Ford Recalled 2 Million Cars for Faulty Door Hinges
The Ford Motor Vehicle Company has recalled over 2 million cars in the United States due to faulty door hinges causing the doors to open while the vehicle is being driven. The vehicles in question have been subject to a recall in the past for faulty door latches. However, some of the dealers that performed the repairs for this car defect during the recalls process either failed to carry out the work correctly or failed to do it at all, according to Ford. The automaker has not yet named any specific dealerships.
Which Fords Were Recalled for Faulty Door Hinges?
The reason for safety recalls 16S30 and 15S16 is due to the pawl spring tabs in the side door latches potentially breaking, making the doors of the vehicle difficult to latch. A door that opens while driving may increase the risk of injury in the event of a motor vehicle collision. Owners of the vehicles affected by the recall have the option to inspect the codes of the door latch dates. They can submit these codes online to verify whether their cars have been repaired under safety recalls 16S30 or 15S16. The list of vehicles affected by the safety recall include:
- 2011 to 2014 Ford Fiesta vehicles built between January 26, 2010, to October 31, 2013, at Cuautitlan Assembly Plant
- 2012 to 2015 Ford Focus cars built between October 4, 2010, to January 31, 2015, at Michigan Assembly Plant
- 2013 to 2014 Ford Fusion sedans built between May 11, 2012, to October 31, 2013, at Hermosillo Assembly Plant
- 2013 to 2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built between July 19, 2012, to October 31, 2013, at Hermosillo Assembly Plant
- 2013 to 2015 Ford Escape SUVs built between December 23, 2011, to January 31, 2015, at Louisville Assembly Plant
- 2013 to 2015 Ford C-MAX SUVs built between February 2, 2012, to January 31, 2015, at Michigan Assembly Plant
- 2014 Ford Fusions built between June 18, 2013, to October 31, 2013, at Flat Rock Assembly Plant
- 2014 to 2016 Ford Transit Connect vans built between August 9, 2013, to February 1, 2016, at Valencia Body and Assembly Plant
- 2015 Ford Mustang vehicles built between February 14, 2014, to April 30, 2015, at Flat Rock Assembly Plant
- 2015 Lincoln MKC crossovers built between November 18, 2013, to January 31, 2015, at Louisville Assembly Plant
How Do Vehicles Become Defective?
There are a few stages in the building process where a vehicle can become defective. This includes the resourcing, design, and manufacturing process. Automakers are obligated to place safe vehicles on the market. When something goes wrong and makes a car part or equipment dangerous, an injured person must know what caused that to happen to seek recovery through an auto products liability claim. An experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer can look into an injury case and determine what made the vehicle faulty and cause injuries and losses incurred.
Compensation for Products Liability Claims Involving Defective Vehicles
An injury from a car crash involving an automotive defect may make completing everyday tasks painful and challenging and prevent them from working. A successful personal injury settlement from an auto products liability claim can help an injured person afford the medical treatment they need and help ensure that they do not have to worry about future expenses incurred. A Sacramento personal injury lawyer will do everything in their power to make sure the injured person receives the compensation they need to move forward with their life. A settlement for a personal injury claim arising from a defective vehicle accident may cover the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical Expenses: An injury from a motor vehicle accident has the potential to place an individual in the hospital or require surgery to repair. Medical care in the future may be necessary for the recovery of a car accident-related injury. A personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can calculate how much medical treatment has cost in the past and future to obtain the compensation that will help cover it.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Potential: Injuries suffered after a car crash may stop an individual from working for a period. Conversely, they may prevent them from returning to work at all due to permanent injury or disability. Compensation in an auto products liability case will help cover the wages lost in the past and will expectedly be lost in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: An injury from an auto accident caused by a defective vehicle part or equipment may cause physical pain and emotional trauma. Taking note of how the injuries have impacted the individual’s life, especially through expert testimony, can help prove how the defective vehicle has harmed them and affected their quality of life.
- Property Damage: If a faulty car part or equipment has caused damage to your vehicle or other cars and structures, you may be able to recover compensation to cover those costs of repairs or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: Also referred to as exemplary damages, these serve the purpose of punishing a vehicle manufacturer for their negligence of placing unsafe vehicles on the road and to deter similar behavior from others in the future. Punitive damages are only covered by the automakers, not insurance companies.
Specific factors may affect how personal injury cases are calculated and valued. To learn what these are, watch the video below.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Products Liability Claim?
Automakers should be held financially accountable for their wrongdoing when they place a defective vehicle on the road. Your injuries and personal injury case should not be ignored. The Sacramento personal injury lawyers of AutoAccident.com are ready to represent you and your legal rights to ensure you receive the compensation you need to move forward. You should not have to stress over being overwhelmed or receiving a low-ball settlement because you will have experienced injury lawyers protecting your best interests.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. People depend on their vehicles to get them from Point A to Point B every day. If the steering, brakes, or other car part or equipment go out as a result of a defect, the driver could get into an accident and injure themselves and others. If you or a loved one has been injured after a car accident you believe was the result of a vehicle defect, please call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to discuss your potential options for recovery.
Before calling our personal injury law firm in Sacramento to set up a free consultation, check out our client ratings and reviews on the following sites:
I am proud to be listed as a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
See how we have helped others with their personal injury cases by visiting our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/ford-emblem-logo-vehicle-auto-2691853/
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