It’s not even Labor Day, but automobile makers have already recalled more vehicles in 2014 than in any other year in history. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 37.5 million cars, vans, and trucks have been recalled so far this year in the United States; the previous record was 30.8 million in 2004. Although faulty ignition switches on GM vehicles receive most of the media’s attention, Ford, Subaru, Nissan, Chrysler, Hyundai, Mazda, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Lexus and Kia have all announced recalls this year, according to the NHTSA. If you’re injured in New York City in a traffic accident, and the cause of your injury was a defect in one of the vehicles, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer. If you’re injured this way, speak at once to an experienced Bronx personal injury attorney.

The truth is, product liability claims are one reason for this year’s record number of recalls. Auto manufacturers are increasingly aware that design flaws and defectively-made products are eventually going to cost them in court, so they’ve become pro-active, sometimes recalling vehicles at the first sign of trouble. Still, the number of recalls this year is troubling because it means plenty of defective vehicles are still on the streets in New York City and across the nation.

If you or someone you love is injured in an accident with a defective vehicle in New York City, it’s important for you to speak to a good auto accident lawyer about your injury and your legal rights. An experienced product liability attorney can assess the specifics of your case, outline your legal options, and guide you through all the paperwork, filings, and legal hearings that will likely ensue. In the New York City area, be sure to have your case handled by an experienced Bronx auto accident attorney.