Chicago Automobile Recall Lawyers
Auto manufacturers are forced to recall a vehicle when it has the potential to put drivers and passengers in danger. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees vehicle safety and monitors complaints registered against a vehicle or manufacturer. Since the inception of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, NHTSA has recalled more than 490 million motor vehicles. Some manufacturers volunteer to recall dangerous vehicles, but many must be forced by the NHTSA. If you have been injured in a vehicle that has been recalled, you may be able to seek compensation for your car accident injuries, damages and losses.
Safety-Related Defects
Vehicles are recalled if they have serious safety-related defects. Vehicles must pose an unreasonable risk to occupants before an auto maker is forced to issue a vehicle defect recall. Safety defects are typically found among a group of similar cars made during a specific period of time. Visiting the official website at www.safercar.gov is an easy way to search for your vehicle and see if there have been complaints registered about your car or if your vehicle has been recalled.
Types of Defects That May Cause an Automobile Recall
There are many types of vehicle defects and safety concerns that may lead to an automobile recall:
- Defective Accelerators: Vehicles that suddenly accelerate put drivers at risk. When an accelerator breaks or sticks, the driver may not be able to slow down the vehicle, which could result in a potentially serious crash.
- Faulty Steering Components: Drivers may lose control of their vehicles if a steering component breaks.
- Tire Shredding: Vehicles have been known to swerve into traffic or rollover when a defective tire shreds at high speeds.
- Defective Airbags: Whenever an airbag deploys when it is not supposed to, it may cause significant damage to the driver or fail to protect the occupants in a crash. There are also many cases when an airbag fails to deploy in the event of a crash.
- Problematic Fuel System Components: Vehicle fires may occur when there are problems with the fuel system. Defective gas tanks may be susceptible to leaks or explosions when involved in a collision.
Receiving Compensation for Your Losses
By filing a complaint with the NHTSA or filing a lawsuit against an automobile manufacturer you may be helping others. Those with similar vehicles may be unaware of the potential problems that you have experienced. With the assistance of an auto recall attorney, victims of defective products may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost revenue and even pain and suffering.
The Bradley Law Firm strongly believes in holding negligent car companies accountable for the injuries their vehicles cause. We offer consultations to anyone who believes they have been injured by a defective product or a dangerous vehicle component. Remember, a number of defective autos or auto products are not recalled. If you suspect your car was responsible for your auto accident or injuries, please schedule a consultation with a Chicago auto product liability lawyer at our office.