Is It Time for Hyundai and Kia to Issue a Recall?

The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is urging Kia and Hyundai to issue recalls for vehicles that may pose an increased risk of fire. CAS is the nonprofit group credited with pushing for a recall of Firestone tires almost 20 years ago. Now, the organization is calling on Hyundai and Kia to issue a recall before people are hurt —or worse, killed — by an issue that could be affecting engines in certain vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reportedly received more than 350 complaints involving the alleged defect. According to consumers affected by the issue, their vehicles caught fire without being involved in a collision.

Complaints involve the following Hyundai and Kia vehicles:

• 2011-2014 model-year Kia Optima

• 2011-2014 model-year Kia Sorento

• 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata

• 2011-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe

• 2010-2015 Kia Soul

According to a lawsuit filed against the automakers, the issue may be caused by a defect that restricts the flow of oil to engine parts. The lawsuit claims that as a result of the blockage, the engines in these vehicles may eventually catch fire.

Understanding Product Liability Claims for Defective Auto Parts

Victims of defective auto parts may be able to file product liability claims against vehicle manufacturers. Claims may be filed for design or manufacturing defects. Compensation from an auto defect claim can be immeasurably helpful for accident victims and their family members. For instance, compensation from an injury or wrongful death claim can help survivors pay for expenses associated with an injury or loss (medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and more).

We have written about auto defects extensively on our blog. To learn more about auto defect cases and compensation for injuries caused by auto defects, we encourage you to continue reading our website. You can schedule a free consultation with one of our Texas auto defect lawyers by calling (936) 632-2000 or by using our online case review form.

Understand Drunk Driving Liability Before the Holidays Begin

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. With major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve approaching, work parties and celebrations with friends and family are common. Unfortunately, drunk driving is also a prevalent safety concern around the holidays.

Who Is Responsible for a Texas Drunk Driving Accident?

A drunk driver could face criminal charges for impaired driving and causing injuries to someone else, but that would not recover compensation for the victim. The victim of the accident could have a viable claim to recover compensation if he or she can prove that the drunk driver caused their injuries and damages. Texas also has dram shop laws that hold businesses liable for accidents caused by intoxicated customers. For example, if a person who has been drinking at a restaurant for their work holiday party drives home and gets into an accident with another vehicle, then the restaurant that provided the alcohol could share responsibility for the car accident. Not only could the other driver potentially have a claim against the drunk driver, but they could also have a claim against the restaurant. A business could be held liable for a drunk driving accident caused by a customer if:

• The customer was a minor under 18.

• The customer was visibly intoxicated enough to be a danger to himself or other people.

• The customer’s intoxication was an immediate cause of the accident.

Need a Lufkin Car Accident Lawyer?

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, contact the car accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. An experienced car accident attorney could help you determine fault after a car crash by using tangible evidence and advise you about your best legal options. Call our office at (936) 632-2000 today to discuss your situation.

Three Common Soft Tissue Injuries After a Car Accident

A soft tissue injury is any injury that affects your body’s soft tissues. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Three common soft tissue injuries that could be sustained in a car accident include:

Injury #1: Whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a sudden force, like a car collision, causes the head and neck to jerk backward or forward. It affects the neck and back, but it could also cause a head concussion. Effects could include pain and stiffness, nerve damage, headaches, and cognitive issues.

Injury #2: Contusions. A contusion is a bruise that occurs from blunt force or impact. It affects the underlying muscle and tissue. Contusions can cause inflammation, swelling, and mobility issues. Depending on the severity of the accident and without medical attention, contusions could cause permanent damage to the body’s soft tissue.

Injury #3: Herniated Disc Injuries. Some accident survivors experience back pain. The back is full of soft tissue that is especially vulnerable in the event of a collision. Herniated disc injuries could occur when force is placed on the back and moves a spinal disc out of place. The spinal disc could put pressure on surrounding nerve tissue, causing sharp pain in the back and other limbs.

Should I Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?

