GET LEGAL ADVICE ABOUT DEFECTIVE CAR PARTS BY CALLING OUR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN NASHVILLE
General Motors (GM), one of the world’s leading auto manufacturers, recalled 1.6 million vehicles due to faulty ignition switches. These parts are already linked to at least 13 wrongful deaths. While the costs of the recall hurt GM, these expenses are far less important than those involved in serious and fatal car crashes. However, evidence has appeared that indicates GM could have prevented this problem, but disregarded information about how hazardous this defect could be.
WHY DID GM ISSUE RECALLS?
The ignition switches in several GM models could be defective, which is why the company recalled the cars. The ignition switches, where the driver inserts and turns the key to start the car, may accidentally switch from the “Run” position to the “Off” or “Accessory” position. This can turn off the vehicle’s electrical systems, creating serious safety hazards. Power brakes, power steering and airbags may all stop working, leading to fatal car accidents.
The issue dates back to at least 2004, when engineers observed the defect in a Chevrolet Cobalt. A similar issue appeared in the Saturn Ion even earlier, though the company claims to have redesigned the switch in the Ion. In the GM Company Vehicle Evaluation Program in 2004, engineers recommended correcting the problem. Despite this, GM did not consider the problem safety-related, and continued to downplay it over the years. Instead of resolving the problem, GM used the ignition switch in a number of later vehicles.
CARS AFFECTED BY THE GM RECALL
GM’s use of the faulty ignition switch expanded to include many different makes and models. Cars announced in the recall include:
- 2005 – 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2006 – 2007 Chevrolet Heritage High Roof (HHR)
- 2007 Opel GT (only in Europe)
- 2005 – 2007 Pontiac G5
- 2005 – 2007 Pontiac Pursuit (only in Canada)
- 2006 – 2007 Pontiac Solstice
- 2003 – 2007 Saturn Ion
- 2007 Saturn Sky
If you own one of these vehicles, the company can fix the ignition switch. If you believe you were hurt in a car wreck caused by a defective ignition switch, GM offers compensation on a case-by-case basis. However, before you accept anything from the company, you should speak to a car accident lawyer to find out what you should receive and ensure the compensation is fair.
TALK TO AN ATTORNEY IN NASHVILLE FOR DEFECTIVE CAR PART CASES
Galatians 6:5 states, “For each will have to bear his own load.” Car companies have a responsibility to create products that are safe for consumers, and when they create defective products, they have an obligation to compensate consumers for harm that occurred. If you were hurt by a faulty car part, injury lawyer Stanley A. Davis can help. He is a compassionate Nashville attorney who will make sure you completely understand your options and do everything he can to secure compensation for you. Call our Tennessee office today to get advice about an injury.