January Saw a LOT of Vehicle Recalls

As attorneys with some of the most substantial auto defect verdicts and settlements in Georgia’s history, any story about defective car parts is interesting to us. However, the sheer number of stories and press releases about vehicle defects we’ve seen this yearis disconcerting.

According to a January 16, 2024 article in USA Today, the following vehicles have been marked for recall:

1. Ford Focus and Ford EcoSport recall: Ford is recalling 139,730 vehicles, including 26,041 2016-2018 Ford Focus sedans and 113,689 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport SUVs, due to a potential oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner failure. This issue may lead to a loss of engine oil pressure, resulting in an engine stall and compromised power braking assist, heightening the risk of a crash.
2. Volvo XC40 recall: Volvo is recalling 17,409 units of its 2024 XC40 SUV model. The recall is prompted by a diagnostic error which may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to malfunction. A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal poses an increased risk of accidents by failing to notify other drivers of a turning vehicle.
3. Lucid Air recall: Lucid is recalling 2,042 of its 2022-2023 Air electric sedans due to a concern with the high voltage coolant heater (HVCH). The HVCH may fail to defrost the windshield, potentially leading to restricted driver field of vision and an elevated risk of a crash.

And that was only a handful. In January alone, there were at least 30 recalls affecting vehicles across the globe, such as:

• Tesla recalled 200,000 vehicles for a defective rear view camera
• Toyota issued a “do not drive” orders for a number of older vehicles with defective Takata airbags
• Ford recalled 1.9 million Explorer SUVs because the A-Pillar trim can detach which car is in motion.

What needs to be proved in a product liability claim against an auto manufacturer?

In Georgia, anyone injured because of a defective auto part can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Georgia operates under strict liability, eliminating the need to prove manufacturer negligence. You and your trusted Savannah product liability attorney must show proper product use, a defect during use, the defect causing injury or death, and confirm that the product’s condition at the time of the incident aligns with how it was when it left the manufacturer. This ensures that the product’s failure is attributed to a defect rather than excessive wear and tear.

How much is my defective auto case worth in Savannah?

Manufacturers may be accountable for negligence, design flaws, or insufficient warnings, necessitating compensation for vehicle repairs, ongoing medical expenses, and associated losses in your Savannah car accident.

In a product liability lawsuit against an auto manufacturer, the compensation you can receive depends, first, on whether it’s a personal injury or wrongful death case. One of our lawyers will assess your losses through these types of compensatory damages:

• Special damages: These are quantifiable expenses or losses that can be measured, including:
  • Medical bills: Costs associated with healthcare directly related to the injuries suffered in your accident.
  • Cost of physical therapy: Expenses for physical and occupational therapy with the aim of rehabilitation after your accident.
  • Cost of orthotic devices: Covering the cost of wheelchairs, or other items that aid in daily life when coping with injuries after your accident.
  • Lost income: Compensation for income loss due to the injury.
• General damages: These pertain to subjective aspects of the injury that cannot be precisely quantified, including:
  • Physical pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort.
  • Inconvenience: Reimbursement for the disruption caused by the injury.
  • Emotional distress: Compensation for mental and emotional anguish including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Disfigurement: Compensation for any visible alterations caused by the injury.
  • Disability: Reimbursement for any loss of physical capabilities.
  • Loss of earnings capacity: Compensation for reduced earning potential due to the injury.
• Total compensation: Compensatory damages constitute the entire recognized loss, both monetary and non-monetary, under Georgia law for bodily injuries, ensuring fair compensation for all damages suffered.

As a Savannah driver involved in an accident due to a car manufacturer’s defect, whether you were operating the faulty vehicle or a victim in another car, you have the right to take legal action. With the assistance of the experienced Savannah car accident injury attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP, you’ll receive adept legal support in documenting the defect, gathering maintenance records, and establishing a clear link between the defect and the incident.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, our experienced team of Savannah product liability attorneys have secured more than $200 million in product liability verdicts and settlements and they are prepared to gather evidence demonstrating accident details and assess your resulting damages. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident caused by a defective car part, call or complete our contact form today, and let us help you get the justice you deserve for injuries caused by auto defects. Initial consultations are always free.