General Motor announced the massive expansion of a 778,000 unit recall. The company not only doubled the total number of cars affected, but it also expanded the recall beyond the Pontiac G5 and Chevrolet Cobalt models that were previously mentioned. The recall is based on the ignition switches that have the potential to slip out of the run position if jostled or if any weight is put on the key in the cylinder.
The recall has been expanded to more than 1.3 million units. Initially, it was only limited to the vehicles manufactured in the years between 2005 and 2007. Today, the recall also includes vehicles that were assembled in the years between 2003 and 2004. Other vehicles also included in the recall are the Sat Ion coupes and sedans that were built from 2003 to 2007, the Chevrolet HHR Vanlets built from 2006 to 2007 and the Saturn Sky roadsters and Pontiac Solstice built from 2006 to 2007.
Even with the recall, the number of accidents taking place because of the faulty ignition switches still continues to rise. There have been fatalities in nearly all of the 31 accidents attributed to vehicles abruptly switching out of the run position. This situation prevented airbags from deploying. The report show an increase in the number deaths reported, which was initially 6 fatalities and 22 accidents. That number has risen to over 300 fatalities and may still go higher. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to report to their dealers in order to get a new ignition switch installed.
After much pressure, GM is taking responsibility for the lack oversight. The company took this step after it was revealed in court depositions that a manufacturer based in Detroit knew about the faulty ignition switches while the affected models were still new. The Detroit based manufacturer submitted a chronology of events to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In case you or your loved has suffered any injuries because of the faulty GM ignition switches, you can take legal action. GM is liable for any injuries or deaths caused by its faulty components. The experienced attorneys of Carabin Shaw will guide you through the entire legal process. If you have been a victim of the malfunctioning switches, you should seek immediate legal aid. Hiring an experienced product liability attorney is the best way to hold the GM responsible for their oversight and for your injuries. The longer you wait, the more your case becomes difficult. There may even be a statute of limitations on your case depending on the state in which your accident occurred.
Call us today. We offer a free case evaluation and we never charge a fee unless we win your case and you receive a settlement or an award.
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