Best Practices for Filing a Product Liability Claim for a Recalled Vehicle

Most people attribute car crashes to driver negligence. However, as much as reckless driving and lack of concentration have contributed to auto accidents in the U.S., the possibility of defective vehicles and manufacturer error should never be ruled out. In fact, nearly 30 million vehicles were recalled in the U.S. by their manufacturer in 2018, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

Common Vehicle Malfunctions that Result in Recalls

A malfunction is the process where a product fails to work as expected. Some common vehicle malfunctions that lead to recalls include:

• Defective gas pedals
• Faulty brakes
• Unresponsive airbags
• Defects in vehicle electronic systems
• Tires vulnerable to blowouts
• Cars prone to rolling

Such malfunctions can lead to serious accidents and extreme harm to motorists and pedestrians. 

2019 Subaru Recall

The most recent incident involves Subaru recalling over 250,000 vehicles in December 2019. The shocking announcement revealed that some of the automotive giant’s 2017-2018 Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent models can suddenly lose power while being driven. While automotive recalls in general can cause a lot of inconvenience to a vehicle owner, this particular malfunction poses a significant danger to drivers, passengers, and the general public that can lead to catastrophic injuries, damage, or even death.

So, what happens if you are involved in an accident with a recalled vehicle? The law mandates that any person injured as a result of negligence is entitled to full compensation for pain, lost wages, and medical bills, just to mention a few. Here’s how you can obtain your due compensation from a recalled vehicle accident.

Filing a Product Liability Claim for a Recalled Vehicle

Whenever you or a loved one is involved in an auto accident caused by a defective vehicle, it is your right to get fair compensation. Furthermore, if the vehicle in question has been recalled by a manufacturer, then you have solid grounds to pursue a product liability claim. In such cases, you should always be sure to:

• Seek medical attention – No matter how minor your injuries may seem, always go for medical treatment, as such documentation will play a big part in your injury claim.
• Keep possession of the recalled vehicle – This is the most important step. In the event of an accident resulting from a recalled manufacturer defect, you must retain control and possession of the defective vehicle and not allow it to be impounded or destroyed — even if it is severely damaged or declared totaled. Essentially, the defective vehicle is evidence to prove your case.
• Contact an auto accident attorney – Remember, pursuing a product liability claim can be a very daunting process. For instance, if you owned a recalled car for a relatively long period of time, the manufacturer’s defense may contradict your claim by trying to prove you knew about the defect and chose to ignore it. That’s why you need a professional auto accident attorney to protect your rights and best interests and increase your odds of getting fair compensation. 

Get Your Due Compensation

Products sometimes fail consumers, so protect yourself and your investment by hiring a professional auto accident attorney who is experienced in both personal injury and product liability compensation to help you with the undertaking. 

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau will help you expedite your product liability claim and can pursue legal action to make sure you receive compensation for your troubles. If you want to learn more about our services or schedule a free consultation, call us today to at 573-335-9300.