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With all the talk about Takata's defective airbags and General Motors' defective ignition switches, it should not be surprising that many car owners are quite concerned about the safety of their vehicles, regardless of the automaker. The news has been filled with talk of vehicle recalls and injuries that have been caused by defective vehicles and/or parts. Ft. Myers personal injury lawyers like Randall Spivey have represented victims who have sustained injuries due to unsafe automobiles. Consumers and vehicle owners have a right to be concerned, and it is important for everyone to stay as safe as possible while trying to deal with all the recall issues.

Chrysler's Issues

Chrysler is among the many automakers experiencing vehicle recalls for defective parts, particularly in their Ram C/V Tradesman commercial vans and pickup trucks. In fact, in one of its latest recalls, more than 22,000 vehicles were affected by faulty airbags and steering wobble issues. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler reported there had been a number of unexpected airbag deployments in the above-mentioned vans, some of which were caused by roadway hazards, like potholes. Apparently, riding over a pothole could cause the seat airbag and/or side curtain to deploy in thousands of 2013 to 2015 Ram C/V Tradesman vans in the U.S. and Canada.

More than 1.2 million Ram pickup trucks are also experiencing issues with the tie rods in their steering systems. During vehicle assembly or service, those rods may have been misaligned — a condition that could result in steering loss and component fracture.  So, what can you do as a vehicle owner and consumer to stay safe while riding in your vehicle?

Do Your Homework Before Purchasing a New or Used Vehicle

If you are in the market for a new or used vehicle, conduct a little research before making the purchase. The Internet can provide a wealth of information to consumers so they can make informed purchasing decisions. The NHTSA has a VIN search tool on its website that will advise individuals of any outstanding recalls. Depending on the nature of the recall, you as the buyer may be able to use that information as a bargaining tool to get a lower price.

Watch Your Mail for Recall Notices

Vehicle owners have a right to be informed of any and all safety recalls that affect their vehicles — it's the law. Some people mistake the notices for junk mail, but it is important for owners to carefully review mail they think is mere junk. The notifications are required to be clearly marked and they should have information with regard to the reason for the recall and where you can go to have your automobile serviced for free.

Take Matters Into Your Own Hands

With all the news stories about recalls and personal injuries stemming from accidents caused by faulty car parts, automobile owners are encouraged to do their due diligence and search for information about the manufacturer of their vehicle, even if it is not in the news at the time. It is natural to be concerned with all the recalls, so check your vehicle manufacturer's webpage for possible information about recalls.

If you sustain injuries due to faulty vehicle parts, contact a lawyer at the Spivey Law Firm as soon as possible.