Ignition Switch Recall Accident Lawyers - New York City Injury Firm

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Ignition Switch Recall Cites Disabling Safety Systems in GM Vehicles

Ignition switches in vehicles are meant to withstand the weight of the many keys consumers have on their key rings representing various parts of their lives. But can an overloaded ignition switch impact other areas of the car? A recent massive recall of over 1.6 million vehicles manufactured by General Motors makes the news again, supported by the death of 12 people and at least 31 traffic accidents since the recall first hit the news in March 2014. The recall states that if jolted or loaded with unnecessary pressure or weight, the ignition key could toggle to another setting which could shut off the airbag and disable other safety features such as anti-lock brakes or the steering column. According to the National Highway Travel Safety Administration, who opened the investigation in January of 2014, the defect initially existed in 619,122 vehicles. The current count on defectives has risen to 1,367,146 vehicles.

Ignition Switch Issue Affects Other Safety Features of Vehicles

A heavily weighted key chain or sudden jolt of the keys in the ignition switch is the focus of this recent recall from General Motors. If the ignition switch causes other safety features to disarm, and the affected vehicle is involved in a rollover accident, there is a possibility that the safety features such as anti-lock brakes or airbags will not deploy. As those features are designed to protect a driver in the case of an accident, their inability to do their intended task becomes a higher right—at times, too late.

Types of Vehicles Involved in the Recall

General Motors originally listed a handful of vehicles impacted by the ignition switch recall. A few weeks after the initial recall, they later issued a report that amended the original report and cited additional make/model vehicles related to the same defect. The impacted vehicles include the following makes and models built between 2003 and 2007:

  • Chevrolet Cobalt
  • Chevrolet HHR
  • Pontiac Solstice
  • Pontiac G5 Saturn Sky
  • Saturn Ion

While General Motors is offering free repair of the situation, product liability comes at a heavy price where recalls are concerned. This is not the first time that a major vehicle manufacturing company has been scrutinized. Decades ago, Ford Motor Company was at the center of recall issues with their Ford Pinto and Explorer Sport vehicles. In those cases, the Pintos experienced problems of burning, and the Explorer Sport had issues with suddenly rolling over from faulty tires. In more recent years, sudden acceleration in some makes and models of Toyota vehicles prompted Toyota Motor Corporation to issue a recall on those vehicles, as well.

Legal Help for Injury or Death Related to GM Ignition Switch Recalled Vehicles in New York City

Despite knowing about problems with the ignition switch as early as 2001, GM did not recall the cars until February 2014. The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has outlined how consumers can file a claim against GM for accidents caused by any of the recalled vehicles. If you were involved in a serious accident that may have been caused by the faulty ignition switch on one of the named General Motors vehicles, or believe you have a claim against another manufacturer who has issued a recall on your car, do not hesitate to consult a New York City ignition switch recall lawyer at Finz & Finz, P.C., There, the top attorneys will be able to review your situation, help you file your claim and determine a case for a product defect. Cal toll free now at (855) TOP-FIRM to speak with a personal injury lawyer or simply fill out the Free Ignition Switch Recall Injury Case Evaluation Form with no obligation.