Car Recall Attorneys in Kansas City, Missouri

Like any other type of consumer product, automobiles can sometimes suffer from design flaws or manufacturing defects. When this happens with a specific car model or part, the manufacturer will issue a recall on the affected cars and notify the owners that repairs are necessary. If your car is recalled, you are likely left with questions about the process and how it works. Consulting with an attorney who has experience in handling car recalls can be beneficial throughout the process in multiple ways. 

If you have been notified that your car—or part of it—has been recalled, our team is ready to explain the process and help you make informed decisions. From start to finish, we will be available to explain your options in the recall and help you avoid potential pitfalls along the way. If you need guidance for a car recall in the greater Kansas City, Missouri, area—or as far south as Springfield—contact us at SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer today and schedule a consultation to get started. 

The Impact of Car Recalls 

The effect of a car being recalled can be felt by both the manufacturer and the consumer. With safety being such a high priority for consumers, a recall for safety reasons can result in the manufacturer’s brand in the marketplace being damaged and consumers being hesitant to purchase these models of vehicles in the future. There are, however, many different reasons a car may be recalled. 

Common Reasons for Car Recalls 

A recall may be issued on a small number of vehicles, or an entire batch of vehicles produced, ranging from problems that affect the entire car to smaller, more easily replaced components. Many different issues can lead to a recall, but some of the more common reasons include problems with: 

• Airbags 

• Seatbelts 

• Windshields 

• Steering wheels 

• Electrical systems 

• Tires 

• Ignition systems 

• Door latches  

Any issue with any part of the vehicle that could potentially raise a safety risk or lead to a malfunction can be used as grounds to issue a recall for the car. Depending on the number of vehicles produced with the problem, there may be a very large number of cars recalled. 

What to Do If Your Car Is Recalled 

Typically, you will be notified through the mail that your car has been recalled. The notification will provide basic details and information about the recall and instructions about repairs that may be needed to correct the issue. By contacting an authorized maintenance provider, you will be able to have the recall issue corrected quickly and efficiently through the manufacturer. 

By law, if a recall is issued before your car is ten years old, you will not be required to pay for the work done to correct the issue that caused the recall. Even if your car is old enough to be out of this window, making sure you get your car fixed is worth the money. Safety is always the priority. 

Potential Compensation 

If your car is recalled, there may be compensation of some type offered by the manufacturer. For example, if your vehicle is going to be unavailable to you for an extended time due to the work being done, you may be reimbursed for the cost of a rental vehicle. Additionally, the manufacturer should cover the cost of either replacing the affected components of your car that need to be repaired or replaced, or if necessary, the cost of replacing your entire car. 

If defects in a car result in an accident or an injury to you or a loved one, there may also be an option of pursuing legal action to hold the manufacturer responsible and pursue damages. An attorney will be able to help you assess your situation and determine the best course of action moving forward. 

Trust a Skilled Law Firm 

You likely have a lot invested in your vehicle and rely on it for important aspects of your life. Finding out your car has been recalled by the manufacturer can bring a wave of stress and uncertainty about what you need to do to address it—and what the future holds for your personal transportation.  

When you hire an experienced attorney to help you through the car recall process, you can put yourself in a strong position and have confidence that your rights will be protected as you move toward a favorable outcome.