Family Blames Ford for Fatal Car Accident
After a fatal car accident, a Whitman, Massachusetts, family claims that the faulty component on the 2001 Ford Windstar was the cause of the crash where the father of two young girls was killed after losing control and striking a light pole. The family of the deceased learned that Ford had recalled the Windstar after receiving a letter one week after the fatal October car accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also issued a warning for Windstar drivers following the Whitman accident because of rising concerns that the axle failure could cause additional car accidents.
Several models of the Ford Windstar have been recalled as a result of a defective axle part. Photos at the scene of the accident in Whitman show that the victim’s axle was indeed broken. The investigation into the cause of the Whitman crash is on-going and Massachusetts officials say that Ford is cooperating in the crash investigation.
Since the October crash, Ford has issued a voluntary recall for thousands of Ford Windstar minivans. The problem that is leading to the mass recall is that the axle is easily corroded and can break apart while driving, causing the driver to lose control.
High Number of Vehicle Recalls in 2010
While Ford is actively recalling as many as 37,000 potentially dangerous minivans, many consumers are left wondering what car is safe to drive? If it’s not Ford or Toyota issuing a recall, then it’s Chrysler or Kia. The onslaught of recalls in the past year has caused a great deal of concern for consumers looking for a safe and reliable car that won’t accelerate without warning, break apart due to corrosion or contain an otherwise dangerous defect.
To protect against defective auto parts that can cause serious, even fatal, car accidents, drivers are encouraged to perform routine maintenance checks on every vehicle. Regular vehicle inspections by auto professionals can catch issues that may cause problems while driving.
If an accident has occurred, it is critical to begin the investigation into the crash immediately. Skilled car accident investigators may be able to uncover safety or defect issues that could have ramifications for other drivers. Take, for example, the corroded axle rod that may have caused the Whitman crash. Investigating the car accident to further review the safety of the axle rod may save future lives and allow the victim’s family additional information on the cause of the crash.
After an accident, it can be difficult to determine what caused the accident, which is why it’s critical to contact an experienced team who can handle complicated car accident issues. The Whitman family had photos showing a broken axle, but photos are often not the only information that can help determine the cause of the crash. Contacting a Massachusetts car accident lawyer after a crash will help you investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.