Vehicle Recall? Here’s What You Need To Do Next

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Vehicle Recall? Heres What You Need To Do Next
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• Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows Im an
  avid tweeter (_at_derekwilsonlaw). Most of the time
  I tweet about personal injury news, Ontario
  traffic laws and safety tips to help people avoid
  personal injury lawsuits.
• I follow several car companies and people who
  advocate for car safety and recently I noticed a
  disturbing trend An increase in vehicle
  recallswith a decrease in people actually doing
  something about it.

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• Essentially, there are currently thousands of
  cars still on the road that have been recalled
  for safety, which leads me to believe that A)
  People arent aware of the safety recall or B)
  People are choosing to ignore it and are choosing
  to drive anyway.
• The latter enrages me.
• These individuals not only pose a threat to
  themselves, but other people on the road.

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• That being said, Im sure there are people who
  simply have no idea what to do about their
  vehicle recall.
• Lets walk through the steps now
• Step 1 Dont PanicIf your vehicle is
  recalled, youll likely receive a recall letter
  in the mail (or electronically if you have an
  account with your dealer) containing the
  following information

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• A description of the defect
• The risk or hazard posed by the defect (including
  the injuries it may cause)
• Potential warning signs
• How the manufacturer plans to fix the problem
  (including when the repair is available and how
  long it may take)
• Instructions on what to do next

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• It seems easy enough just follow the
  instructions and youre good to go.
• But not every recall letter falls into the right
  hands. It might be misplaced within your junk
  mail or get sent to your old address.
• In any case, you can stay up-to-date on recalls
  by visiting the NHTSAs website.

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• I suggest checking this website twice a year to
  ensure your car continues meeting safety
  standards.
• Its important not to panic. Safety recalls
  arent usually for imminent dangers however, if
  your car poses an immediate threat, you will be
  contacted by phone and the situation will likely
  be on the news.

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• Even if its not imminent, you dont get a free
  pass to ignore the recall and continue driving as
  you normally would your recall notice should
  present you with alternative transportation
  options.
• If youre confused, call your dealership. If
  they dont help, call the manufacturer. If youre
  still having problems, contact the NHTSA.

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• Step 2 Bring Your Car Into The Dealership
• The letter you received will tell you what day
  you can bring your car in for the repair, and
  which dealership is closest to you. Be aware you
  might have to wait up to 60 days for the repair.

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• My advice? Bring your car in as soon as
  possible. If that means waking up at 6am to get
  to the dealership for 7am, do it. If the recall
  is big news, you may have to wait in line so
  earlier is better.
• The process isnt an exciting one. It can be
  painstaking and long, but when you and your
  familys safety is on the line, its worth the
  wait.

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• Step 3 Monitor Your Vehicle Carefully
• Thats it. Once your vehicle is repaired, you
  can go home with the comfort and satisfaction of
  knowing your vehicle is up to safety standards.
• Monitor your vehicle closely over the next few
  weeks and follow up with your dealership should
  you notice any irregularities.

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• As a personal injury lawyer, I handle product
  liability cases on a frequent basis. Although
  most car companies are active in their quest to
  inform customers of defects, not every company is
  (as we recently saw with the GM ignition
  scandal.)
• If youve been hurt as a result of a product
  defect, I urge you to come forward. Your actions
  may not only help you get the compensation you
  need, but they could also save others from
  suffering the same injury.

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• Do you have questions about a recall or product
  defect? Reach out anytime for a free, no
  obligation consultation.
• http//derekwilsonlaw.ca