What to Do if Your Car is Recalled

May 05, 2023 · 6 min read

Car recalls are a common occurrence in the auto industry, and they can be caused by a wide range of issues, from faulty airbags to defective brakes. If you receive a recall notice for your vehicle, it's important to take immediate action to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

What is a car recall?

A car recall is an action taken by a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to address a safety-related defect in a vehicle. Recalls are issued when a defect or potential defect poses a risk to the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users. The manufacturer or the NHTSA will notify vehicle owners and instruct them to bring their vehicles to a dealership or repair center to have the defect fixed at no cost to the owner.

One example of a car recall is the Takata airbag recall which affected millions of vehicles across multiple manufacturers. The recall was issued due to a defect in the airbag inflators that could cause the inflator to rupture and spray metal shrapnel into the vehicle, posing a serious risk of injury or death to occupants. The recall affected vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Ford, BMW, and other manufacturers, and required the replacement of the defective airbag inflators.

What if my car is recalled?

Check the Recall Notice:

The first step is to carefully review the recall notice that you receive. A recall notice is an important document that is sent by a vehicle manufacturer or the NHTSA to inform vehicle owners of a safety-related defect in their vehicle. The notice serves as a formal communication to notify owners of the issue and provide instructions on what actions they need to take to address the problem.

The recall notice typically contains information about the defect, including how it can impact the safety of vehicle occupants or other road users. This information can include details about the potential consequences of the defect, such as the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident or other incidents.

The notice will also provide instructions on how to get the defect repaired, including where to take the vehicle and what steps to follow to schedule an appointment with a dealer or authorized repair center. In most cases, the manufacturer will cover the cost of the repair, so owners should not have to pay anything out of pocket.

It's important for vehicle owners to take recall notices seriously and follow the instructions provided to address any safety-related issues with their vehicles. Failure to do so can put the driver and passengers, as well as other road users, at risk of injury or death. If you receive a recall notice for your vehicle, it's important to take prompt action to have the defect repaired as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.

Contact Your Dealer

Contacting your dealer or authorized repair center after receiving a recall notice is important because they are the best equipped to perform the necessary repairs to address the safety-related issue in your vehicle. Dealerships and authorized repair centers have access to the most up-to-date information about the recall and are trained to perform the repairs in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

In addition, taking your vehicle to the dealership or authorized repair center can help ensure that the repairs are done correctly and that the safety-related issue is fully addressed. If you attempt to make the repairs yourself or take the vehicle to an unqualified repair shop, you run the risk of not properly addressing the safety-related issue, which could put you and other road users at risk.

Finally, by contacting your dealer or authorized repair center, you can ensure that the repair is completed at no cost to you. In most cases, the manufacturer will cover the cost of the repair, so there is no need for vehicle owners to pay out of pocket.

Follow Up

Following up with the dealer or manufacturer after a repair on a recall is important to ensure that the repair was completed correctly and that the safety issue has been fully addressed. It's possible that the repair may not have been done correctly, or that there may have been additional issues that were not discovered during the initial repair.

By following up, you can ensure that the repair has been completed properly and that the safety issue has been fully addressed. This is particularly important if the safety issue could potentially cause harm to you or other road users if it is not fully addressed.

In addition, following up with the dealer or manufacturer can help ensure that you are aware of any additional information or instructions related to the recall. In some cases, the manufacturer may issue updated instructions or provide additional information about the recall that was not included in the initial notice.

Finally, following up with the dealer or manufacturer can also help ensure that you receive any compensation or reimbursement that you are entitled to as a result of the recall. This may include any expenses you incurred as a result of the recall, such as rental car fees or towing costs.

Consider Legal Action

While most recall cases can be resolved through a simple repair or replacement of the affected parts, there are situations where legal action may be necessary. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider legal action after a car recall:

If you were injured or suffered damages as a result of the defective part: If you or a loved one suffered injuries or damages due to a defective part that was subject to a recall, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In such cases, it may be necessary to pursue legal action to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If the manufacturer fails to address the recall in a timely manner: If the manufacturer fails to address the recall in a timely manner, it could put you and other road users at risk. In such cases, you may want to consider legal action to compel the manufacturer to take the necessary steps to address the recall as quickly as possible.
If the manufacturer knowingly covered up the defect: If the manufacturer knowingly covered up the defect and failed to disclose it to the public or regulatory agencies, they may be held liable for any damages that resulted from the defect. In such cases, legal action may be necessary to hold the manufacturer accountable for their actions.
If the manufacturer failed to notify you of the recall: If the manufacturer failed to notify you of the recall or if the notice was delayed, you may have missed the opportunity to have the defect addressed in a timely manner. In such cases, legal action may be necessary to ensure that you receive compensation for any damages that resulted from the delay.

