How Can a Vehicle Recall Affect Your Personal Injury Claim?

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Most people take for granted the safety of a vehicle when they get in it to travel to one place or another. But sadly, that vehicle they believe to be safe can result in severe injuries or even death. Given this grim reality, we need to consider what it means if a vehicle we own or operate has been recalled by the manufacturer, as well as how it could affect a personal injury lawsuit if the recalled vehicle resulted in an accident that caused injuries.

Vehicle Recalls in South Carolina

In 2017, some 30.7 million units were recalled according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In comparison, only 17.6 million vehicles were sold. This means that 74 percent more vehicles were recalled than sold that year. The law says that vehicle manufacturers are ethically and legally burdened with ensuring that the products they sell are safe to use. Most recalls involving vehicles are due to parts that can cause minor issues; however, some of them can be very serious and lead to fatal injuries.

The Law and Liability in Charleston, SC Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident due to a recall, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the manufacturer of the vehicle is responsible. If a part of the vehicle has been recalled, that means the manufacturer has admitted there is an issue with that car. This will likely end up being an important part of your claim for personal injury when you are proving liability of the manufacturer and how the accident resulted in your injuries.

What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled in South Carolina?

If you receive a notice of recall from the manufacturer of your vehicle, you should act on the notice as quickly as possible. In most cases, they will offer to repair the vehicle at no charge to you. If you are not on the contact list for the manufacturer, you may be able to sign up for such recall notices through the manufacturer’s website. This is often necessary if you purchased the vehicle used.

If you are aware that your vehicle has been recalled but failed to take it in to get it serviced prior to your accident, this could have an effect on your lawsuit. An experienced Charleston personal injury attorney can help you determine what impact, if any, this would have on your case.

How an Experienced Charleston, SC Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Claims regarding vehicle recalls can be very complex, which makes it even more important that you have an experienced Charleston, SC personal injury attorney on your side. The Charleston, SC personal injury attorneys at David Aylor Law Offices will consult with you, research your accident, and help you determine what your legal options may be. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Personal injury claims in South Carolina have a statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing a lawsuit, so do not delay. Contact a Charleston, SC personal injury attorney quickly to ensure that you meet all required deadlines and don’t lose your right to file a claim for compensation.

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