Texas Personal Injury Lawyers – Jim Adler & Associates – Blog

A February 2008 Reader’s Digest article “Dashboard Danger” is about airbag fraud, a new scam that puts lives at risk. As the magazine reports, if you bought a used car, you may not have an air bag at all. The space where it belongs could be stuffed with newspaper. Or, it could hold the wrong air bag for your vehicle if it’s been replaced after a wreck. The magazine says buyers have no dependable way of knowing if a car they are buying has been in a crash. Many depend on Carfax and AutoCheck for histories on cars they are considering. But consumer advocates warn that is dangerous. Internet sites may not have all the vital data needed to make an informed purchase. The Readers Digest article warns that: “…airbag fraud is widespread, persistent and deadly these days.” The best protection is to use common sense when it comes to air bag safety. Always ask about air bags when buying a used car. Know what air bags are standard for the model of car you are considering. Ask the dealer to certify that the air bags are in the car and that they have been installed correctly if they have had to be replaced.