Airbags and lap or shoulder belts together are very effective, but there are circumstances when inflating airbags have caused serious injuries, even deaths.
Learn More About Motor Vehicle Defects Claims
At Kolker & Germeroth, L.L.C., we provide an aggressive pursuit of justice for the victims of injuries that occur as a result of motor vehicle defects in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. To learn more about our practice in this area, visit our Car Parts Defects page.
Below we have included some helpful information about motor vehicle defects. To find out more about how our attorneys can help you with your specific legal needs, contact us today.
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Motor vehicle defect claims require the help of experienced trial lawyers. Each of our lawyers has more than 15 years of experience and has secured verdicts and settlements for our clients in excess of $1 million.
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to motor vehicle defects or manufacturing negligence, contact our firm today for a free initial consultation.
Motor Vehicle Defect Recalls
One of the most common vehicle defect issues faced by the public is that of safety recalls of a motor vehicle. Safety recalls are usually instigated by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the vehicle manufacturers themselves, in response to a discovered defect in a vehicle or a component of that vehicle. So it is important to understand the procedure that is followed in vehicle recalls, and the respective responsibilities of those involved.
If you have questions about motor vehicle recalls, contact Kolker & Germeroth, LLC in Clayton, Missouri, today to schedule a consultation with a product liability attorney to discuss straightforward solutions that will work for you.
Manufacturers' Duties And The NHTSA
Whether a safety recall is conducted by the vehicle's manufacturer or is ordered by the NHTSA, the manufacturer must file a public report describing:
- The safety related defect or noncompliance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard;
- The involved vehicle/equipment population;
- The major events that resulted in the recall determination;
- A description of the remedy; and
- A schedule for the recall.
Motor vehicle manufacturers have a duty to attempt to notify owners of recalled vehicles or vehicle equipment. For vehicle recalls, this means that manufacturers merge their own records of vehicle purchasers with current state vehicle registration information. And for equipment recalls, in situations where state registration records do not exist, manufacturers are obligated to notify their distribution chain and known purchasers of the recalled equipment. Importantly, even if you do not receive a notification of a recall, if your vehicle, or other item of equipment such as a child seat, is the subject of a safety recall, the manufacturer is obligated to provide a free remedy.
Under Federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) monitors each safety recall to ensure the manufacturers provide owners safe, free, and effective remedies according to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, and federal regulations. The NHTSA also releases monthly lists of motor vehicle safety recalls. These lists identify the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, with a brief description of the safety problem. The NHTSA publicizes the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. However, the agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule any necessary repair work. This is because not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.
What You Can Do
Consumers can get up to the minute information on safety recall campaigns as well as information on the recall history of a particular make and model of car, truck, motorcycle or child safety seat by calling the NHTSA's toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (1-888-DASH-2-DOT) or by visiting the NHTSA website.
Contact a Product Liability Lawyer
Serious legal problems involving motor vehicle defects require immediate intervention from a products liability attorney who knows how to protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf. Don't delay. Contact Kolker & Germeroth, LLC in Clayton, Missouri, today to schedule a consultation.
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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
