Start by checking whether the product has an active recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (for vehicles and car seats) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission both maintain searchable recall databases, and a quick search of the product name and "recall" often turns up news coverage too.

Before you contact the manufacturer directly, a few steps can protect you:

• Keep the product. Don't discard, repair, or return it, even if it's damaged or you're tempted to get it out of the house. Here is how to preserve a product without hurting your claim.
• Photograph everything, including the product, packaging, model and lot numbers, and your injury.
• Save your medical records connecting the injury to the incident.
• Hold off on giving a recorded statement to the manufacturer or their insurer before you understand your rights.

Manufacturers and their legal teams are not on your side in these conversations, even when they sound helpful. If you believe a defective or recalled product caused your injury, from vaping devices to defective tires to CPAP machines, talking with someone first can help you avoid saying something that gets used against you later.