New York Injury Talk Blog

Automaker Toyota USA recently recalled 70,500 vehicles from its 2009 Camry line and a total of 116,000 from 2009, 2010, and 2011 Venza vehicles because an electrical problem with the switch that operates the brake lights can cause problems operating the vehicle. Toyota states that it has received no reports of injuries from the problem, but that at least two vehicle owners have reported the issue.

The problem is with the installation of the switch that operates the “stop lamps,” or the vehicle’s brake lights. In some of the vehicles, silicone grease used in installation may have leaked into the switch. When this happens, the vehicle’s owner may experience several different problems, including warning lights that come on for no reason, a car that refuses to shift out of “Park” because the switch indicates the brakes aren’t being pressed even if they are, or the early burn-out of the brake lights due to excessive electrical current running through the switch.

Owners of the recalled vehicles will be able to take them back to the dealership to have the switch replaced, free of charge. Toyota estimates that the repair will take about 30 minutes. Vehicle owners with questions can call Toyota toll-free at (800) 331-4331 or visit www.toyota.com/recall for more information.

Car accidents can cause serious injuries or even the untimely loss of a loved one. If you or someone you love has been injured or lost in a car accident, please don’t wait: call the competent New York auto defect lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin. We can help you protect your legal rights and seek the compensation you deserve. For a free, confidential case evaluation by phone, call (212) 222-4336 today.

Goodyear, manufacturer of auto tires, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced a recall of nearly 41,000 Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires. The recall, which is expected to begin no later than March 22, targets several different sizes of the tires.

The tire sizes that have been recalled include sizes LT235/80R17 LRE, LT325/60R18 LRE, LT275/70R18 LRE, LT265/70R17 LRE, LT245/75R17 LRE, and LT285/70R17 LRD. They were produced between March 31 and May 31, 2009. Vehicle owners who have these defective auto products can call Goodyear at (800) 592-3267 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 for information on where to take the tires for a free replacement set.

The recalled tires all pose the same risk to drivers; the tread on the tires can separate from the rest of the tire during use, which can damage the vehicle if the tread hits it or the vehicle ends up driving on one of its rims due to the tire damage. Sudden tread separation can also cause a car accident, since it often forces the car to swerve or lose control, especially when it happens without warning or at a high speed.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our trained New York tire recall attorneys are well-versed in protecting those who have been injured by a defective or recalled product. We can help you investigate your accident and seek compensation from any negligent parties that may be responsible for your injuries. For a free, confidential telephone consultation, call us today at (212) 222-4336.

Two recently-recalled car products may increase the risk of accident and serious injury and should not be used until they can be repaired or replaced, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

First, Toyo Tires has recalled many of its Extensa A/S series tires manufactured between September 2009 and November 2010, because a kink in the tire’s bead can cause deflation, which might lead to a serious accident if it occurs while the car is in motion. Owners of these recalled tires in New York and across the nation can contact their tire shops or call Toyo at (800) 442-8696 for more information.

Next, car seat manufacturer Britax has recalled many of its Chaperone infant seats because the straps are not properly connected to the seat and may fall out, offering no protection to the child riding in the seat. Britax offers free repair kits, which parents who own the recalled car seats can request by calling (888) 427-4829 or visiting www.britaxusa.com.

Car accidents can cause serious and sometimes life-altering injuries that can cause simple tasks like walking, eating, bathing, or dressing to seem insurmountable. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our experienced New York auto product liability lawyers understand how radically your life can change after an accident. That's why we're dedicated to fighting on behalf of the injured to seek compensation and hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions. If you've been injured, call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free, confidential telephone consultation.

General Motors, makers of the Chevrolet Volt, recently stated that the company would buy back the electric hybrid vehicles from owners if they were concerned with safety after recent fire-related incidents, according to an article in The New York Times. The buyback is unusual, but not unheard-of, especially when a new type of vehicle or a serious possible defect is involved, according to a spokesperson for the automotive giant.

