Watch Out for Remarketed Defective Used Vehicles

Auto safety recalls are always important to follow. A recent recall involving Takata airbags has resulted in hundreds of injuries and affected almost 42 million cars. Is it possible that a used car dealer, aware of a vehicle’s potentially dangerous recalled products, could still sell the car to someone as long as they let them know that parts of the vehicle are on recall? The answer is yes, and this is the topic of a legal debate between General Motors and two used car dealers. Keep reading to learn ways that dangerous cars are being remarketed.

Ways Defective Cars Are Remarketed

Standard titles on remarketed recall cars include “repaired for safety issues” or “subject to inspection.” These titles are vague, and the real meaning of those terms can be lost in the sales process. The real danger of purchasing one of these vehicles should be made much more evident in the marketing. More like “car contains a potentially dangerous recalled airbag.” This would make it harder to sell the car, but the debate is whether these cars should be resold at all.Laws have been enacted against car manufacturers for selling recalled vehicles, and in 2016, a similar law was passed to regulate the sale of recalled vehicles by car rental agencies. There is no regulation of used-car companies. However, there are laws requiring the dealer to repair the recalled item fully or to disclose to the buyer that the car is still subject to recall.

 Is the Manufacturer or Used Car Dealer Liable?

In the event of a dangerous product recall, both the manufacturer and the used-car dealer may be found liable if certain conditions are met. The used-car dealer is not responsible for having cars with recalled parts. Still, they are responsible for clearly communicating to the vehicle buyer that the vehicle contains recalled products and has been repaired, or that the recalled product in the car is still pending repair. It’s when the remarketing is poorly explained to the buyer or uses overly vague wording to explain the problem clearly. This is where the means of a debate have arisen. The manufacturer of the recalled product is liable for personal injury lawsuits and compensatory damages. These remarketed cars are dangerous, and if you have purchased a used car with a defect, you may be eligible for compensation. Lufkin car accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC are experienced in many kinds of auto accident cases. Injured? Call us today.

Could Drone Technology Keep You Safe in an Emergency?

New drone installations are being introduced in the emergency response field. Imagine that you are in a terrible auto accident on the way up a mountain to go swimming in a lake during the summer. Your car is hit on the left side by an errant driver, pushing you off the road, and your vehicle then careens down a rocky cliff to your right. You regain consciousness and realize your leg is trapped under the vehicle, and rocks surround you. You know that an outsider would have a tough time reaching your car, since boulders shroud the accident site; however, there is an opening overhead. This is where emergency response can fly a drone in the opening; the drone can then assess the damage after you verbally state your location and injuries. This could save the emergency response team countless hours and resources spent locating the crash site and preparing for the injuries you have. This is an extreme case, but advances in technology are helping to keep you safe in emergencies. Keep reading for tips on what to do if you are trapped in an auto accident and what to do after you are safe.

How to React if You Are Trapped After An Auto Accident

• Try to remain calm: This will be very difficult, but in this situation, panicking will drain you of the limited energy you have left. The more energy you conserve, the longer you will be able to fight to stay alive.

• Call out for witnesses: Even if you are in a very remote area, there could be more people listening than you think. Try yelling for help periodically until you get a response. If people saw your accident, they are most likely already calling 911, which is cause for optimism. Utilize your OnStar emergency assistance and hands-free calling technology if possible.

• Have a first-aid kit: Having one in your car could be the difference between life and death in a devastating car accident like the one we described above. Have a box with a flashlight, a blanket, a first-aid kit, and water.

Take Action to Get the Compensation You Deserve

New advances in technology are making it easier to save lives. Despite this progress, people are seriously injured in auto accidents every day that may not be their fault. Suppose you have been in a serious accident and were not the driver at fault. In that case, the car accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC can help you recover the compensation you deserve for injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Are Chemical Companies Poisoning Our Environment?

A few years ago, Denmark faced the difficult task of replacing popcorn bags that use grease resistant fluorinated chemicals called PFOA’s. These chemicals have been found to accumulate in human organs if ingested. Chemical manufacturing companies can be at fault, such as Dupont in West Virginia, where over 3,000 people filed personal injury lawsuits after local water sources were tainted with PFOA’s from a chemical spill. Dupont had to pay over $670 million for damages while producing Teflon, the substance used to coat pots and pans. These chemicals have been linked to multiple cancers, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol after ingesting. Facing backlash, companies have started using alternatives that are often derivatives of the same chemicals. These can still be dangerous for human health. Keep reading below for how to keep yourself safe from contaminants in your area.

