You may hear about car recalls in the news from time to time. Recalls can be for a minor repair or something major that can lead to a dangerous situation. Once your car has been issued a recall, you need to get it into the repair shop right away. The window for recall repairs is typically fairly short. If you don't, you risk the possibility of getting into an accident due to your recall. Here's what to know if you do get into an accident, and some tips on how to avoid the accident in the first place:

What Should You Do If You Are in an Accident Related to a Recall?

There are several things you need to do if you get into an accident due to a problem stemming from a recall. You first should attend to any injuries and get medical care. You then need to call a personal injury lawyer. If someone dies or is majorly injured in the accident, your attorney will need to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle and get them involved in the damages. You should not be considered liable for an accident if your car was recalled. However, you should do everything possible to avoid the accident in the first place.

What Should You Do If Your Vehicle is Recalled?

If you learn about a recall on your car, be sure to have it inspected at your local dealership as soon as possible. If your repair is major, the car may be out of commission for a long time. If you are concerned that you will be without your car for a long time, have an initial inspection to see if your car is in need of immediate repair or if it can wait until the dealership can deal with it quickly. If your vehicle passes an initial inspection, you may be able to drive it until you have the time to take it in. If your repair cannot wait, you should contact your manufacturer to ask about the possibility of alternative options for transportation, such as a rental vehicle. This way, you are not putting yourself or anyone else in danger.

A recalled vehicle is often inconvenient, but you have to have it checked to ensure you do not cause an accident and hurt someone else. If you fail to get your car repaired after you receive a recall, you can be held responsible for the accident and have to pay all of the damages.