Car owners who receive recall notices may be wise to act on them right away. Even if a recall is for something minor, a small problem can turn into a larger mechanical issue. In 2015, there were 900 recalls involving more than 51 million vehicles, and the most common recalls involved airbags and ignition switches.
While recalls are designed to keep drivers safe, the sheer number of them may be causing maintenance fatigue among the public. In turn, this might cause some drivers to ignore such notices. One prime example of a commonly ignored recall was the Ford cruise control deactivation switch recall in 1996. While many drivers figured they could just drive without the cruise control, the issue caused some cars to overheat, which led to fires and millions of dollars in damages.
More recently, a recall involving Japanese airbag maker Takata involved 24 different automakers in the United States and 70 million vehicles. The recall stemmed from the risk of airbag rupture at high temperatures, which could potentially send metal fragments toward the driver. That issue alone was blamed for at least 10 deaths and many more who were injured.
Those who are hurt by the actions of a negligent manufacturer may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. This could include reimbursement for medical bills or for lost wages and future earnings. An attorney might be able to review a case to determine if negligence was involved in causing a victim’s injuries. Cases may be settled through a formal court trial or settled through informal negotiations between the parties.
