While many car accidents are caused by driver error, some are caused by defective automobile parts. Part of the automobile accident claim process is determining the real cause of an accident.  Lately there has been no shortage of defective car recalls.  Consider the following:

In June, General Motors (GM) recalled its compact Chevrolet Cruze car.  Covering 2011 and 2012 vehicles, the recall affects 475,000 cars of this best-selling model.  Sold in the United States, Canada and Israel, cars subject to recall may drip hot fluid like oil or transmission fluid on a plastic engine cover, leading to engine fire.  Around 30 engine fires were reported prior to the recall ¾ including two cases where vehicles were engulfed and destroyed by flame.

After several collisions and injury, GM recalled more than 400,000 Pontiac, Chevrolet and Saturn cars in September to address faulty transmission cables.  While the car appears to be in park, the engine may still engage, allowing the vehicle to roll or move, even with the engine turned off.

In December, Ford recalled its 2013 Escape SUV and Fusion vehicles due to high engine temperatures leading to fire. A repair process and parts are not yet available and owners are urged to park their vehicles and obtain alternative free transportation from their dealers.

Driving safely is difficult enough without defective automobiles.  If you suffer injury, get medical help and good legal advice from a New Jersey personal injury attorney.