Mazda Recalls, Product Liability, & Norfolk Car Accidents From Defective Parts

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced Mazda's recall of approximately 215,000 vehicles (specifically, the 2007-9 Mazda 3 and Mazda 5) due to a steering problem that may increase the likelihood of a car accident, according to the New York Times.  The NHTSA describes the steering problem as a "loss of power assist," potentially increasing the risk of car accidents by catching the driver off-guard while attempting to steer in a normal manner.  Although Mazda began fixing the vehicles with the same problem in Japan about one year ago, the company claims that the U.S. did not have a high enough "occurrence rate" to justify recalling the vehicles when the problem was first identified.  The company claims that the loss of power steering is not a safety risk.  If NHTSA determines otherwise, Mazda may have to pay a large fine for violating the federal regulation that requires automakers to inform safety agencies within five days of discovering a safety defect.

When defective vehicle parts do cause harm, as in the case of some car accidents in Norfolk and other parts of Virginia, a product liability claim may be filed.  Although most car accident cases in Norfolk, Eastern Shore, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and other parts of the state involve negligence on the part of another driver, some cases occur in which the vehicle manufacturer is liable.  For more information on Virginia car accidents and product liability, contact Lawrence Land in his confidential online form or call him at 800-800-1911.  He will provide you with free resources and answers to all your pressing questions.