So, you just found out your car’s been recalled. Maybe you got a letter in the mail from the manufacturer or saw it on the news. It’s unsettling, especially if you’ve already had problems with that vehicle. If you’re wondering whether you can take legal action—especially if you or someone you love got hurt—you’re not alone. And yes, under the right circumstances, you can file a product liability claim for a recalled car.
What Exactly Is a Recall?
A recall happens when a car manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle has a defect that could pose a safety risk. This could be anything from faulty airbags and brake issues to engine fires or electrical failures.
Recalls are supposed to fix the problem before it leads to an accident. In most cases, manufacturers will offer free repairs, replacements, or sometimes even a full refund. But what if the damage is already done?
Why Did My Worcester Product Liability Lawyer Decline My Case?
Can You Sue for Injuries Caused by a Recalled Car?
Here’s the deal: just because a car has been recalled doesn’t mean you automatically have a lawsuit. But if the defect actually caused an accident or injury, then yes, you may have a strong case for a product liability claim.
Let’s say your brakes failed due to a manufacturing defect, and that failure caused a crash. If the defect is linked to a recall or should have been, and you got hurt, then a New Bedford personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
A recall simply acknowledges that something went wrong in the production or design of the car. If that “something” harmed you, the company may be held legally responsible.
What If You Didn’t Know About the Recall?
This is where things can get complicated. Maybe you never received the recall notice. Or maybe the notice came after the injury happened. That doesn’t necessarily hurt your case. In fact, the timing of the recall can actually help prove that the car company knew there was a problem and didn’t act fast enough.
A personal injury attorney in New Bedford can investigate whether the manufacturer had prior knowledge of the defect and how long they waited to notify the public. If there was a delay, that’s a red flag—and it could make your case even stronger.
What Makes a Strong Product Liability Case?
To win a product liability lawsuit, you’ll need to show:
- The vehicle had a defect (either in design, manufacturing, or due to a failure to warn).
- That defect caused an accident or injury.
- You were using the car as intended (not doing something wild or reckless).
- You suffered actual damages, like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
A New Bedford product liability lawyer can help gather the evidence you need, like repair history, accident reports, expert testimony, and recall documentation.
Common Types of Car Defects
Not all car problems lead to recalls, but here are some of the most common defects that could:
- Airbag failures (not deploying or deploying too forcefully)
- Brake malfunctions
- Steering issues
- Fuel system defects (leading to fires or leaks)
- Accelerator problems
- Electrical malfunctions (that cause loss of control or fire)
If any of these caused your accident, it’s time to have a serious conversation with a New Bedford personal injury lawyer who understands how to handle product liability claims.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get?
If your case is successful, you could receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- In some cases, punitive damages (if the company was grossly negligent)
This isn’t just about money—it’s about holding manufacturers accountable for putting unsafe vehicles on the road.
Don’t Wait, There Are Time Limits
Like most legal matters, product liability claims have statutes of limitations. In Massachusetts, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but legal cases can take months to build.
And remember—evidence can disappear. Vehicles get repaired or scrapped. Witnesses forget details. That’s why talking to a product liability attorney in New Bedford sooner rather than later is a smart move.
What If You Bought the Car Used?
Good question. Even if you weren’t the original owner, you may still be eligible to file a claim. If the defect was present when the car was made and that defect caused your injury, your case is still valid.
Used car owners can also suffer injuries from defects that weren’t properly disclosed or repaired. A personal injury attorney in New Bedford can help figure out whether the dealer or manufacturer may be liable.
How a New Bedford Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Filing a product liability claim isn’t easy, especially when big car companies have teams of lawyers protecting them. But a skilled New Bedford product liability lawyer can level the playing field. Here’s how they help:
- Investigate your accident and the vehicle’s defect history
- Collect evidence, including recall records and expert opinions
- Negotiate with insurance companies or the manufacturer’s legal team
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered
And most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case. So really, there’s nothing to lose by reaching out.
Final Thoughts
Getting hurt because of a defective car is frustrating, scary, and often life-changing. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether your vehicle has been recalled or you suspect it should’ve been, a New Bedford personal injury lawyer can help you explore your options.
If you’ve been injured and think your car’s defect was to blame, reach out to a product liability attorney in New Bedford as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights, investigate the cause, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