While most recalls can be resolved through a simple repair or replacement of the affected parts, there are situations where legal action may be necessary to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve and that the manufacturer is held accountable for your actions. If you have been injured as a result of a defective car, it's important to take immediate action to protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation today.

Note: This page was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence software, but was reviewed for accuracy and approved by attorney Steven Miller, Esq.

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Jul 08, 2025 in Personal Injury

5 Most Dangerous Intersections in Long Island for Car and Pedestrian Accidents

Car crashes, truck collisions, and pedestrian accidents are all too common on Long Island—and certain intersections pose a greater danger than others. A Newsday investigation identified key hotspots in Nassau and Suffolk Counties where fatal and serious injury collisions occur more frequently than anywhere else. Whether you’re driving, walking, or biking, knowing which intersections to avoid can help reduce your risk of being injured in a crash. At Miller, Montiel & Strano, we’ve represented countless victims injured at these very locations, and we’re here to help you understand where the risks are—and what your legal options may be. Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections in Nassau and Suffolk Counties 1. Old Country Road and Broadway – Hicksville This intersection sees a high number of pedestrian accidents. The multi-lane crossing exposes walkers to high-speed traffic for longer durations. Drivers often race through yellow lights, increasing the danger for pedestrians. 2. Jackson Street and North Franklin Street – Hempstead Ranking second in pedestrian crashes, this intersection—along with the nearby crossing at North Franklin and Front Street—has become a hotspot for pedestrian injuries. Poor visibility and traffic congestion play a major role. 3. Straight Path and Sunrise Highway – Lindenhurst This intersection recorded the highest number of people killed or seriously injured in a 10-year study. The mix of high speeds, left-turns, and frequent U-turns creates a dangerous environment for everyone on the road. 4. Old Nichols Road and Veterans Memorial Highway – Islandia The Central Islip Fire Department responds to 30 to 50 accidents a year at this site. The area’s layout, heavy truck traffic, and lack of driver awareness all contribute to frequent collisions. 5. Route 347 and Nicolls Road – Centereach / Lake Grove / Stony Brook This busy intersection is known for multi-vehicle crashes, often involving trucks. Its size, complexity, and heavy volume make it especially risky. Why Are These Long Island Intersections So Dangerous? Several common factors make these intersections more hazardous than others: Multiple Lanes & Long Crosswalks: Longer exposure time for pedestrians. High Traffic Volume: More vehicles lead to more opportunities for conflict. Frequent Turning Vehicles: Left turns and U-turns often result in collisions. Speeding & Aggressive Driving: Drivers rushing through intersections contribute to more severe accidents. Distracted Driving: Cell phone use and lack of attention are major issues on Long Island roadways. How to Protect Yourself Whether you’re driving or walking, use extra caution at these intersections: Pedestrians: Use crosswalks, obey signals, and make eye contact with drivers. Drivers: Yield to pedestrians, avoid distractions, and never rush yellow lights. Cyclists: Wear visible clothing and follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. Injured in a Crash at a Dangerous Long Island Intersection? If you or a loved one was injured at one of these or any other intersections on Long Island, the attorneys at Miller, Montiel & Strano can help. We’ve recovered compensation for clients injured in car, truck, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. You may be entitled to compensation for: Medical expenses Lost income Pain and suffering Permanent disability Property damage Don’t try to navigate insurance companies or legal claims alone. Our legal team is ready to stand by your side, investigate your case, and pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf. Contact Miller, Montiel & Strano Today for a Free Consultation We understand the toll an accident can take. If you’ve been hurt at a dangerous intersection in Long Island, call Miller, Montiel & Strano today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you move forward. Call 516-363-5003 or visit https://www.mmspersonalinjurylawyers.com/ Frequently Asked Questions Q: What should I do after an accident at a Long Island intersection? A: Call 911 if you’re injured, seek medical care, take photos of the scene if possible, and contact an experienced car accident attorney like Miller, Montiel & Strano to protect your legal rights. Q: Who is liable in an intersection accident? A: Liability may fall on a negligent driver, a government entity responsible for poor road design, or even multiple parties. We conduct a thorough investigation to determine fault. Q: How long do I have to file a claim in New York? Time periods depend on the type of claim and the parties involved. Therefore, it is best to contact a car accident attorney like MMSPC as soon as possible after the crash.