In testing, the Chevy Volt’s battery pack has caused or contributed to a fire after an auto accident in at least two different situations, leading the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch an investigation into possible defects. In one crash, the battery pack was damaged but the damage wasn’t noticeable until three weeks later, when the battery pack caught fire. In another, the battery pack emitted sparks immediately after the crash, which could set other vehicle components or even the car’s fuel tank on fire. Vehicle fires have been known to cause serious injuries and even death in crashes where the car’s occupants might otherwise have survived.

Car accidents aren’t always caused by poor driving. Sometimes, a defective vehicle part may be to blame. A defective part might also cause additional injuries, even serious ones, in what would otherwise have been a minor crash. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the experienced New York auto product liability attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro can help you find out what happened and hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions. For more information, call us today at (212) 222-4336.

Mazda is recalling some model year 2008 and 2009 Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed3 vehicles manufactured between January 7, 2008 and November 28, 2008. There are approximately 103,300 vehicles worldwide that could be affected by the recall. The recall is due to a defect in the windshield wiper motor. The ground terminal of the motor may have been bent accidently during assembly. This would cause the electrical resistance of the motor circuit to increase to a point where the windshield wipers would no longer function. Not having working windshield wipers could pose a hazard to drivers in inclement weather and might increase the risk of a crash.

Complaints about the windshield wipers began in late 2009 but Mazda decided that no action was necessary at the time and that they would keep an eye on the problem. This month, Mazda issued a recall because of an “increase in frequency of the occurrences.” Through the end of May there have been 132 reports of the problem worldwide. There have been no injuries reported so far.

Consumers will be notified by July 15 if their vehicle is part of the recall. Owners will be able to take their car to a dealer to have an additional ground harness installed on the wiper motor for free. For more information, contact the Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for making sure that their vehicles meet safety standards and are free of dangerous defects. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a defective vehicle or auto product, our skilled New York City automotive defect attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro have the experience and knowledge to help you get the compensation you may be entitled to. Call us for a free consultation at 212-222-4336 today.

As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model and model year Fords and Lincolns due to a driver side airbag defect. The recall originally began in March 2011, but an expanded population recall campaign will be implemented in early May 2011.

Approximately 1,325,000 potentially affected model year 2004-2006 F-150 Ford pick-up trucks and model year 2006 Lincoln Mark LT vehicles are being recalled due to possible driver side airbag malfunction. The wiring system could create a short circuit which may illuminate the airbag warning lamp, and/or can cause the airbag to deploy unpredictably. If the driver’s seat is occupied at the time, whether or not the car is being driven, the airbag could cause potential serious injury to the driver’s seat occupant. Possible injuries include facial bruising, broken nose, whiplash, and spinal cord damage. If the airbag inadvertently deploys while the car is in motion, it can also potentially cause a New York airbag defect accident.

New York Ford and Lincoln owners will be notified and instructed to take their car to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer for a free repair of the problem. Owners may call the Ford Motor Company Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for further information; they may also go to http://www.safecar.gov.

Auto manufacturers to have an obligation to provide consumers with safe and efficient vehicles, however that is not always the result. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York auto accident caused by a defective auto product, you may be able to hold the negligent party accountable for your losses. The skilled Bronx defective auto product lawyers of Wingate, Russotti and Shapiro can inform you of your legal rights and help you recover just compensation for your injuries. Call today at 1-212-222-4336 for a free consultation.

Mercedes-Benz USA announced the recall of 136,751 M-Class and M-Class AMG vehicles due to a faulty cruise control system that may not automatically disengage during braking. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall is expected to begin during September of this year.

Mercedes-Benz will be recalling certain model year 2000-2002 M-Class and model year 2000-2004 M-class AMG vehicles because the determinedly defective cruise control system increases the risk of a New York City car crash. The cruise control system in the affected vehicles can be disengaged in the following ways:

• Tapping or pumping the brake pedal;
• Using the cruise control stalk; or
• Braking enough to reach a specific deceleration rate.

