injuries were made worse because of a product defect, you may be able to seek financial recovery from the company that manufactured the part, as well as from the driver of the car. An experienced personal injury lawyer in the San Fernando Valley can explain this in further detail.
Injured victims of auto accidents have legal rights. You or your loved one might be able to file a claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and even emotional distress.
For more information on automotive defects, car accidents, and your rights, contact personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
