How to Stay Informed about Auto Recalls That Affect You
In the past few years it seems as if we are being bombarded with news about automotive recalls of one kind or another. The most prominent recall, involving defective Takata airbags, affected more than 30 million vehicles manufactured by 10 different automakers, which were installed in vehicles between 2002 and 2008. The defective airbags were responsible for eight fatalities and more than 100 injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an amended ruling which updates the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and requires motor vehicle manufacturers and replacement equipment manufacturers to notify owners and purchasers of a defect or instance of noncompliance in a vehicle or piece of equipment that they produce.
While you will be eventually receiving recall notices in the mail after this ruling goes into effect, there are ways that you can be proactive in making sure that you are informed about any safety recall that affects the vehicles you drive. We have assembled here some convenient resources for staying up-to-date on automotive recalls that affect the cars that you own and drive.
Auto recall information
There is a website called SaferCar.gov, which is a service of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It provides a wealth of information for vehicle owners. One of the features they offer is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) search to find out if your vehicle is subject to any current recalls. All you have to do is enter your VIN to learn if there are any recalls pertaining to your car, and if a vehicle has not been repaired as a result of a safety recall within the past 15 years. You can also sign up to receive updates about recalls by subscribing to SaferCar’s email alerts and RSS feeds. They provide a handy mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
The NHTSA website also has information about auto safety recalls; you can file a complaint about what you think might be a defective auto part or mechanism, and find many other resources related to the safe operation of your vehicle.
Defective automotive parts such as braking and steering systems cause and contribute to auto accidents every day in this country. By staying on top of safety recalls, you are doing your part to keep your vehicle safer on the road.
After you have survived the shock of receiving an injury in a car accident, you will likely have many questions that one of our personal injury attorneys is ready to answer for you. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, you can sit down and discuss your case and get the answers and the legal guidance you need. We take on the legal burden so that you can focus on getting better and getting on with your life. We have offices in Memphis and Jackson from where we serve our West Tennessee clients and their families, and we invite to you contact us to learn more about our services.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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