Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

Millions of Recalled Vehicles Remain Unrepaired

Free Evaluation
100% Secure & Confidential

When a manufacturer designs and produces a product that eventually makes its way to the public, the public trusts that the product has gone through rigorous safety testing and that stringent quality controls are in place during the manufacturing process. That is not always the case and many products end up being recalled. Vehicles are one of the most common products recalled each year. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, millions of recalled vehicles are never repaired. Our Joliet product liability attorney explains the danger of the recalled vehicles that remain on the unrepaired and on the road

Vehicle Recalls

A vehicle can be recalled in a number of different ways. Sometimes, the vehicle manufacturer discovers the defect – either on their own or through warranty claims filed or complaints from customers and/or vehicle dealers – and voluntarily issues the recall in order to repair the issue. In other cases, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) receives complaints from consumers and will conduct an investigation that eventually results in the recall.

Once a recall is issued, all vehicle owners are supposed to be notified in writing, explaining details of the recall and what steps they need to take to get their vehicle repaired. The NHTSA has reported in the past that approximately one-third of owners fail to get their vehicles repaired. The older a recalled vehicle is, the less likely it will be brought in for repairs. This is often due to the vehicle manufacturer’s inability to contact the owner because they have an old address or the vehicle has been sold to someone else. There are also many owners who choose to ignore the recall notices they receive.

Not only are unrepaired recalled vehicles still on the road, but many of them are sold to unsuspecting buyers. While federal law bans selling new vehicles that are in an open recall, that law does not apply to used vehicles.

Federal Audit

The issue has become so problematic that the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Transportation has announced it is conducting an audit to determine why so many recalled vehicles remain unrepaired. The NHTSA is the federal agency that is responsible for the oversight of all vehicle safety recall campaigns and assessment of how effective the campaigns are, yet millions of recalled vehicle owners do not appear to heed those campaigns.

In announcing the audit, the IG used the Takata airbag recall as an example of how the ball is being dropped, pointing out that although there have been more than 50 million defective airbags that have been replaced, there are still 11 million more defective airbags under recall that are sitting in vehicles being operated.

Contact a Will County Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a crash that you suspect was caused by a defect in the vehicle, Michael J. Lichner – Will County Personal Injury Lawyer can help. Contact us or call at 815-258-7877 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/NHTSAODIAuditAnnouncement4.13.2021.pdf

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/car-recall-guide-questions-answered/

Have Any Questions?

We know that you have important questions when you’re looking for an attorney. We’re always here to answer questions. There’s no cost or obligation to talk to our legal team. Learn more about your case and our legal services. Please contact us!
Free Evaluation
100% Secure & Confidential
How do I know if I have a case?

The most basic grounds for a case are that you’re hurt and it’s someone else’s fault, legally. There are multiple legal standards that may apply.

Most cases are accidents. The party responsible doesn’t necessarily have to have hurt you on purpose. Simple negligence, which is just an unreasonable absence of care, can be enough for the victim to have the right to compensation. In other words, you might have a case, even if it was an accident.

Ask us for your personal consultation. We can learn about what happened in your case and explain how the law may apply.

How will the value of my case be determined?

The purpose of a personal injury case is to compensate you fairly for the losses that you have suffered. That includes financial losses, plus the physical and emotional suffering that goes along with injuries. The question to answer is – What has the personal injury cost you, financially and personally?

There are other factors that may impact the value of a case. Comparative negligence may apply, for example. Punitive damages may be awarded, subject to statutory limitations and requirements for pretrial motion and hearing to amend the complaint. The legal strength of the case may also impact its value.

At your consultation, we look at your specific case and explain how the value of your case may be determined.

Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?

Most Personal Injury cases don’t go to court, but we’re always ready just in case. In fact, aggressively preparing your case can be exactly what’s needed to reach a fair settlement. We’re always ready to pursue your interests as long as necessary for you to get justice.

It’s normal to be nervous about court. Many people ask us if their case will go to court, hoping that the answer is no. Rest assured that you’re hiring us to represent you. We’ll speak for you to the court. If it’s your turn to testify, we’ll make sure that you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect.

As your legal representative, Michael L. Lichner works to understand your goals for litigation. He’ll discuss the pros and cons of going to court and help you make the right decisions for your case.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover damages for the losses you have – financially and personally. You’ll have direct financial losses which may include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and damaged property. You can put in a claim for these expenses.

In addition, when you have a personal injury, you suffer in a lot of ways that can’t be measured directly. For example, you will have physical pain. Injuries may cause mental injury and emotional anguish. Your lifestyle may change. These are real losses, too.

How can I have attorney Michael J. Lichner represent me?

If you’re interested in hiring Michael J. Lichner, contact us. Call or message us, and we’ll take it from there. We offer free consultations and no fee unless we win.

We’ll start with a consultation, answer your questions, and explain how representation works. When you pick us as your representation we’ll get right to work!

Don’t wait, contact us today!

Call 815-258-7877

Free Evaluation

Available 24 Hours a Day

"*" indicates required fields