Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Vans Recall for Fire Risk
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) has issued a safety recall, W46, for specific 2017-2020 Pacifica Hybrid vans due to a risk of a fire. The issue was found behind the driver’s seat, where the 12-volt isolator post may develop a high resistance electrical connection. This may result in the connection overheating and increasing the risk of a fire, regardless of whether the van is on or off. As of June 4, 2020, Chrysler has received 7 field reports, no warranty claims, and 1 minor injury related to this problem. Chrysler has not yet provided a remedy for the recall as one is currently under development. Owners will be notified by Chrysler, and interim inspections of this joint will be performed by dealers. If the joint is determined to be compromised through an inspection, a loaner vehicle will be provided to owners until a final remedy has been created.
What Year Chrysler Vans are Affected by the Fire Risk Recall?
Under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following vehicles are affected by NHSTA recall no. 20V-334:
- 2017 to 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 16, 2016, to June 4, 2020
Vehicle Defects and Auto Products Liability Claims
Automakers have an obligation to protect their occupants from potential hazards. Failing to advise customers of known safety issues with a car may be deemed negligent. This may be grounds for a potential car products liability claim if an accident were to occur as a result of a defect. For a case like this to be successful, the claimant must prove that the part or product in question was unreasonably dangerous, injuries were suffered as a result of use, and the defect in the part or product was the cause of the claimant’s injury and damages. When an individual has been injured as a result of a defective vehicle, all documents related to the crash, including medical records and bills, photographs, and manuals, should be retained. The car in question should also be kept and preserved until an experienced injury lawyer has examined it for any potential defects.
Specific defects in a vehicle should be cause for a safety recall. A car should be recalled when an automaker manufactures a car that is defective and unsafe with respect to a flaw in the integrity or design of the electrical system. In either case, if the result of the vehicle defect is an injury to a driver or passenger, the automaker may be held liable for damages incurred. These may include financial and intangible harms such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of consortium, lost future earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also be recovered under specific circumstances. These are intended to punish the vehicle manufacturer who knowingly and willfully allowed a faulty car part or equipment to be placed on the market, fully realizing the extent of harm the product may cause.
Experience in the field of motor vehicle collisions is essential for determining which parties were at fault, particularly in the case of a defective car. Every detail of a car accident is critical, and the prospect of facing a large vehicle manufacturer may be overwhelming, making a vehicle product liability claim much more challenging. This is where an experienced attorney can help. An attorney can handle the legal complexities of the case while the client focuses on recovering from their injuries. For details on what to look for in a reputable lawyer to handle your case, watch the video below.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Defective Vehicle Accident?
Auto products liability litigation is often challenging. This type of case may require extensive navigation of issues and relevant laws. Because of this, it is essential to seek legal representation early in the personal injury claims process, especially when recovering from injuries after an electric vehicle accident or fire. At AutoAccident.com, our Sacramento personal injury lawyers recognize that hybrid electric vehicle fires and injuries often change the lives of those affected. This is why we provide compassionate and experienced representation while working diligently to protect the best interests of our clients at every stage of the personal injury claims process, including trial, if necessary. In all auto products liability claims, as in all our personal injury claims, we handle them on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t owe us lawyers’ fees until we recover fair compensation on your behalf. If you have been injured by a defective vehicle, contact us today to set up a free case evaluation to show what we can do for you to get your life back on track.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Millions of people in the United States have faced at least one recall of their vehicle in the past few years, and even more are at risk of an accident or injury due to defective car parts or equipment. If you or a loved one has been injured after an accident where the defective of a vehicle part or equipment was the cause, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and losses incurred. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on whether you qualify to file a products liability claim against the manufacturer of your vehicle.
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Image Credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/chrysler-auto-car-the-vehicle-1400891/
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