Apr 30, 2025 in Personal Injury

Manhattan Parking Garage Collapse Highlights Dangers of Negligent Building Design and Maintenance

Manhattan Building Collapse Linked to Faulty Design and Poor Maintenance, Investigation Finds In 2023, tragedy struck in Lower Manhattan when a multi-level parking garage collapsed, killing one person and injuring five others. In the aftermath of the disaster, the City of New York commissioned a forensic engineering investigation to determine what went wrong. The findings are deeply concerning. According to the investigation, the collapse was the result of two major factors: improper building design and ongoing poor maintenance. Shockingly, reports also indicate that unauthorized construction was taking place inside the garage at the time of the collapse — without any permits or safety oversight. Six workers were inside the building when it gave way. All six were injured; one of them tragically died as a result of his injuries. The lives of these individuals and their families were forever altered — not by an unforeseeable accident, but by what appears to be preventable negligence. Negligence in Building Ownership and Maintenance Property owners in New York — and everywhere — have a legal duty to maintain their buildings in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to meet this duty, and someone is hurt or killed as a result, the law may consider it negligence. Unfortunately, the Manhattan parking garage collapse is just one of many examples where this duty has been ignored. Common causes of preventable building accidents include: Faulty or unsafe structural design Use of cheap, low-quality materials Poor or rushed construction practices Failure to inspect or repair known hazards Inadequate responses to tenant or worker safety complaints Unauthorized or unpermitted renovations General lack of upkeep and neglect over time When these issues are ignored, the results can be catastrophic — including collapsing ceilings, breaking staircases, cracked and lifted sidewalks, falling facades, and structural fires. These are not just violations of safety codes; they are direct threats to human life. Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable At Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C., we have extensive experience representing victims of premises liability and building safety failures. We understand the complex nature of these cases, the building codes that apply, and the forensic investigations required to prove liability. Most importantly, we fight to hold negligent parties accountable and help our clients recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or someone you love has been injured due to a building collapse, unsafe property conditions, or any form of property owner negligence, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. Our team will evaluate your case and explain your legal options — with no obligation and no upfront cost. Contact Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C. today for a free consultation. Your rights matter — and we're here to protect them.

Mar 31, 2025 in Personal Injury

How Can You Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Case?

If you have been injured in an accident that was someone else's fault, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries. The key is proving that the other person was negligent. A New York personal injury lawyer explains what is needed. Duty of Care To prove negligence, you first must show that the defendant had a “duty of care” toward you. This means someone's legal duty to act with reasonable care to prevent harm to someone else. A duty of care is based on the relationship between the parties or the circumstances involved. more For example, a driver is assumed to have a duty of care to everyone else on the road simply by being behind the wheel of a vehicle. The owner of a business has a duty of care to customers and therefore is responsible to make sure their premises are free of hazards. Breach of Duty You must then establish that the duty of care was breached. You must prove that the other person failed to meet their duty, either through their action or their failure to act. Breach of duty is usually measured against what “a reasonable person” would do under similar circumstances. For example, a driver who is distracted or driving recklessly has breached their duty of care to others on the road or to their passengers. A medical professional who failed to follow professional standards would also be considered to have breached their duty of care. Causation It is not enough to prove a duty of care and a breach of that duty. You must then show that the other person's failure directly caused your injuries, property damage, or other losses. You must show that the harm wouldn't have occurred without the other person's negligence. Causation generally falls into two types: cause-in-fact and proximate cause. For cause-in-fact, you must show that the other person's actions were a factual cause of the injury, such as a driver running a red light and hitting a pedestrian. Proximate cause means that the injury was the foreseeable result of the failure in duty. For example, premises that were improperly maintained and led to a slip-and-fall accident. Damages The final element of negligence is actual evidence of the damages caused. Damages encompass both economic and non-economic losses due to the accident. Economic damages include any tangible loss that can be quantified financially, with evidence such as medical bills, bills for repair or replacement of property, and proof of lost wages. Non-economic losses cover those intangible losses you have suffered as a result of the incident. This could include pain and suffering or emotional distress, among others. Evidence from therapists, or even your own personal diaries may help to prove non-economic damages. If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone's negligence, reach out to Miller, Montiel & Strano in Garden City, NY.

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