Recall Roulette The Hidden Dangers Lurking In Your Vehicle

Dear Valued Reader,

When you purchase a new car there are some things you expect. You expect a brand-new vehicle with very little miles, no wear and tear and no defects. You expect a smooth-running ride that will serve you and your family well and get you safely and comfortably to your destination.

What you don’t expect is a missing bolt in your suspension that causes you to lose control of your vehicle sending you careening into oncoming traffic.

Well folks, if you recently forked over $40K plus for the 2024 Mazda CX-90, it just got its first recall due to missing or loose bolts.  Five months after Mazda rolled out its largest sport utility vehicle, recall number 23V-429 was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With this recall, only a small number of vehicles were affected, but recalls due to safety concerns are common, often with several released each month.

In June alone, the Ford Fusion Energi PHEV was recalled due to fire risk from damaged control modules; Toyota issued a Camry recall due to lose wheel lug nuts; and BMW issued a recall for its i7 and 7 Series for improperly welded front seats.  I could go on.   In fact, there were over thirty-five vehicle recalls issued last month, many of them for safety concerns.

So, what happens when the vehicle you rely on betrays you?

What do you do if you are one of the first affected and suffer the consequences of a defective vehicle?

If you or someone you care about is ever injured due to a vehicle defect, it’s important to take certain steps that protect your rights; help you get needed medical treatment and grant you access to the resources you may need.

• First, seek Medical Attention. If you are injured, it can be hard to properly determine the extent of your injuries when they first occur.  If you’re in pain or distress, call emergency services and get checked out by a medical professional.
• Preserve any evidence related to the vehicle defect and the resulting accident. Take picture of the defect, take pictures of the accident. Gather maintenance records and repair receipts, and any other relevant documents.
• Take detailed notes about the incident, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. These notes can serve as valuable evidence later on.
• Call the police and notify the relevant transportation safety agency in your area. Reporting the incident ensures that there is an official record of the event.
• Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. You want an attorney skilled in product liability and vehicle defect cases. The right attorney can provide guidance, assess the strength of your case, and help protect your legal rights. They can also assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing a legal claim.
• Notify the vehicle manufacturer or the authorized dealership about the defect and the resulting accident. Keep records of your communications and any responses you receive.
• Maintain a record of all the expenses related to the accident and your injuries. This includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any other financial losses incurred as a result of the incident.

To wrap this up, if you or someone you love is ever injured due to a defect in your vehicle, please reach out to my office 703-761-4343 and 301-949-1515.  With over forty years’ experience handling personal injury claims, we are ready to help you in every way we can.

Until next time, please be safe, and NEVER text while driving!

Paul Samakow

Attorney Paul Samakow

Article featured in wtopnews:

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2024-mazda-cx-90-gets-first-recall-due-to-missing-or-loose-bolts-216857.html

2024 Mazda CX-90 Gets First Recall Due to Missing or Loose Bolts

21 Jun 2023, 12:20 UTC • By:

Mircea Panait