Mar 27, 2014 in News Recalls

Recalls: 303 fatal motor vehicle collisions connected to recalled GM vehicles

General Motors is in hot water after a faulty ignition issue on some of its vehicles led to 303 deaths in the United States, according to the U.S. Center for Auto Safety. In February 2014, 1.62 million cars were recalled for this issue. This attributes 291 more fatal motor vehicle collisions than the 12 deaths GM originally announced. Media reports have shown that GM was aware of an ignition issue back in 2001, but only started to recall vehicles this year. Over time, heavy dangling keys can wear down ignition switches, which switches the car from a "run" position. This issue can lead to life-threatening events since when this happens, a driver can lose control since the power is cut to power-assisted steering and brakes and airbags aren't deployment during a crash. The automaker is facing a criminal investigation by the U.S. Justice Department and probes by two U.S. congressional committees. These groups are investigating why it took GM so long to announce recalls and why the United States' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not act sooner. A class action lawsuit was recently filed in Texas with car owners claiming their vehicles lost value because of the faulty ignition issues. Plaintiffs were not injured during any vehicle collisions, but they're looking for compensation for being unable to use their vehicle, repairs and a loss in resale value, according to Reuters. Two Canadian law firms are also filing lawsuits on behalf of Canadian drivers related to the faulty switches. Meanwhile, GM is facing pressure to compensate victims and create a $1-billion compensation fund. Unfortunately, one mother will always remember July 29, 2005 as the date her daughter died. The girl's death in a 2005 Chevrolet Colbalt is said to be the first death linked to GM's faulty ignitions, according to the New York Times.

The 16-year-old was legally drunk and not wearing a seatbelt, but when her vehicle crashed into a tree, the car's airbags failed to deploy. The family sued GM and an out-of-court settlement was reached. GM also recently announced another 1.5 million vehicle recall, which is unrelated to faulty ignitions, for its 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook. Technology in motor vehicles are supposed to keep people safer, but GM's recall shows us that unfortunately this isn't always the case. Motor vehicle accidents happen and accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who caused the accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 50 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.