When you purchase a vehicle, you have no reason to believe that it could cause you harm in the future. Sure, you know that you could be involved in an accident, but that has nothing to do with the vehicle itself.
Unfortunately, there are times when auto manufacturers sell a vehicle that is not completely safe.
On the plus side, most problems are minor. This means that the manufacturer can issue a recall, fix the problem and then move on.
Conversely, there are situations in which a vehicle defect is much more serious. In this case, it’s possible that the defect could cause serious injury or even death.
As a consumer, you have rights in regards to your vehicle. If a safety defect is discovered, don’t hesitate to visit your local dealer and/or stay in touch with the manufacturer. You don’t want to drive a vehicle that could cause you harm.
If you were injured as the result of a defective part, such as a faulty airbag or accelerator, you should first take care of your health. From there, you’ll want to learn more about what happened. Was there a recall? Could the problem have been avoided?
At some point, you may need to consider the fact that the manufacturer is responsible for your accident and subsequent injuries. It’s never easy to prove that this is the case, but it’s more than possible depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident and the evidence you can collect.
If nothing else, you want to learn more about your legal rights to determine if you’re able to file a lawsuit.
Source: FindLaw, “Vehicle Recalls and Defects,” accessed Oct. 25, 2016