Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs: How Reporting a Vehicle Defect Could Save Lives

Dear Reader,

Imagine this: You’re on a routine drive to work, the same route you’ve taken a hundred times before. The morning is peaceful, the traffic is light, and everything seems to be going smoothly—until suddenly, your car begins to swerve. You grip the steering wheel tightly, your heart pounding as you try to control the vehicle. It’s not responding the way it should. Panic sets in. You manage to pull over, shaken but unharmed, only to realize that something must be wrong with your car. Later, after a mechanic takes a look, you learn that the steering system has a defect—a defect that you had no way of knowing about until it nearly caused a serious accident.

This scenario isn’t just a nightmare; it’s a reality for many drivers. What’s more frightening is that many people don’t realize they’re driving with a potential time bomb under the hood. Whether it’s a faulty airbag, defective brakes, or an engine that suddenly stalls, these hidden dangers can turn an ordinary drive into a life-threatening situation in the blink of an eye.

Now, think about this: if your car suddenly behaves in a strange way, you have to ask yourself, was this an isolated incident or a problem that will affect thousands of vehicles just like yours? Suddenly, your close call isn’t just a personal scare—it’s a potential public safety crisis. This is where the power of your voice comes in and why it’s so important to report any suspected defects to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA are the ones who hold manufacturers accountable when a vehicle has a defect that poses a risk to drivers and passengers. But the NHTSA can’t do it alone—they rely on reports from drivers like you to identify these dangerous defects.

So, what should you do if you suspect there’s something wrong with your vehicle? First, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s a weird noise, a sudden loss of control, or a safety feature that fails to work properly, take it seriously. Get your vehicle checked by a professional, and if they confirm a problem—or even if they can’t find the source but you’re still concerned—report it to the NHTSA.

Filing a complaint is easy. You can do it online through the NHTSA’s website, over the phone, or even by mail. When you file a complaint, you’ll be asked to provide details about your vehicle, the issue you’re experiencing, and any incidents that occurred as a result. Once your complaint is submitted, the NHTSA adds it to a public database.

Why should you take the time to do this? Because your complaint could be the key to preventing a tragedy. If the NHTSA receives multiple reports about the same issue, it may indicate a pattern—a defect that’s a widespread problem that needs to be addressed. This could lead to the NHTSA opening an investigation.

Investigations are an important part of the NHTSA’s process. Once an investigation is underway, the agency will thoroughly review the complaints and other relevant information to determine if there’s a safety-related defect that warrants action. This is a meticulous process, but it’s one that can lead to life-saving recalls.

Recalls are the final step in the process, and they’re a big deal. A recall means that the manufacturer has been ordered to fix the problem—whether that’s through repairing the defect, replacing the part, offering a refund, or, in rare cases, buying back the vehicle.

Now, here’s something you might not know: Most recalls are initiated by the manufacturers themselves, often before the NHTSA even gets involved. This means that your complaint could be the catalyst that prompts a manufacturer to take action voluntarily, fixing the defect before it leads to a more serious incident.

So, if you suspect a defect, don’t wait for someone else to report it. Your action could be the difference between life and death for another driver on the road. And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort, consider this: The NHTSA receives thousands of complaints each year, and many of them lead directly to investigations and recalls that make our roads safer.

Now, let’s say the worst has already happened. You or someone you love has been injured because of a defect in your vehicle. Maybe it was a brake failure that led to a collision or an airbag that didn’t deploy in an accident. What do you do next?

First, report the defect to the NHTSA. If you were injured, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights. This is where my office comes in. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that vehicle defects can have on individuals and families. I know the tactics that manufacturers and insurance companies use to minimize their liability, and I’m here to fight for you.

If you or someone you care about has been injured due to a suspected vehicle defect, call my office at 703-761-4343 | 301-949-1515. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation, review your case, and determine the best course of action, whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to court.

Until next time, stay vigilant, drive safely, and know that if you ever need help, my office is just a phone call away.

Sincerely,

Paul Samakow

Paul Samakow
Attorney Paul Samakow
703-761-4343 | 301-949-1515