In February 2014, General Motors (GM) issued a recall of 2.6 million vehicles. The cars involved in the GM ignition recall are believed to have ignition switch defects that, under certain conditions, may move out of the “run” position and cause a loss of power and an engine that shuts off without warning.
The GM ignition recall was the first recall of its kind for the automaker in 2014. However, more recently, GM issued a second recall on March 31, 2014 of more than 1.5 million vehicles in an effort to notify owners of several GM-model cars that their vehicles may have the potential for the electronic power-steering assist to fail without warning, rendering the cars nearly impossible to steer.
If you have been injured or involved in a car crash while operating a vehicle involved in the GM ignition recall or other vehicle recall, contact Attorney Group to learn more about working with a lawyer to pursue your claim. We can review your case and connect you with an affiliated lawyer. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit and recover damages for your injuries.
GM Ignition Recall Issued
While the recalled vehicles have the risk of the ignition switch moving and inadvertently turning off the engine, this risk may be increased if the driver’s key ring is carrying extra weight or if the vehicle experiences rough road conditions or other impact-related and jarring events. If the ignition switch is not in the correct position, the air bags may not deploy in a car accident, increasing the risk of injury or fatality.
On April 1, 2014 the CEO of GM, Mary Barra, met with Congress to address rising concerns over the company’s alleged neglect in issuing the recalls as soon as the auto maker knew of potential dangers. Documents indicate that GM was aware of the alleged ignition switch and steering defects for nearly a decade yet failed to take action and notify the public. As a result, vehicle owners may consider working with a lawyer to file a lawsuit in an attempt to seek compensation for the damages that they may have incurred.
Plaintiffs May File a Lawsuit
Although GM plans to mail letters to owners of the vehicles affected by the GM ignition recall, some feel as though this action is not enough. GM has stated that its dealers would replace the allegedly defective parts free of charge and expect to have the parts ready in April 2014.
However, according to USA Today, pressure is increasing on GM to tell owners of the 2.5 million recalled vehicles that they are unsafe and need to be parked immediately. Although the company has stated that any affected customer is entitled to a loaner or rental vehicle until the parts become available for his or her car, one issue some may face is that not every customer is eligible as there are some age restrictions in several states that limit one’s ability to obtain a rental car.
Additionally, some states may also require drivers under a certain age to pay to insure or rent the vehicle. GM claims it will cover these additional expenses. If you have any questions about the GM ignition recall, contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your legal rights and filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
Injured parties may consider working with an experienced lawyer to file a lawsuit if they have sustained injuries due to complications with the allegedly defective vehicles. Also, a lawyer can help surviving family members file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of those they have lost due to a manufacturer’s alleged negligence in failing to warn the public of the potential risks of their cars.
In a recent case, a brain injury lawsuit was filed on March 20, 2014 against GM in Fourth Judicial District Court, Minnesota, alleging that the deaths of two passengers and the brain injury of the driver was caused by the problem cited in the GM ignition recall. In this particular lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges that the airbags failed to deploy in the driver’s Chevy Cobalt, causing a traumatic brain injury from which the plaintiff may never recover.
Injured or Have Questions about the GM Ignition Recall? Consider Contacting a Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash that occurred due to a defective vehicle or malfunctioning part, consider seeking legal counsel from an experienced lawyer by contacting Attorney Group to learn more about your rights. After reviewing your case at no out-of-pocket cost to you, we can help you determine if you have a valid claim. We can also connect you with an affiliated lawyer who can file your lawsuit on your behalf and work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
