A door is a car’s safety component that helps prevent vehicle ejections during an accident. Unfortunately, some companies may fail to design the door latch carefully or make it sturdy enough to withstand environmental conditions.
A proper lock can stop a door from flying open due to the force during a collision. If occupants also wear their seatbelts, these safety features can be enough to keep them inside the car in one piece.
However, a recent report announced a recall of specific Ford and Lincoln cars with malfunctioning door latches. While the products involved have not caused injuries or deaths, learning about the details can help vehicle owners or drivers take action to avoid severe or fatal risks on the road.
Recall details and how it can impact a potential claim
The recall involves more than 45,000 faulty motor vehicles with latches that may break, opening doors in transit when exposed to extremely hot temperatures.
The following are vital information for affected parties:
- Cars involved: 2015 Fiesta hatchbacks and different types of sedans, such as 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion and 2016 Lincoln MKZ
- States affected: Georgia and other locations that tend to have intense heat, such as Arizona and Texas
- Proposed solutions: Free latch replacement on all doors or reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred before becoming aware of the issue
While a recall does not necessarily guarantee favorable results for a product liability claim, it may validate an injured party’s claim about potential responsibility from the supply chain, such as manufacturers and sellers. But complainants must still prove that their injuries directly resulted from the flawed item.
Conversely, a recall does not insulate manufacturers from a lawsuit by default. They must still demonstrate that they issued adequate warnings to the consumer about the product’s risks.
Reasons to seek accountability
Motorists purchase their cars trusting that companies have their safety in mind. However, some businesses tend to prioritize profit over customer protection and fail to conduct appropriate tests. Thus, going after them will hold them accountable for their duty of care. Doing so can help recover compensation for medical bills and other losses. Further, it can inform other road users of the product’s dangers and encourage them to be more thorough for their next purchase to avert complex legal action.
