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The recent Toyota vehicle recall ' which has affected more than 7 million cars, via a sticky accelerator and floor mats that interfere with the gas pedal ' has brought car safety and recalls to the forefront of many people's psyche. Yet, with the confusion surrounding a product recall of this size, it is important to understand what the recall means. Many people assume that when a product is recalled, the manufacturer makes everyone send their product back and issues them a brand new, fully functioning product, or a full refund of their money. While either of these scenarios could be true, sometimes they are not.

For a tainted food product, such as the widespread peanut butter recall last summer, or the recent recall of more than 100 brands of dog food, the product is collected and refunds are issued. Others like the recent Maclaren stroller recall, which caused the amputation of fingers of a dozen toddlers, involve aftermarket interventions, where the manufacturer offers repair kits rather than actually calling the product back.

Product recalls are growing increasingly prevalent with 2009 recalls reaching the tens of millions. Major recalls include Children's Tylenol, peanut butter products, Zicam, and Evenflo high chairs. While the recent Toyota recall is large, it isn't the largest auto recall ever. That dubious distinction belongs to the Ford Motor Company which, in 1996, recalled 7.9 million vehicles due to a faulty ignition switch that caused fires. Since 1999, Ford has recalled 14.9 million vehicles in seven separate recalls.

Toyota owners of eight different models are being directed to their Toyota dealer for installation of replacement parts to repair the accelerator problems on those models. According to Toyota, the dealership will make the free repairs in under an hour. Additionally, Toyota is encountering a new recall on the breaks of around 300,000 of their popular Prius model after at least 100 drivers have complained to the government about problems. The details of this recall are yet to be announced, but it is likely that consumers will be notified to bring their cars in for repair.

These extensive recalls have brought product safety to the front of people's minds. For some, these recalls have caused them to think about auto accidents they and their loved ones have been involved in to consider whether their vehicle accelerator might have been a contributing cause to the accident. If you or a loved one have been in an accident that you think may have been caused by a vehicle defect, such as an accelerator that sticks, you can speak with a Houston car accident attorney at the Neese Law Firm about your vehicle collision or personal injury case. Call 713-355-1200 or log onto www.johnneeselaw.com. There is no charge for an initial consultation.