Yes. First, soft-tissue injuries are not visible. Soft tissue injuries can have delayed symptoms for up to a few days, making it challenging to identify the source of your pain. Unlike a broken bone, soft tissue injuries cannot be seen using X-rays. Since soft-tissue injuries are not visible like other car accident injuries, speaking with a doctor is even more critical when you want to file a claim with your insurance company or against another driver. Proof that you have received medical attention is essential because insurance companies use medical history to assess the validity of your injury. You should continue seeking medical attention if your injury symptoms persist.

Need a Lufkin Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver or entity, contact the car accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC. We advocate for victims of car accidents in Lufkin and the surrounding East Texas areas. You could have a viable case to recover compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (936) 632-2000 to discuss your situation.

Worried Your Vehicle May Be Affected by a Safety Recall?

Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 653 vehicle recalls due to manufacturing defects. These defects affected nearly 30 million cars. That is a lot to keep track of to keep you and your family safe.

How Do I Check Safety Recalls for My Vehicle? Once a vehicle is recalled due to a safety defect, the car manufacturer must notify registered owners by mail. However, that is not always reliable. By law, each on-road vehicle has a unique 17-digit number, known as a vehicle identification number (VIN). This number can be found on the bottom, left-hand side of your vehicle’s windshield. The VIN can also be found on your vehicle’s registration card. The VIN search checks for ongoing safety recalls, recalls from the past 15 years, and recalls issued by major vehicle manufacturers.

The VIN search will not cover completed recalls, international vehicles, some small, specialty vehicle brands, older recalls (more than 15 years old), and very recent safety recalls. This is due to NHTSA not having a complete list of affected VINs. NHTSA recommends checking for recalls twice a year. You can also sign up to receive email alerts when there has been a recall for your vehicle.

What Do I Do If My Vehicle Is Under Recall? If you have found that your car has been affected by a safety recall, contact your local authorized dealership. If you have received a letter from the manufacturer, bring it with you. If you do not have a letter, the manufacturer is still required to fix or replace the defect free of charge. NHTSA monitors each manufacturing defect recall to make sure those affected receive safe, free, and practical solutions.

What If I Have Been Injured Due to a Safety Defect in My Vehicle? If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident due to a manufacturing defect, an experienced product liability lawyer could help you seek coverage for your medical bills and/or wage losses. At Mike Love & Associates, LLC, we defend our clients aggressively in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. Call us today at (936) 632-2000 to discuss potential next steps for your injuries.

Attention Parents: Halloween Injuries Happen to Children

Millions of children in the United States are eagerly anticipating Halloween at the end of the month. Halloween is a free-for-all for children to receive free candy. For parents, it is an opportunity to meet neighbors. However, you should be aware that this holiday can also lead to injuries. Common Halloween injuries may include Slips and falls, dog bites, and car accidents.

Slip-and-fall accidents: Broken walkways, clutter, and other hazards can contribute to slips and falls. Brain injuries and broken bones are two examples of injuries that could occur after a slip and fall accident, such as a dog bite. Don’t expect your neighbors to lock up their pets before trick-or-treating begins.

Dog Bites: Dog bites are a possible Halloween hazard. Many owners assume their dogs will be friendly with strangers. Unfortunately, dogs may interpret trick-or-treaters and their parents as intruders.

Car Accidents: Car accidents are more likely to occur on Halloween (and other holidays). There are typically more vehicles on the road. Drunk driving is also more common on Halloween. Unfortunately, this means that pedestrian and car accidents could lead to injuries or even death while trick-or-treating—Halloween decoration injuries.

Believe it or not, Halloween decorations can also contribute to accidents. Heated surfaces, candles, or other types of decorations may pose fire hazards. Halloween costumes made of flammable materials can ignite when they come into contact with fire hazards.

Depending on the circumstances, if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may need to recover compensation for a Halloween-related injury. For instance, a premises liability claim could be filed for some of the situations described above. It would depend on the specifics of the case. This is why you should consider speaking with an attorney if you or your child suffers harm on Halloween. Mike Love & Associates, LLC is a Texas personal injury law office. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please don't hesitate to contact our office at (936) 632-2000 or complete our online review form.