Product liability attorneys note a keyless ignition lawsuit filed against ten of the world’s biggest automakers by consumers who allege that the automakers concealed the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in more than 5 million vehicles equipped with keyless ignitions, leading to 13 deaths.
If you or a loved one has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning in a vehicle with a keyless ignition system, contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your options in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. If you wish to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated product liability attorney.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
Toxic Gas Emissions Linked to Remotely Started Cars
Reuters.com reports that an August 2015 complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, alleges that once one of these cars has been started, the keyless ignition system allows it to continue running even after the fob itself is no longer in the car. The lawsuit cited cases in which drivers have inadvertently left their vehicles running inside enclosed garages causing a build-up of toxic odorless carbon monoxide gas that has seeped into homes. Keyless ignitions let drivers start their vehicles by pushing a button on electronic fobs, rather than inserting traditional keys.
The defendants include BMW, Mercedes Benz, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and Honda. The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants have known for years of the risks of keyless ignitions, which have been available since 2003, yet marketed their vehicles as safe, according to the news report. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to require the automakers to install an automatic shut-off feature. It also seeks compensatory and punitive damages, among other remedies. The lawsuit is the latest seeking to hold the automotive industry liable for defects that could make driving unsafe, such as Takata airbags and ignition switches on GM vehicles, the news report concluded.
Injured Parties May Be Entitled to Compensation
Automakers have a duty to make vehicles that are safe. If an automaker fails to fulfill this duty, and the vehicle causes injury, the automaker could be held liable for the damages that may result.
Drivers or passengers who have been injured as the result of a defective car part may be entitled to compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
Family members of those killed may be able to pursue claims for their loved one’s wrongful death, including:
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Loss of a loved one’s financial support
- Funeral expenses
Those affected by faulty keyless ignition vehicles are encouraged to speak with a product liability attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us For More Information
If you have questions about the keyless ignition lawsuit, or if you have been injured or had a loved one killed as the result of a defective car part, contact Attorney Group for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you may have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
