Motor Vehicle Recalls Accident Injury Lawyer in Chicago, Illinois

When you buy or lease a car, you expect to be safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Since 1966, more than 299 million cars, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds have been recalled because of safety defects, according to Find Law. Federal standards set minimum performance requirements for car parts that affect the safe operation of a vehicle or protect drivers and passengers involved in a crash. A car is recalled when, the whole car or part of the car’s equipment, does not comply with these federal standards or when the car has a safety-related defect.

As part of the biggest recall in United States history, Fiat Chrysler must offer to buy back more than 500,000 Ram pickup trucks and other vehicles, reports ABC News. The automaker also faces a record civil fine of up to 105 million dollars. These recalls and repairs are part of a larger settlement between the government and the automaker over allegations of misconduct in twenty-three recalls covering more than eleven million vehicles. Additionally, Fiat Chrysler agreed to an independent recall monitor and strict federal oversight. The company must notify vehicle owners who are eligible for buybacks and repairs.

The Ram pickup trucks have defective steering parts that can cause drivers to lose control. Since previous repairs to the vehicles have been unsuccessful, the automaker has agreed to the buyback. The buyback will be for the purchase price of the pickup truck, minus depreciation. Owners also have the option of getting the vehicles repaired.

The older Jeeps have fuel tanks located behind the rear axle that can rupture and cause fire after a rear-end collision. At least seventy-five people have died in crash-related fires. According to US News and World Report, Jeep owners will be able to trade in their vehicles for more than market value or be paid to get them repaired.

Models included in the buyback offer are certain Ram 1500s from 2009 to 2012; the Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4 by 4 from 2008; and the Ram 2500 4 by 4, 3500 4 by 4, 4500 4 by 4, and 5500 4 by 4, all from 2008 through 2012, ABC news reports. Also part of the offer are 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs and the Dodge Dakota pickup from 2009 through 2011.

For a breakdown of the eligible vehicles, click here.

If you or a family member or friend were involved in an accident, please call our office for a free consultation so we can discuss your rights and how best to handle your injury claim. There is no charge for speaking with one of our experienced attorneys so call us at 312.422.0500.