When you buy a motor vehicle, you have certain expectations. Above all, you may rely on the manufacturer or seller to provide you with a safe vehicle. For that reason, it is important to know about the availability of Safety Watch Lists.
Without question, the prospect of getting behind the wheel of an unsafe vehicle is a scary proposition. In some cases, it may be that someone knew their brakes were malfunctioning and still elected to take a chance. More often, an unsuspecting driver may not realize there are potential hazardous issues.
Looking Out for Your Safety
More than likely, we don’t have to tell you. The consequences of driving an unsafe vehicle can be chilling. For some, there is the prospect of soft tissue injuries. Others could experience more devastating trauma, such as displaced fractures, head wounds, and even amputations. Unfortunately, some may even die as a result of a defective manufacturing mishap.
Hopefully, this article finds you before you have been involved in a car crash. Understandably, it could be that another driver’s vehicle was unsafe and caused you to suffer injuries. Meanwhile, everyone should check this recent list from the Safety Institute regarding potentially dangerous vehicles.
Powertrain Issues
If you have a 2014 or 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4, you should have it inspected for powertrain issues. Additionally, the same goes for 2012 Chrysler 300 owners. All three vehicles have been recalled for these problems. However, if you purchased your car or SUV secondhand, you may not have received the recall notices.
Understandably, you may not comprehend how powertrain issues could cause an accident. The powertrain is exactly what it sounds like. In simple terms, it is what transmits power from the engine to the vehicle axle.
Plain and simple, powertrain failures can cause drivers to lose control when they are behind the wheel.
Speed Control
According to the Safety Watch List, 2009 Toyota Corollas have issues with speed control. You can well imagine the consequences of a driver who cannot control the rate of speed of his or her vehicle.
Steering System Malfunctions
Three separate vehicles have safety concerns regarding steering system malfunctions. No doubt drivers of 2012 Volvo S60s, 2006 Pontiac G6s, and 2012 Ford Fusions will want to have their steering systems inspected.
As an aside, the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration maintains a list of vehicle safety recalls and customer complaints. Accordingly, we took a glance at the information for one of the aforementioned vehicles. There were nearly 500 complaints regarding steering issues with the 2012 Ford Fusion.
One common grievance was that the steering wheel seized without warning. Without question, this is a recipe for a catastrophic accident.
Other Vehicle Issues
There are a number of other vehicle issues that can be problematic when it comes to operating a car, van, SUV or pickup truck. Unfortunately, even some new motor vehicles can have issues with safety restraints and brakes.
Undoubtedly, product failures can result in even single vehicle crashes. An experienced products liability attorney can review the circumstances of your accident to determine if it warrants investigation.
Contact Us
Not sure if your motor vehicle accident might be a products liability matter? The de Lachica Law Firm can help. Give us a call or send us an email to schedule an appointment.