GM Recall: A Little Too Late

After years of stonewalling and neglect, General Motors (GM) has finally announced terms of the settlement with victims of their faulty ignition switch. Kenneth R. Feinberg, the man in charge of resolving compensation claims, announced the details in a press conference on the last day of June, years and years after the issue first came to light.

Though no amount of money can undo an injury or bring back a loved one, it is important for companies to be held accountable for their neglect. After the first dozen accidents, GM still maintained that it was no fault of theirs that so many of their vehicles were failing in the same way. Without the diligent work of survivors, GM would have continued with the charade indefinitely.

It is unknowable how many other time-bombs are out there still ticking in the form of poor quality parts for automobiles. It seems every year more and more instances of these bad acts come to light, and more and more formerly trusted companies must admit to cutting corners that cost people their lives.

Regarding the GM recall, claims can be filed from August 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, a small window of time for people to obtain any measure of justice. Vehicles affected by the faulty switch include:

• 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalts and 2006-2010 Chevy Cobalts
• 2005-2006 Pontiac G4s, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5s, 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuits, and 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstices
• 2003-2007 Saturn Ions and 2007-2010 Saturn Skys

It is clear from the list of vehicles that this was a far-reaching and long-term problem that GM waited too long to address. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident, especially an accident involving a GM vehicle, please contact a lawyer. It is not too late to help make a difference in corporate culture across America, but that can only happen if regular people start holding big business to account for their recklessness.