Product recalls can be an unfortunate part of the consumer experience. Not only do recalled products cause an inconvenience, but they can also be potentially dangerous–and even deadly. Take Tesla, for example. They just issued a recall on approximately 475,000 of their vehicles–that’s nearly a half a million faulty vehicles on the road! And this recall wasn’t even for their self-driving cars! Let’s take a look at why Tesla took this measure.
Safety Concerns on Some Tesla Cars
Tesla announced the recall of more than 356,000 of their 2017-2020 Model 3 sedans to address a review camera cable harness that might become damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk–this would prevent the rearview camera image from displaying for the driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tesla is recalling an additional 119,000 2014-2021 Model S vehicles due to misaligned frunk latch assemblies that could prevent a secondary latch from engaging. Possible result? The trunk opening while driving, according to the NHTSA. That’s a problem.
Of course, Tesla is far from the only auto manufacturer to place a recall on their vehicles; in fact, there are several every year. The largest auto recall in history actually took place back in 1981, when the Ford Motor Company recalled 21 million Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with 1970-1980 model years because of a defective parking gear. This defect led to the death of 98 people, more than 1,700 reported injuries, and 6,000 accidents. Think of all those lives lost or turned upside-down due to a faulty car part.
What Happens If You’re Involved in a Recalled-Vehicle Accident?
First, do a little bit of research and take precautionary measures, whether you’re in the market for a car or already have one. Visit the NHTSA’s recall page, where you can enter a vehicle’s VIN number and find out whether it has any recalls. If so, contact your local dealer right away to get the problem fixed.
If you do happen to be involved in an accident with a recalled vehicle–whether it’s your own or the other party’s–take the same precautions you would in any other accident. Seek immediate medical attention if you have even minor injuries. If you’re able, take photos of the scene and gather any evidence you can. Then call the auto accident attorneys at The Lapidus Law Firm.
How Can an Auto Accident Lawyer Help with Vehicle Recalls?
Well, we can’t help you much with the vehicle itself (that’s for the manufacturer), but if you’re injured in an accident involving a recalled vehicle, we probably CAN help. Injuries from auto accidents can range from minor (cuts and bruises) to inconvenient and painful (whiplash, muscle strains) to serious (burns, fractures, concussions) to catastrophic (internal organ damage, paralysis, spinal cord injury) and even death. Any types of these injuries can lead to:
- Doctors’ visits and hospital stays
- Tests and surgical procedures
- Physical therapy and/or rehab
- Lost wages/income
- Medication
- Regular in-home care
- Pain and suffering
- And more
And that’s just a partial list. Needless to say, all of these results could potentially cost you a lot of money–not to mention the physical and mental suffering.
Recall Vehicle Accidents
Hopefully you never experience an auto accident due to a recalled vehicle (or any auto accident, for that matter), but if you do, call The Lapidus Law Firm at (202) 785-5111 or (301) 852-7500 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. We will fight on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and negligence. And remember, we are committed to making justice work for you.