Understanding Vehicle Recalls and Defective Auto Parts After a Car Accident
Car accidents can unfold in an instant, a brief distraction, slick roads, or a sudden stop. Yet sometimes, the real cause goes deeper, a defective vehicle part that should have kept you safe but instead failed. When a recalled or faulty component contributes to a crash, the situation becomes far more complex.
In these cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to the manufacturer or distributor responsible for producing or selling the unsafe part. Understanding how vehicle recalls intersect with negligence and product liability law is essential to protecting your rights and pursuing full compensation after a car accident.
What Exactly Is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or the NHTSA identifies a defect that compromises federal safety standards. These issues often involve critical systems necessary for control and crash protection, such as:
- Brakes or steering mechanisms
- Airbag inflators, including major recalls like the Takata airbag crisis
- Electrical or fuel systems that increase fire risks
- Tires or suspension parts affecting stability
Once a recall is announced, the manufacturer must notify registered owners and provide free repairs or replacements. Unfortunately, many drivers never receive these notices or don’t act on them. As a result, defective vehicles can stay on the road, leading to preventable collisions and complex legal questions about fault.
Two Legal Paths, Negligence vs. Product Liability
Most car accident claims stem from driver negligence, a failure to operate a vehicle safely. Washington law requires vehicles to be maintained in safe condition.
However, when a defective or recalled part contributes to a crash, another path emerges, product liability.
- Driver Negligence and Recall Awareness
If a driver knew about a recall but ignored it, they could be deemed negligent for operating an unsafe vehicle. This may reduce or eliminate their right to recover damages. - Manufacturer Liability Under Washington Law
If the driver never received proper notice, liability can shift to the manufacturer under the Washington Product Liability Act, which holds automakers and distributors responsible for products that are not reasonably safe.
In short, if a defective part like a brake or airbag causes a crash, the manufacturer, not the driver, may be held accountable.
How Recalls Affect Fault and Compensation
When a recalled or defective part contributes to a crash, it can completely change how responsibility and compensation are determined. What might first appear to be a simple case of driver error may actually involve multiple parties.
Causation
You must show that the defective part caused the crash or worsened your injuries.
Comparative Fault
Under Washington law, damages are divided by responsibility. A driver found 40 percent at fault and a manufacturer 60 percent can still recover 60 percent of total losses.
Insurance Disputes
Insurers often blame drivers for ignoring recalls. An attorney can refute this by showing the driver lacked notice or the manufacturer’s repair was inadequate.
Vehicle recalls can make a claim more complex but can also strengthen it by exposing corporate negligence.
What to Do After a Collision Involving a Defective Part
- Check for Recalls: Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.
- Preserve the Evidence: Do not repair or dispose of the vehicle until it is inspected.
- Gather Documentation: Keep recall notices, repair records, police reports, and medical files.
- Contact an Attorney: Defective part claims require technical investigation and legal coordination.
Protecting Your Rights After a Recall-Related Crash
If a defective or recalled part caused your accident, you may have several legal options. At Ron Meyers & Associates, we help clients uncover every source of liability and pursue full compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Recalls and Car Accidents in Washington
Can a vehicle recall affect who is at fault in a car accident?
Yes. If a recalled or defective vehicle part caused or contributed to the crash, liability may extend to the manufacturer or distributor.
What if I didn’t know my vehicle had an open recall?
If the manufacturer failed to properly notify vehicle owners, responsibility may shift away from the driver.
Can I still recover compensation if a recalled part made my injuries worse?
Yes. Compensation may still be available if the defect increased injury severity.
How do I find out if my vehicle was subject to a recall?
You can check by entering your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Who can be held responsible in a recall-related car accident?
Responsible parties may include the manufacturer, parts supplier, distributor, repair facility, or negligent driver.
How long do I have to file a claim involving a defective vehicle part?
Most claims must be filed within three years, though acting sooner helps preserve evidence.
