GM Ignition Recall
In February 2014, General Motors announced the recall of 2.6 million vehicles that were reported to have a defect in the ignition switch that could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and potentially cause the airbags to not deploy in the event of an accident. So far, this alleged defect has been implicated in at least 13 fatalities, one of which involved a Tennessee resident. In March, a further 1.5 million vehicles were recalled because this same problem can cause the power-assisted steering mechanism to fail, resulting in a potentially serious accident. The GM Ignition Recall has already become a rising issue in Tennessee, as a 25 year-old Nashville woman has been named among the victims of an accident caused by the allegedly faulty part1.
If you are a Tennessee resident and believe you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an accident related to the GM Ignition Recall, you should consider seeking legal advice from either a personal injury lawyer or a wrongful death lawyer. Contact Attorney Group for Tennessee today to get your legal questions answered and potentially be connected with an attorney if you decide to pursue a claim.
The GM Ignition Recall Defect
Millions of vehicles are being recalled by the manufacturer to correct a potentially fatal flaw caused by a faulty ignition switch that costs less than a dollar to produce. Failure of the tiny mechanism causes the key to switch to the “accessory” position, rather than the “run” position. This causes the engine to switch off. When the engine is not running, the airbag will not deploy in the event of a collision. A number of known deaths have reportedly not been included in the official death toll figure released by GM because the passengers were riding in the back seat, where there are no airbags.
Vehicles affected by the GM Ignition Recall
According to the General Motors Ignition Recall website, the following six vehicles need to be brought in for repair:
Pontiac
- G5 – 2007-2010
- Solstice – 2006-2010
Chevrolet
- Cobalt – 2005-2010
- HHR – 2006-2011
Saturn
- Ion – 2003-2007
- Sky – 2007-2010
General Motors has reportedly assured motorists that they will be provided with a loaner car if necessary while the GM Ignition Recall repair is taking place. Until April 2014, however, the necessary replacement part was not available.
Why you should contact a Tennessee lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured in accident involving one of the vehicles listed above, a Tennessee personal injury lawyer can help answer questions you may have about the GM ignition recall, as well as any consumer claims that you may have. At Attorney Group for Tennessee, we can help you determine if you have a claim and connect you with an affiliated lawyer that can help you to file a lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been killed in an accident involving a vehicle included in the GM ignition recall, consider seeking legal advice from Attorney Group for Tennessee. We can help answer your questions, help you understand your legal rights in your particular situation, and connect you with an affiliated lawyer who can assist you throughout the legal process. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
