Automobiles in the United States must be registered to the owner of the car for many reasons. This registration process also allows manufacturers to notify owners in the event that a recall happens and a vehicle needs to be serviced or repaired, thereby providing for a direct means of communication with those most likely to be affected. However, there are concerns that not enough drivers are being alerted to the recalls that cover their cars and as a result, many motorists continue operating vehicles that may be dangerous or defective.
To combat this lack of information, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a new campaign called Safe Cars Save Lives. The point of the campaign is to encourage drivers to check open vehicle recalls at least twice a year to learn whether any issues exist related to their cars. If recalls are identified, owners are encouraged to get the needed repairs as quickly as possible and if an immediate service is not possible, drivers should contact an authorized repair agent to determine whether it is safe for them to continue driving in the interim.
The year 2015 saw more recalls in the nation than any previous year but on average, 25 percent of recalled vehicles remain unfixed each year. In 2015, there were nearly 900 different recalls affecting approximately 51 million vehicles which means that roughly 13 million recalled vehicles were not fixed. These vehicles are presumed to be operating on our streets every day and may be threatening the safety of their drivers and others in their cars. Further, if the unrepaired vehicles are a danger on the road, others may be affected if those vehicles are involved in a collision, meaning that the importance of vehicle recalls cannot be overstated.
If you are a driver or if you own a vehicle, make sure you heed the warnings of the NHTSA by checking online for any recalls that may affect your car. You can check with the NHTSA and most manufacturers about the safety and functionality of your vehicle, making sure you search for the proper make, model, and year. Upon learning about a recall affecting your car, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have your vehicle serviced and to have all safety issues address so that you will not pose a threat to yourself or others while on the road.
If you are injured in a car accident in Chicago, including a collision where one or more of the vehicles involved had a recall notice, know that you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages should you choose to act. By bringing a civil claim against those who are responsible, you may be able to recover payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused to you due to a crash as well as any other harm you endured.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. have helped countless car accident victims in Illinois over the years and if you were injured, we want to help you as well. We offer a case consultation without cost or obligation to those people who have been hurt and who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If we represent you in your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf and we will advance all case-related expenses.
Prior Blog Entry:
Preventing Winter Weather Car Accidents, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published January 27, 2016.
Resource:
U.S. Department of Transportation launches new public awareness campaign, NHTSA, published January 21, 2016.