Automobile recalls in the United States passed the 60 million mark for the first time in 2014. Defective GM ignition switches and defective air bags made by the Takata Corporation were the primary reasons why 2014 was a record recall year. General Motors recalled nearly 27 million cars and trucks in 2014, a record for any auto manufacturer. Honda, the third-largest Japanese automaker, recalled 5.4 million cars and trucks to replace Takata air bags that are linked to at least four deaths in the U.S. and more than a hundred injuries. If a defective vehicle or vehicle part causes you to be injured in Los Angeles or elsewhere in southern California, take your case immediately to an experienced Los Angeles product liability lawyer.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the vehicles currently being recalled on its website. Every California driver needs to be aware of auto and auto parts recalls. If your own vehicle is recalled, take your vehicle to a dealership for a repair or a replacement part immediately. Sure, it’s inconvenient, but there’s no cost to vehicle owners apart from your time. If your vehicle is recalled, it means that you and your passengers are at risk, so take action at once.
If a particular model of vehicle has a defect that no one has yet detected, drivers and passengers are particularly at risk. Always keep your vehicle routinely and thoroughly maintained, and if anything seems wrong at any time, have a certified mechanic handle the problem. If you’ve been injured by a defective ignition switch, an exploding airbag, or by any other defective auto part in southern California, you may be able to receive reimbursement for your medical costs and related expenses, but you’ll need the help of an experienced Los Angeles product liability lawyer. If you’ve been injured this way, make the call now.