However, under certain circumstances, use of the brake pedal may not automatically deactivate the cruise control, thus maintaining a high and unsafe vehicle speed. Driving at excessive speeds for current road conditions increases the risk of a car accident, especially a rear-end collision. Although the other methods to disengage the cruise control are fully functional, a driver may not have time to try a means other than the brake before a crash. New York Mercedes-Benz M-Class vehicle owners will be able to take their car to a dealer to repair this problem free of charge; they may also contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

It is the responsibility of auto manufacturers and distributors to ensure that they are producing and selling safe, dependable vehicles. When a defective auto product or component threatens the stability of the vehicle and causes a New York injury accident, the manufacturing company and/or distributing company may be held liable for a victim’s financial and noneconomic losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York auto accident caused by an automotive defect, you may be entitled to compensation. The knowledgeable Manhattan auto product liability attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP, can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today at 1-212-222-4336 for a free consultation.

General Motors is issuing an auto product defect recall for more than 20,000 Cadillac vehicles because of the risk of leg injuries in the event of a car accident. According to a CNN news report, the recall includes 2009 and 2010 model year Cadillac CTS all-wheel-drive cars and CTS-V performance sedans.

These vehicles reportedly do not comply with federal safety requirements in terms of the manner in which they protect smaller passengers who are not buckled up during car crashes. According to a letter sent out by GM to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in car crashes involving smaller, unbelted occupants, the risk of injury to the thigh bone is higher than what is permitted under federal law. GM dealers will reconfigure the glove compartment assembly to fix the problem, done free of charge to consumers.

Design flaws in automobiles can put consumers at risk for serious injury or even death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York car accident due to a defective automotive component, remember, you have legal rights. The auto products liability lawyers of Wingate, Russotti and Shapiro have represented numerous injured victims, who would have never been injured had they been in a better designed car.

If you have been injured in an auto accident that you believe was caused by a vehicle defect, the experienced New York auto product liability attorneys at Wingate, Russotti and Shapiro can help you determine whether a defective vehicle caused your injuries. Please call us at 212-986-7353 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.

Auto safety advocates nationwide are blaming a deadly van accident that occurred on the New York State Thruway on the inherent safety flaws of the 15-passenger van. According to a report in the New York Post, the crash, which killed six members of a church group from the Bronx and seriously injured eight others, involved a controversial type of vehicle notorious for its instability. The crash occurred when the 1997 Ford Econoline 15-passenger van blew a tire and rolled over several times, ejecting seven passengers.

An expert who has testified in several 15-passenger van auto product liability cases tells the Post that the Ford Econoline van has a high center of gravity, narrow track width and a poor suspension system, all of which contribute to creating stress on the rear tires. The condition of the tires becomes worse when the van carries a full load of passengers.

In New York auto accident cases that are caused by auto product defects or defective design, the auto maker can be held liable for injuries, damages and losses caused. In any such crash, it is critical to preserve the vehicle in its crashed condition in tact, so it can be examined by an accident reconstruction expert for all evidence, including proof of vehicle and design defects.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident involving a 15 passenger van, please contact the experienced New York 15 passenger van accident lawyers of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and make sure that you are fairly compensated for your losses.

The driver of a Toyota lost control of his vehicle and crashed into two vehicles in a New York parking lot. CNN reported that there were no major injuries. But the driver of the Toyota told officials that he lost control of his car because the gas pedal got stuck. Investigators are looking into whether a faulty Toyota gas pedal may have caused this collision.

Over the last several months, Toyota has recalled nearly 10 million vehicles worldwide for auto product defects relating to faulty gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. A majority of the recalled cars experienced problems with sudden acceleration. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that, so far, at least 100 people have been killed and thousands injured as a result of these defective autos. Toyota has also paid a $16.4-million government fine over allegations of covering up these defects and delaying these recalls.

The vehicles included in the recalls are several popular models including Corollas, the Prius, Camry, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia, Avalon and the Matrix. If you have been involved in a New York vehicle crash due to an auto product defect, you may be eligible for compensation. Remember, if you believe an auto product defect in New York caused your car to crash, preserve the vehicle in its current condition so it can be examined by an expert for evidence of product defects, mechanical malfunctions and other evidence. The NY injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP have years of experience in pursuing compensation for victims injured in car accidents caused by defective autos. Call us at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

The U.S. government is proposing to fine Toyota Motor Corporation $16.4 million for improperly handling auto product defects involving faulty gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. So far, millions of vehicles have been recalled and nearly 100 deaths have been attributed to defects which caused sudden and unintended acceleration in several models of Toyota vehicles. The Washington Post reports the sanction would be the largest financial penalty ever placed on an auto manufacturer by the U.S. government. An even more significant issue for Toyota would be a potential civil class action suit representing the 6 million car owners whose vehicles have already been recalled.

