People alleging injury, as well as family members of persons allegedly killed in accidents linked to the GM ignition switch recall have submitted claims in advance of a deadline. Meanwhile, others question whether earlier claimants were unduly forced to settle their claims in the wake of GM’s 2009 bankruptcy.
If you have been injured, or if a family member has died, in an accident involving a recalled GM ignition switch, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free and without obligation, and you still may be eligible to pursue a GM ignition switch lawsuit despite the deadline of the claims process set up by GM. Your time to file a lawsuit may be limited, however, so call today.
GM Ignition Switch Recall 
Background
According to reports, faulty ignition switches on small GM cars caused them to slip out of the “on” position while the car was in motion, leading to stalling and deactivation of the power steering and power brakes. In addition, airbags reportedly did not deploy after the ignition switch failed, causing more injuries and deaths. Court documents suggest GM was aware of the problem for more than a decade, yet did not issue the GM ignition switch recall until 2014.
Claims Received in Advance of Deadline
According to sources close to the GM ignition switch recall, at least 4,180 claims were received by the January 31 claims deadline, including more than 1,100 received the week of the deadline. 51 deaths have reportedly been linked to ignition switch failures in GM vehicles. Persons injured and the families of those killed are eligible for compensation from a fund set up by the company. Experts say it could be months before the compensation expert responsible for determining claimants’ eligibility can work through all of the claims. Approximately 12 percent of the more than 4,000 filed were determined to be ineligible for compensation, while 965 have deficient information. More than 1,500 were turned in without documentation, leaving more than 1,100 under review.
Bankruptcy Protection
Lawmakers and family members are questioning whether some were forced to settle rather than risk being unable to sue because of GM’s 2009 bankruptcy agreement, which sent any pre-bankruptcy crash claims to “Old GM,” a company with few assets. Many lawyers allege GM hid the ignition switch defect, deceiving the bankruptcy court. GM is asking the court to enforce the agreement. Experts allege GM was aware of the issue that caused the GM ignition switch recall for nearly a decade before it became public knowledge, and they should be held accountable for injuries and deaths.
Want More Information About the GM Ignition Switch Recall? Call Today.
If you were injured in a crash, or you believe a loved one died as a result of a faulty car component, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death or personal injury claim for compensation. Contact Attorney Group today. We can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Your initial consultation is free and without obligation.
