
Between February and March of 2014, General Motors (GM) recalled more than 2.86 million vehicles due to a variety of defects. More than 1 million vehicles were recalled in early February alone due to a dangerous ignition switch defect that led to dozens of car accidents and the death of at least 12 people. General Motors’ handling of the recall is now being investigated by the U.S. attorney’s office as a criminal matter.
If you or someone you love has been fatally or non-fatally injured in a car accident involving one of the recalled vehicles listed below, contact the Kansas City car defect lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. Our product liability attorneys can investigate your claim regarding GM ignition switches and help you determine if you are eligible for compensation. We can help you make your next decision with clarity and confidence, backed by a proven history of claims success.
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On Feb. 10, 2014, the initial announcement stated that more than 619,000 vehicles were being withdrawn to fix a defective ignition switch. Three days later, General Motors added 748,024 vehicles to the total.
As investigations into potential auto accidents caused by the defect continued, a timeline reveals that General Motors did not act quickly enough.
Many investigations into the number of accidents and injuries caused by this defect have been launched, as the affected vehicles were sold throughout North America. According to the Center for Auto Safety, a consumer watchdog group, an astounding 303 deaths could be linked to faulty airbags in Chevy Cobalt and Saturn Ion models alone.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the reason for the recall was that the vehicle’s ignition switch could move out of the “run” position. When the switch was moved, it resulted in the loss of electrical power, thus shutting the engine down or turning off safety equipment such as the airbags.
The following vehicles were withdrawn from the market:
More than 1.2 million crossover SUVs need re-wiring as the airbags could fail to deploy; approximately 64,000 full-size sedans need brakes remedied as they could overheat and cause a vehicle fire; and 330,000 vans need new material installed on the instrument panel as the current material could fail to protect passengers in an automobile accident.
The vehicles affected include:
At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been wronged by any corporation or organization.
When GM failed to pull their vehicles, they put the public at risk of injury and are now facing the consequences of their choices.
Our clients choose us to represent their lives and interests because:
If you believe you could never afford a top-quality lawyer, you absolutely can. We never collect a fee unless our clients collect compensation, so no matter who you are, you have access to a nationally-renowned team of car accident lawyers in Kansas City. Our attorneys have the experience and resources you need to develop a strong case and help fight for the compensation you deserve. Your case could right many wrongs, including providing for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and all other financial damages caused by your accident.
Call (816) 298-8708 to speak with Peterson & Associates, P.C. in a free legal consultation.
Many people that have been injured in car accidents are unsure of where to start with a legal claim. Our team of highly trained lawyers can help to review the details of your crash and guide you through the process. Below, learn more about the attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C., their results, and contingency fees.