So far, several internal documents and memos obtained by media outlets and the government have shown that Toyota knew about these serious products, but did nothing to fix them. On the other hand, the Japanese auto maker went to great lengths to make sure that no one found out about these defects. These defective autos have caused catastrophic injuries and deaths. No amount of money can bring back the deceased victims or give injured victims their life back.

If you have been injured due to Toyota sudden acceleration issues or brake defects, please contact a reputed New York City defective auto attorney with experience and a successful track record handling product liability cases against large auto makers. You may be able to seek compensation to cover your injuries, damages and losses. Please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353 to determine whether you have a product liability claim.

If you own a Toyota Camry model dated before 2007, your car was probably not included in the recent massive Toyota vehicle defect recall. However, new studies show that these older Camry models have been linked to speed control and sudden acceleration problems as well. Since 2000, there have been more complaints about sudden or unintended acceleration in Toyotas than any other make of vehicles. In fact, one out of every 20,454 Toyota vehicles since 2000 has been involved in a speed-control crash. Yet, Toyota only recalled cars made after 2007.

Toyota claims that they looked into all issues involving 2007 Camrys and earlier models, and that they have cleared all inspections. They say there is nothing to suggest that those vehicles should be included in the recall. Despite this claim, federal auto safety officials are expanding their investigation to pre-2007 Camrys. Of the 125 crashes reported in 2004 linked to speed control, 80 involved Camrys. Is that a rather high percentage to just be coincidence? That seems to be the question investigators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seem to be asking as well.

Continue reading "Are You Safe in Your Toyota Camry?" »

This summer, Chrysler plans on fixing over 355,000 minivans. They are quick to point out that this is not a "recall" in the vein of the recent Honda and Toyota recalls. Chrysler claims that even with this new problem with the airbags, their vehicles still meet the federal standard for safety. In addition, no personal injuries due to defective airbags in New York or throughout the U.S. have been reported at this time, officials say. Apparently, the front airbags in certain Chrysler minivans can fail if the sensor is cracked and then gets wet.

A proper working airbag can save your life. Of course, an airbag will not help if it is not working properly and dos not deploy. Since airbags became mandatory in the mid 1990s, more than 18,000 lives were saved by use of an airbag by the year 2006. However, between 1990 and 2006, there were 262 deaths due to malfunctioning airbags. Faulty airbags can cause serious injuries when they fail to deploy or when they deploy suddenly or at a time when they are not supposed to release.

Continue reading "Chrysler Will Repair the Airbags in Over 355,000 Minivans" »

Honda Motor Company has expanded its vehicle defect recall to include an additional 438,000 vehicles worldwide, including 379,000 in the United States. According to a news report, Honda officials said the driver's airbag inflators in these vehicles may expand with too much pressure, which can cause the inflator casing to break. This could result in injury or death. The expanded airbag defect recall in New York and throughout the nation includes 2001 and 2002, Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V and selected 2002 Acura TL vehicles. So far, 12 incidents have been reported in connection with the airbag inflator problem.

The original recall stemming from these problems was issued in November 2008 for 2001 and 2002 models of Accords and Civics as well as some 2002 model year Acura TL vehicles. Last summer Honda added 443,727 vehicles to that recall in the United States. Now, that total number of vehicles recalls is up to more than 826,000 in the United States. Last month, Honda announced a separate recall for 646,000 Fit, City and Jazz models over defective power window switches that pose a potential fire hazard. That auto product defect caused one death in South Africa.

