General Motors has issued a recall for over a million trucks and SUVs because the power steering goes out temporarily when the voltage drops and then comes back suddenly. According to CNBC, the failure mainly occurs during low-speed turns, but it could increase the chances of getting into a vehicle crash.
The recall includes 2015 Chevrolet Silverados, GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburban SUVs, Cadillac Escalades and GMC Yukon SUVs.
Dealers will fix the power steering issues at no cost to the vehicle owners. No known crashes have occurred, and there is not a set date for the recall to begin.
You can file a product liability case if a defective product caused harm
Anyone harmed by a defective productive may be able to file a product liability case. To determine whether a product is defective, you must show that there was a defect in the design, manufacture or marketing of the product.
A product defect can occur three ways
A design defect occurs when the way a product is designed is inherently dangerous. That does not mean the manufacturer intended to design an unsafe product, but rather something about the way it is designed poses a health risk for anyone using it for its intended purpose. Part of proving a design defect case includes showing there was a better, safer way to design the item.
A manufacturing defect happens when a product is designed well, but due to an error in the way it is manufactured it proves unsafe for the consumer. This type of defect will not occur in all the items, since it is a flaw in the way it was produced.
Marketing defects occur when there is a failure in communication about a product. This can happen when safety instructions fail to warn a consumer about a risk that is not obvious. With this type of case, you must show that you read the safety precautions, and the needed warning was not included.
The party who caused the defect can be held responsible
Depending on the type of defect, you may be able to file suit against the manufacturer, designer, product distributor or even the retailer that sold the item. The statute of limitations for product liability claims in Alabama is typically within two years of the injury.
