Injured in a Car With a Recall? What You Need to Know About Defective Vehicle Claims in Nevada

Most people think of car accidents as driver error. But sometimes, the real cause is something far more serious, a defective vehicle or recalled part.

If a recall played a role in your accident, your case may be significantly more valuable than a typical claim. These cases are not just about negligence. They involve product liability, which opens the door to additional recovery and additional defendants.

What a Vehicle Recall Actually Means

A recall is not a minor issue.

It means a manufacturer has identified a safety defect that increases the risk of injury or death. These defects can include:

• Brake system failures

• Steering issues

• Airbag malfunctions

• Electrical defects

• Sudden acceleration problems

In other words, the manufacturer already knew there was a risk.

That matters.

You Can Still Have a Claim Even If You Did Not Know About the Recall

A common misconception is that you must have received a recall notice before the accident.

That is not true.

You may still have a claim if:

• You bought the car used

• You never received the notice

• The recall was issued after the crash

• The defect existed but had not been publicly recalled yet

The focus is not what you knew. The focus is whether the defect caused or contributed to the accident.

Step 1: Check Your VIN Immediately

The first step is verifying whether your vehicle had an active recall.

You can do this by checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through:

• Manufacturer databases

• Government recall websites

This will tell you:

• If your vehicle was affected

• When the recall was issued

• Which components were defective

This is often the starting point for proving liability against a manufacturer.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

Recall-related cases are highly evidence-driven.

You need to preserve:

• Vehicle damage

• The defective component

• Photos of the accident scene

• Skid marks and road conditions

• Witness statements

If the defective part is repaired or replaced too quickly, critical evidence may be lost.

That can destroy part of your case.

Step 3: Get Medical and Repair Documentation

Two types of records are essential:

Medical Records

These prove:

• The severity of your injuries

• The treatment required

• The long-term impact on your life

Repair Records

These show:

• What failed in the vehicle

• Whether the recalled part was involved

• How the defect contributed to the crash

Together, these documents connect the defect to your injuries.

Step 4: Understand This Is More Than a Normal Accident Case

Recall cases are different because they involve product liability.

That means multiple parties may be responsible:

• The vehicle manufacturer

• Parts suppliers

• Dealerships or repair facilities

• Other drivers involved in the crash

More defendants often means more insurance coverage, and potentially higher recovery.

Step 5: Filing a Defective Vehicle Claim

If the defect contributed to the crash, you may pursue a claim for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Future medical care

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

In some cases, you may also pursue additional damages if the manufacturer failed to act quickly or responsibly after identifying the defect.

Why These Cases Are Stronger Than Most People Realize

A recall can significantly strengthen your case because it shows:

• The defect was known

• The risk was identified

• The manufacturer failed to prevent harm

That is powerful evidence.

Insurance companies and manufacturers will still fight these claims aggressively, but the legal leverage is stronger when a defect is involved.

Mistakes That Can Destroy a Recall Claim

Avoid these at all costs:

• Repairing or disposing of the vehicle too early

• Failing to document the defect

• Delaying medical treatment

• Speaking to insurers without guidance

• Not investigating recall history

These cases require precision. Small mistakes can cost large amounts of money.

Work With Solis Torres Law

If you suspect a vehicle defect played a role in your accident, you need to move quickly.

At Solis Torres Law, cases are approached aggressively from day one, preserving evidence, identifying all liable parties, and maximizing recovery.

Call 702-522-5555 today for a free consultation.

You do not pay unless you win.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never received a recall notice?

You can still have a valid claim. Liability depends on the defect, not whether you were notified.

Can I sue the manufacturer directly?

Yes. If the defect caused the crash, you may have a product liability claim.

What if another driver was also at fault?

You can pursue both claims. Multiple parties can share liability.

Should I repair my car right away?

Not before documenting everything. The defective part is critical evidence.

Are recall cases worth more?

They often can be, because they involve additional defendants and stronger liability arguments.