Continue reading "Honda Recalls Vehicles for Airbag Defects" »

With consumer confidence certainly waning in the auto sector over the last couple of months, Toyota has issued yet another recall, this time due to an anti-lock braking system (ABS) software glitch. Toyota announced the voluntary recall on February 9, 2010 for several vehicle models, including the popular 2010 Prius. The complete list of recalled Toyota vehicles includes the following:

• 2004-2010 Prius


• 2005-2010 Avalon


• 2005-2010 Tacoma


• 2007-2010 Tundra


• 2007-2010 Camry


• 2008-2010 Highlander


• 2008-2010 Sequoia


• 2009-2010 RAV4


• 2009-2010 Matrix


• 2009-2010 Venza


• 2009-2010 Corolla


• 2010 Lexus HS 250h

With this recent recall for Toyota defective brakes, 133,000 Prius vehicles and 14,550 Lexus HS 250h vehicles will be affected. Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are utilized in motor vehicles to maintain tire traction while driving over rough or slick road conditions. However, the software responsible for controlling ABS has proven unreliable, and Toyota owners may find themselves experiencing inconsistent braking while operating the aforementioned affected vehicles. Inconsistent braking could potentially lead to loss of vehicle control, which could further result in a motor vehicle accident and serious injuries. More information regarding these recalls may be obtained at www.toyota.com/recall, or by calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331, or the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987.

Continue reading "Toyota Announces Official Recall Due to Brake Defects" »

Hyundai, the Korean auto maker, has issued an auto product defect recall for 65,266 Hyundai Azera vehicles from 2006-2009 model years, according to a news report in the Miami Herald. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that the vehicles involved in the recall were manufactured between September 27, 200 and October 1, 2008.

These Hyundai Azera models have a wiring harness for the right front seatbelt tension sensor that could become damaged after repeated use of the seatbelt. This could lead to the right front passenger airbag not deploying in the event of a car crash. This seatbelt and airbag defect could lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries to the front passenger. When the recall begins, Hyundai dealers will replace the wiring harness for the seatbelt tension sensor free of charge. If you own a Hyundai Azera involved in this recall, you should take your car to a dealer right away to check if your seatbelt tension sensor needs to be replaced.

Continue reading "Hyundai Azera Models Recalled for Defective Airbags" »

Brain injury is called "the silent epidemic" for a reason. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 5.3 million Americans are living with long-term disabilities because of traumatic brain injuries. Every year, according to the CDC, at least 1.4 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury, more than the number of people who suffer heart attacks. Very often, the problem of traumatic brain injury is underestimated or dismissed.

More than 40 percent of traumatic brain injuries are caused by auto accidents, which is the most common cause of this type of injury. A traumatic brain injury in New York can result in changes to how a person processes information. Speech can become slurred. Thinking can be slowed down. Short-term memory can be completely lost in some cases. Judgment can become impaired. Almost always, brain-injured patients need extensive therapy, which dramatically increases the cost of treating this condition as well. And even so, the therapy only helps these injured victims cope with their brain injury. Brain damage is forever.

Continue reading "Traumatic Brain Injuries Have Long-Term Effects" »

Vehicle safety is an issue that many motorists take for granted. We trust that auto manufacturers have rigorously tested their products, ensuring the safety of consumers as a consequence. However, as the most recent safety recall issued by Toyota illustrates, faulty design is not always caught by auto manufacturers before its products are introduced and sold to the public.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that between 2006 and 2009, 13 Toyota vehicles have been involved in fatal accidents stemming from gas pedal sticking. Due to statistics such as these and additional reports of serious accidents involving Toyota’s accelerator defects has resulted in Toyota recently recalling over 2.3 million vehicles, specifically the 2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models; the 2005-2010 Avalon; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia; and some 2007-2010 Camrys . This recall comes after an earlier recall that was announced in November 2009 of floor mats that Toyota had indicated were at risk of becoming lodged underneath gas pedals, causing them to accelerate uncontrollably.

Continue reading "Toyota Accelerator Defect Results In Voluntary Recall" »

A new study by Consumer Reports shows that Toyota Motor Corp. registered way more complaints regarding sudden acceleration in its 2008 model year vehicles than any other auto maker. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, Toyota and Lexus got 41 percent of all consumer complaints that were logged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that had to do with runaway acceleration. Toyota topped Chrysler, Honda, General Motors and Nissan combined with regard to this auto product defect issue. Ford came in second with 28 percent of complaints relating to sudden or inadvertent acceleration.

