Who’s liable for a car accident due to recall in Aurora, IL?

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) works to keep unsafe cars off the roads by recalling them. Still, defective cars or car parts remain a cause of devastating accidents. An Aurora car accident attorney from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can help determine who is liable for a car accident due to a recall and fight to get you the justice you deserve.

car accident due to recall

Who is liable for an auto accident caused by a recalled vehicle?

You can have a car accident due to recall if the vehicle defect recognized by the NHTSA or manufacturer causes the crash. The timing of the accident and the recall notice play major roles in determining liability. If a driver keeps a vehicle on the road after the recall is issued and has a related accident, that driver may bear some or full liability.

Sometimes recalls happen after the manufacturer or NHTSA receives complaints about the suspected safety hazard. The dangerous vehicles cause accidents that ultimately prompt a recall, and the car manufacturer, not the vehicle owner,  may be liable. A vehicle manufacturer must design and produce vehicles according to vehicle safety standards. If their failure causes your accident, you may have grounds for a product liability case.

What is a vehicle recall?

A vehicle recall occurs when a vehicle manufacturer or the NHTSA identifies a safety vehicle defect. Owners receive a letter indicating they must take their cars to their local dealership for free repair or replacement.

The NHTSA informs the owner of a recalled vehicle through a mailed recall notice, using vehicle registrations to identify owners. You can also learn of a safety recall by visiting the NHTSA Check for Recalls site and entering your state, license plate, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

The NHTSA reports a lot of recalls every year. In 2024 alone, there were:

Do you need a lawyer after a car accident due to recall?

For the best chance of a favorable case outcome, connect with an Aurora car accident attorney after a car accident due to a recall. Car companies have powerful legal and insurance representation. They will fight hard against claims of liability to avoid making major payouts.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is not afraid to stand up to any company in the pursuit of justice, no matter how big. There may be additional layers of evidence to sort through in determining liability, especially regarding the timing of the accident and the recall. Our team has the skill and legal knowledge to work through these challenges efficiently and in keeping with your rights and best interests.

We can determine if you should sue the car or part manufacturer or sue the driver personally after an accident. We can also direct you to helpful resources for car accident victims in Aurora, IL.

We offer trustworthy guidance in any car accident situation

Connect with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates for help with any car accident claim. We offer free case consultations, so you have nothing to lose and much to gain by reaching out. Call (800) 985-1819 or message us online. You deserve justice, and we will fight hard to get it.