How To Protect Yourself From Local Chemical Manufacturers

• Know your environment: Knowing major chemical manufacturing companies, the products they produce, and keeping up with local product safety and environmental news can help you know if something hazardous is in your area.
• Chemical manufacturers misstate facts: Representatives for chemical companies have stated that the alternative “shorter bonded” versions of the PFOA’s are not harmful, and use them instead. However, studies exist on these newer versions of the chemicals that say otherwise. They cannot break down in nature, so they are found pretty much everywhere that is exposed to them.

If you live near a plant that produces products such as fast-food wrappers, Teflon, or other known dangerous substances, monitor your health. If you think your health may have been damaged by a local manufacturer, let us know your story.

5 Must-Have Activities on Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

There are multiple aspects of your home that should be checked each year during spring cleaning. For example, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke detectors should be checked and sometimes replaced. Failing to inspect or replace these items can be a disaster waiting to happen, so it is vital to include this activity on your spring cleaning checklist. It is also important to check some of these items for product recalls. The following tips can help you get an idea of what you should be looking for and when you may need to replace common household items.

1. Check your smoke detectors: The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing your smoke detectors once per month and changing the batteries twice per year. There are different types of smoke detectors, so always check your manufacturer’s instructions before making any repairs.
2. Inspect carbon monoxide detectors: If your home uses fuel-burning appliances, it should be outfitted with several carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an invisible and odorless gas that can kill you within minutes. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing detectors on each floor of your home and within 15 feet of fuel-burning appliances to reduce the chances of false alarms. You should ensure these alarms are clear of dust and debris. Replace batteries or ensure the detectors are plugged into wall sockets.
3. Inspect fire extinguishers: Depending on the size of your home, you may need more than one fire extinguisher. However, fire extinguishers can expire or break down from wear and tear. They must be checked regularly to ensure they are not past the expiration date. Inspect the pressure gauges and look for rips and tears in the hose and nozzle. The needle on the pressure gauge should be in the green area.
4. Replace first aid kit items: Every home needs a first aid kit. Unfortunately, items in this kit can expire and need to be periodically replaced. You should also check for items that may be missing from the first aid kit. Any excess or expired medications should be tossed.
5. Switch out dirty air filters: Check and replace your air filters while doing your spring cleaning. Dirty air filters can become clogged with allergens and other particles that may be harmful to your health. It can also lower the spike in blood pressure you may experience after seeing your first electricity bill during the summer months.

Should You Check These Household Items for Product Recalls?

Always be on the lookout for recalls on some of these products. For example, manufacturing defects can render smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors useless. Last year, Kidde recalled its combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms over a defect that kept the device from working. Check the manufacturer name and model, then plug it into the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website.

The Top 5 Most Costly Auto Insurance Policy Mistakes

It is easy to make mistakes while setting up your auto insurance policy. Insurance agents may try to steer you away from plans that provide the best coverage to lower your premium and win your business from competitors. Contracts also contain language and terms that you may find confusing. As a result, you may be unaware of exactly how you will be covered in the event you need to use your insurance after an accident. The following five examples are mistakes people make on their policies.

1. Not including PIP: Although personal injury protection (PIP) is mandatory in Texas, you can sign a waiver to opt out. An insurance agent may entice you with lower monthly payments at the expense of signing away PIP coverage. PIP covers lost income, funeral, and medical expenses after an accident.
2. Neglecting UM/UIM coverage: You should always make sure you have UM/UIM coverage. It covers physical or property damage in the event you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. This coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and disfigurement, partial or permanent disability. If you lack UM/UIM coverage, you can only receive the maximum amount covered by the at-fault driver’s policy (if they have one).
3. Not knowing who is covered: Make sure you know who is covered on your policy beforehand. If you allow other family members to use your vehicle, make sure they are listed as permissive drivers on your policy. This way if they get into an auto accident, they are covered.
4. Buying the minimum required amount: Your auto insurance policy is the one thing you do not want to be frugal with, as it can come back to haunt you later. Texas law requires a $30,000 minimum liability limit. As personal injury attorneys, we can tell you from experience that this is nowhere near enough to pay for the medical bills and lost income associated with a catastrophic injury.
5. Not researching your policy: Although you can research your policy beforehand, it may help to have an expert walk you through the details. Insurance contracts use confusing language on purpose. Know what you are getting into before signing a contract for your policy.

Mike Love & Associates, LLC Can Review Your Auto Insurance Policy

Insurance agents do not have your best interests in mind. They are in the business of making their company money, not ensuring you have what you need after an accident. Mike Love & Associates, LLC will review your policy at no cost. We can help you figure out if you have adequate coverage. It is better to know how you are covered before you need to use insurance.