Toyota issued its largest ever vehicle defect recall last month of 4.2 million vehicles after a fatal car accident in San Diego that killed four people. Initially, defective floor mats were thought to have caused the accelerator to jam in the Lexus involved in that particular accident. But a federal investigation determined that the problem also had to do with the way the accelerator pedals were designed in these vehicles. So far, 19 people have died in sudden acceleration accidents involving Toyotas since 2002 model year, Los Angeles Times review of records shows.

Continue reading "2008 Toyota and Lexus Models Receive Most Complaints for Sudden Acceleration" »

Nissan North America is recalling more than 10,500 model year 2009 Sentra sedans that are equipped with Bosch master cylinders because of the risk of the brake fluid leaking from the master cylinders. According a news report in Automotive Fleet, the brake system warning indicator will illuminate if the amount of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases to below the minimum level. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that if the driver ignores this cautionary light, one of the brake circuits in the vehicle may fail, thus increasing the stopping distances and risking a car accident.

Brake defects are extremely serious auto product defects that can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. Motorists count on a vehicle's brakes to be able to stop, which is especially important when a driver needs to avoid a crash involving a person or a vehicle. More than one person's life could be in jeopardy if a car's brakes fail. The sudden lack of braking function could very well lead to a crash and can be a difficult situation even for the most experienced driver. Hundreds of people are killed each year because of defective brakes with problems that include premature lock-up, ABS failures, brake fluid leaks or brake-line defects.

Continue reading "Nissan Recalls Sentras for Defective Brakes" »

A federal auto safety agency has opened an investigation regarding possible airbag defects in Ford F-150 pickup trucks. According to a news blog in The Car Connection, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation is looking into "inadvertent airbag deployment" in the Ford pickup trucks. The agency has received eight complaints from consumers who stated that the driver's side airbag deployed unexpectedly either when starting the engine or shortly afterward. Five out of eight, who complained about this auto product defect, said they sustained injuries as a result of sudden airbag deployment. The investigative report states that wire chaffing may have been a potential cause of the airbag deploying without any cause or warning. The investigation involves only the 2005 model Ford F-150 so far.

Airbag defects in New York and throughout the United States can lead to devastating injuries or even death. As consumers, we count on the latest technology in our automobiles – such as airbags – to protect us in the event of a car accident. However, there have been many instances where airbags fail to deploy or deploy when there is no crash. In this case, the possibility of a car crash is very high because the defective airbags that could deploy inadvertently are on the driver's side.

Continue reading "Ford F-150 Airbags Investigated for Sudden Deployment" »

Mitsubishi is recalling about 530 Endeavor vehicles from its 2010 model year because the retainer bracket used for the seat-mounted side airbag frames may not have been properly welded. The airbag could fail in the event of the crash by failing to deploy. This auto product defect in New York and throughout the nation applies only to Mitsubishi Endeavors manufactured between May 26 and July 28, 2009. During the recall, vehicle dealers will check the weld, and if necessary, replace the seatback assembly free of charge.

As motorists, we depend on airbags to protect us at the time of a crash. But when airbags fail to deploy the injuries can be catastrophic or lethal. If you or a loved one has been severely injured or killed as a result of a faulty airbag, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of such a defective product. Whether your injuries involve airbags that deployed when they weren't supposed to or a non-deployed airbag, the auto maker could be held liable for making the defective auto product.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Recalls Vehicles for Possible Airbag Defects" »

Toyota Motor Corp. has issued a large-scale auto product defect recall involving 3.8 million vehicles, the company's largest ever recall in the United States. According to an Associated Press news report, the recall is being issued to address problems with a removable floor mat that could cause accelerators to get stuck and lead to a crash. Toyota has not been able to resolve the issue with the mat and is asking consumers to remove the mats and not substitute them until the company comes up with a fix.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has so far received 102 incident reports where the accelerator may have become stuck as a result of these defective floor mats. The recall was spurred by a fatal car accident in San Diego where a California Highway Patrol officer and three of his family members were killed after the floor mat of the Lexus he was driving slipped and the accelerator got stuck. The car barreled out of control and reached speeds of 120 mph before crashing and bursting into flames. The recall will affect 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry; 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon; 2004-2009 Toyota Prius; 2005-2010 Tacoma; 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra; 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350.

