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May 5, 2015 |

FORD RECALLS OVER 500,000 VEHICLES OVER STEERING PROBLEM

Ford Motor Company has issued recalls for approximately 592,000 defective vehicles sold in North America. According to a New York Times article, the recalls are mostly for vehicles that had a defect in the steering system that could cause the power-assist to fail, making the vehicles more difficult to steer. Recalls were also issued for some vehicles because of a problem with the fuel pump that would cause the vehicles to stall, which has caused at least one accident.

The recall for the steering problem affects the 2013-15 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans and the 2015 Ford Edge sport utility vehicle, and it was issued only in states with heavy usage of road salt in the winter, including Illinois and Indiana. The recall for the stalling problem affects vehicles throughout the United States, and it applies to the 2014 Ford Focus, Edge, Escape, and Transit Connect vehicles as well as the 2014-15 Ford Fiesta.

Why Vehicle Manufacturers Issue Recalls

Many vehicle recalls are issued by manufacturers after they are made aware of a safety problem with with the vehicle that may lead to an accident or other user injury. Manufacturers often become aware of the safety issues by receiving reports of accidents and injuries that have already occurred, and they issue recalls in an attempt to reduce their future liability for the safety issues and vehicle defects that they have discovered.

A vehicle manufacturer can be held legally responsible for the injury or death of a user if the accident or injury was the result of a manufacturing or equipment defect. Manufacturers can be successfully sued after an accident even in situations where the vehicle owner or driver was also negligent in their servicing or operation of a vehicle. If an accident or other injury occurs, and it appears that a vehicle defect could be the cause, it is usually best for a victim to seek competent legal counsel to decide the best option. A skilled personal injury or product liability attorney can help victims hold the manufacturers responsible for the products that they sell.

Problems with Regional Recalls

The article noted that the recall was issued only in states where salt was used heavily on the roads in the winter, so an owner who has an affected vehicle but does not currently reside in one of the states where the recall was issued may not receive notice of the recall and their vehicles would not necessarily be repaired by the dealer free of charge. In some situations, an owner may move to a state where the recall was issued after the notice was sent out and never receive notice of the recall. This could lead to a dangerous situation of which the owner has no knowledge. Vehicle manufacturers issue regional recalls in order to save money when compared to a nationwide or worldwide vehicle recall. Because of this, not every eligible driver is generally notified and covered, and defective vehicles may remain on the road indefinitely.

Have You Been Injured by a Defective Vehicle?

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident or other incident involving a vehicle with manufacturing or equipment errors, the vehicle manufacturer may be more responsible for the accident than you think. The Chicago personal injury attorneys at the Cavanagh Sorich Law Group can help you decide how to proceed with your case. We are experienced with the relevant personal injury, wrongful death, and product liability laws, and we can help our clients be sure to act with the most knowledge and best advice possible before agreeing to a resolution to their case. Cavanagh Sorich Law Group’s Illinois and Southern Indiana accident attorneys are experienced, dedicated, and professional. Contact us.

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