Houston’s Defective Vehicle Issue Raises Big Concerns

One of the most staggering issues Houston currently faces is that there are over 1 million vehicles across the city that have defective Takata airbags installed. Approximately 27% of all Houston vehicles on the road have an open recall, which is the highest rate of any major city in the entire country!

Driving around with faulty vehicle parts can be a recipe for disaster as they can be the primary cause of a preventable accident. 

The Houston car accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns have compiled a brief guide regarding what to know about product liability cases and the dangers of driving around with faulty vehicle parts.

Faulty or defective parts are one of the biggest issues in the vehicle industry. When a part breaks down while an individual is driving, it can lead to a serious – and even fatal – accident. Notable examples of faulty vehicle parts include defective brakes, improperly installed airbags, and poorly manufactured tires.  

When an accident occurs as a result of a faulty car part, the driver is entitled to seek legal action against the manufacturer or other parties. Depending on the specifics of your particular accident, certain parties may be liable for the damages you have suffered, including: 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ), over 63 million vehicles have been recalled for having faulty Takata airbags. These products can explode if exposed to high heat and humidity. The Takata airbags have led to at least 26 fatalities worldwide with 17 of those lives lost in the United States.

Notable Cases to Be Aware Of 

In 2016, a Fort Bend family lost their teenage daughter as a result of the Takata airbag. The young lady was involved in a minor accident that was survivable, however, the airbags exploded and sent metal into her neck, which ultimately led to her death. 

In August 2020, a man in Arizona failed to get his airbag replaced and was involved in a small accident. A faulty airbag was cited as the primary reason for his death.

Perhaps one of the biggest issues with faulty vehicle parts is that many drivers are not fully aware of the risks associated with driving a defective vehicle and may not even be aware that their vehicle is under recall.

One of the most effective ways to make sure you aren’t driving a vehicle with an open recall is to visit safercar.gov and carfax.com/recall .

These websites allow you to input your vehicle information and you can instantly know whether or not you are driving a vehicle with a recall. If you do find that your vehicle is equipped with faulty equipment, you are likely eligible to have your vehicle fixed for free at the dealership where you purchased it. 

If you are involved in a car accident as the result of a faulty vehicle part, do not hesitate to contact the Houston car accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns . Our attorneys will sit down with you and evaluate your situation to determine what legal options are available, and to determine what parties may be responsible for your damages.

Houston’s Defective Vehicle Issue Raises Big Concerns

Lapeze & Johns