Continue reading "Toyota Recalls Vehicles for Defective Floor Mats" »

Honda has recalled an additional 440,000 Civic, Accord and Acura TLs to repair a potential airbag defect, according to this CNN news report. This defective auto product recall in New York and throughout our nation involves driver-side airbags in certain 2001-02 Honda Accords, 2001 Civic models and 2002-03 Acura TLs. In some of these cars, the airbag inflators can produce over pressurization of the driver's front airbag inflator mechanism during airbag deployment. This can cause the inflator casing to rupture and metal fragments could pass through the cloth airbag cushion material, posing the risk of injury or death to the vehicles' occupants. With a damaged airbag, occupants may not be protected in the event of a car accident.

Airbag defects are serious vehicle defects that can result in catastrophic injuries or death to a vehicle's occupants. We count on airbags to deploy and cushion the impact of a car crash. But when airbags do not work the way they are supposed to function, it can result in severe trauma to those in the vehicle.

Continue reading "Honda Recalls Cars for Airbag Defects" »

BMW is recalling its 2008 model 1-Series and 3-Series because of an airbag defect that might prevent the side airbag from deploying, causing a serious injury hazard in the event of a car accident. According to this news report, BMW North America officials say the side airbag defect was caused by an incorrect crimp connector that was used on the side airbag and belt tensioner wiring.

As a result, sufficient contact between the crimp connectors and the corresponding plug may not occur, which could lead to an increase in the electrical resistance of that connection. If that occurs, the side airbag and/or the safety belt tensioner may not deploy, thereby failing to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury.

Auto product defects in New York can cause serious car accidents. As drivers, we count on airbags and seatbelts to protect us in the event of a car crash. However, when these components fail, when airbags fail to deploy or seat restraint systems unlatch, vehicle occupants can sustain catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as a result of a vehicle defect, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective auto to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages. If such an accident results in death, the family of the deceased victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "BMW Recalls Vehicles for Airbag Defects" »

General Motors Corp. has agreed to take responsibility for future auto product liability claims, removing what may have been a huge obstacle on auto maker's path to a quick sale of its assets and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a "new company."

According to an Associated Press article, GM has wished to walk away from liabilities such as defective product lawsuits. But after a significant opposition from consumer groups, attorneys and state officials, GM has said the new company will assume responsibility for future claims involving defective vehicles sold by the old company.

The fact that the "new GM" will protect consumers who were seriously injured by defective "old GM" vehicles is a positive development and a victory for consumers. But GM's concession still does not help those who have been hurt by GM vehicles. Consumers who have been hurt by Chrysler have little or no recourse in product liability cases in New York and throughout the U.S.

Continue reading "GM to Assume Responsibility for Future Product Liability Claims" »

Bridgestone/Firestone is recalling about 127,000 Firestone FR 280 tires because the continued use of these tires may lead to vibration and groove cracking, which could result in tread distortion or tread separation causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. According to this news report, the recalled tires, size P235/75R15, were manufactured September 9, 2007 through July 2, 2008. The company will notify owners and replace the defective tires free of charge.

Defective tires in New York and throughout the United States can cause devastating auto accidents that result in catastrophic injuries and death. When there is a tire tread separation or tire blowout, it is near impossible even for an experienced driver to take control of the vehicle. Tire blowouts could result in rollover accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents account for 25 percent of all fatal auto accidents each year in the United States.

In cases where victims suffer injuries as a result of a defective auto product, the product manufacturer can be held liable. Injured victims may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages and other related damages. If you have lost a loved one as a result of a defective auto product, you could file a wrongful death claim, which compensates for families of deceased auto accident victims. Such compensation could cover medical or funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages.

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