Prevailing Through Endurance

Will a vehicle recall protect a manufacturer from all liability?

On Behalf of | Dec 16, 2021 | Vehicle Defects

Defective components and design issues can affect how safe a specific vehicle model is. Although a lot of testing usually goes into a vehicle model before it reaches the stage of mass production and distribution, vehicles do go on the market with design issues that make them less safe than other vehicles

Manufacturers sometimes also learned that individual components are defective only after consumers report issues. When a manufacturer recognizes an issue with one of their vehicles they can initiate a recall. Drivers will typically need to present the vehicle to a dealership or certified service facility to have the issues addressed. 

Will a recall keep you from filing a claim if you got hurt because of a defective vehicle? 

Your rights largely depend on the circumstances

Consumers typically have legal rights if they suffer significant injuries or verifiable financial losses because of defective products. Personal injury laws allow people to bring lawsuits against both manufacturers and retailers. Someone hurt when a vehicle malfunctions could potentially bring a claim against the company that made the vehicle or the defective part. 

A recall can impact your rights as a consumer. If you know about the recall and had an opportunity to repair your vehicle but do not, that decision might affect any claim you make in the future. On the other hand, if the manufacturer failed to notify you about the recall or if they could not get you it look for repairs in a timely manner, you may still have grounds for a claim. 

Reviewing the information about the incident that left you hurt and the recall itself can help you explore your options. Learning more about product liability can help you stand up for yourself when you get hurt.