In the six month period from September 2009 – February 2010, more than 75 vehicle manufacturers issued recalls for safety violations. * These recalls included millions of vehicles. In fact, Toyota alone recently recalled more than 8.5 million cars and trucks worldwide. Given the staggeringly high numbers, it is likely that at some point in time your car, or the car of a close friend or relative, is going to have a dangerous defect.
The best way for Texas residents to protect themselves from this eventuality is to be well prepared both before and after an accident. Before an accident, it is important to stay up to date on recall notices for your vehicle and to learn how to stop your vehicle safely if it malfunctions. After the accident, the best way to protect yourself is by filing a lawsuit requesting damages for your injuries.
The Houston vehicle defect lawyers of Denena & Points help clients prepare their lawsuit after a dangerous and defective vehicle has resulted in physical injuries or fatalities. The motor vehicle manufacturers had the ability to prevent your accident and they have the resources to pay your damages. Our attorneys are committed to holding the manufacturers accountable and securing your recovery.
How to Know if Your Vehicle has a Dangerous Defect
Generally, there are four ways to know if your car or truck has a dangerous defect:
1. The Media or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Website May Alert You to the Danger. Many defects that result in recalls are reported by major news media and listed on the NHTSA website, especially if the recall involves passenger cars and trucks.
2. The Dealer May Contact You. If you bought your car from a certified dealer in Texas or another state then the dealer may contact you directly by phone, letter or email if a dangerous defect has been reported for your vehicle.
3. The Manufacturer May Contact You. If you are the registered owner of a recalled vehicle then the manufacturer may contact you by phone, letter or email to inform you about the defect.
4. You May be in an Accident. Unfortunately, in some cases the defect is not known until it is too late and you have already been in an accident.
What to Do if Your Vehicle is Defective
If you have the good fortune of learning about your vehicle’s defect before you are in an accident then you should stop driving until you’ve assessed the danger. Your local dealer should repair the defect at no cost to you, in most situations.
Once you have been in an accident and sustained injuries then the best way to protect yourself is by calling a Texas defective car lawyer. The Houston defective vehicle attorneys of Denena & Points understand that the accident was not your fault. Our lawyers will work hard to secure your fair recovery as quickly as possible.
Call us today at (713) 807-9500 or toll free at (877)-307-9500 for a free consultation.
*Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation Monthly Recall Reports