We hear about vehicle recalls and defects in the news often, but how do those announcements come about? Typically, automobile manufacturers get reports from consumers and dealerships because a large amount of the same problem has occurred in a specific model vehicle. Other times, legal claims are brought against manufacturing companies by consumers after they were left with financial and emotional burdens due to a defective automobile causing injuries and damages. Regardless of how these companies come to be aware of recalls and defects on their products, it is important that they take the appropriate safety precautions to prevent injuries or deaths as a result of these defective automobile parts.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently began investigating two popular automobiles for potential defects that could lead to vehicle recalls.
The first NHTSA investigation involves Dodge Ram pickup truck vehicles, numbering approximately 110,000. Multiple owners of these trucks filed complaints stating that their 2004 and 2005 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks were able to be started with the vehicles are in gear. This is due to the clutch interlock switch being defective. One of these complaints came from a consumer whose child was able to start the truck without having to press down the clutch. This led to the truck rolling forward over another child, who ultimately lost their life.
The second investigation being performed by the NHTSA is on Nissan Sentra and Versa automobiles, model years 2013 and 2014. Consumers reported that the braking systems are not appropriately responsive. While there have been no accidents or injuries linked to this potential defect, it is important that these complaints be investigated. If, indeed, these vehicles’ brakes are not working correctly when applied, it could lead to serious automobile crashes and injuries. The drivers stated that even though they pressed the brake pedal down while driving, the automobiles continued moving.
Each of these potential automobile defects has the potential to cause countless injuries and deaths because the vehicles are so common. The NHTSA will investigate the validity of these claims and determine whether or not automobile recalls should be announced for the vehicles.
Thousands of people are injured each year in automobile accidents that were caused from a defective vehicle part. Whether it be the seatbelts, tires, or other part of the vehicle, victims should not have to bear the medical costs and pain and suffering without assistance from the at-fault party. If you or someone you know believes that you were injured in a crash as a result of an automobile defect, contact our firm today. We will research the potential claim and let you know whether or not there is validity to it. We offer consultations free of charge, so visit us online at www.awjlaw.com or call (770) 427-5498.
Categories: Airbag Safety, Auto Accidents, Automobile Defects, Automobile Recall, Car Accident, Catastrophic Injuries, Defective Products, Georgia Laws, Personal Injury, Product Liability, Product Recall, Recalls, Rollover Accidents, Seatbelt Safety, Tire Safety