Many Alabama residents have likely received notifications in the mail about recalls related to their cars, trucks or other vehicles. In several cases, all that this requires is a visit to a dealer to have the associated problems fixed at no cost to them. However, what can happen if you are not notified of a defect with your vehicle or a certain piece of safety equipment and an accident ends up happening, injuring you or a loved one? Just how do automotive recalls work?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that the 1966 National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act allowed the government to establish important standards for vehicles and equipment in order to keep people safe. The government is able to initiate recalls but auto manufacturers are also able to voluntarily recall their vehicles or specific pieces of equipment. Since 1966, nearly 400 million vehicles have been subject to some sort of safety recall.
It is important to understand what types of products are covered by these recalls. Items like radios or climate control systems that are not considered vital to safety are not part of recalls. Parts like lighting systems, safety belts, air bags, tires and brakes that are essential for the safety of motorists and passengers can be subject to recalls. Defects may relate to the performance of items, the components or materials used or the manufacturing of them.
If you would like to learn more about defects in motor vehicles and other automotive products, please feel free to visit the vehicle recall page of our Alabama defective products and personal injury website.
