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Following General Motors’ (GM) blockbuster recall of 1.6 million Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn models with faulty ignition switches, the vehicle manufacturer has issued dozens of additional recalls and is facing just as many lawsuits. Multiple class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of drivers with recalled GM vehicles and are seeking compensation for the reduced value of these vehicles; however, the class action lawsuits are not specifically requesting damages for those who were injured in a recalled GM vehicle.
At Morgan & Morgan, we believe that crash victims may be able to file personal injury lawsuits separate from the class actions, where drivers and their families can seek compensation for past and future medical bills, pain and suffering and other related damages.
Were you injured after something went wrong in your recalled GM vehicle? If so, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against GM. If you have questions about your legal rights or would like help filing a personal injury lawsuit, contact us today for a complimentary case review.
GM Recalls Vehicles with Dangerous Defects Linked to Car Accidents
Following reports that GM may have stalled on recalling vehicles with faulty ignition switches, the company has been reviewing the safety of its vehicles and announced dozens of subsequent recalls.
While a majority of these recalls have been issued over minor problems, others involvemajor defects that GM says could cause serious and sudden car accidents.
Ignition Switch
In February 2014, GM announced that it would berecalling the following vehicles for ignition switch problems:
- 2005 to 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2006 to 2007 Chevrolet HHR
- 2006 to 2007 Pontiac Solstice
- 2007 Pontiac G5
- 2003 to 2007 Saturn Ion
- 2007 Saturn Sky
According to the recall, a heavy keychain could cause the ignition switches in question to inadvertently turn off these vehicles, disabling their vital components. As a result, drivers may unexpectedly lose control of their power steering, or in the event of a crash, the airbags in these vehicles may not deploy.
The New York Times reported that GM knew about this problem for years prior to the recall, because in 2006, the company sent safety bulletins to car dealers regarding the ignition switches. GM has since said that the vehicles involved in this recall have been linked to 31 car accidents that resulted in 13 deaths.
Steering Rack
In May 2014, GM recalled 500 pickup trucks and SUVs after discovering that the tie rods on these vehicles may not be attached tightly enough to the steering rack. Vehicles affected by this recall include:
- 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2014 GM Sierra
According to GM, this problem could result in loss of steering control and “a crash could occur without prior warning.” In anotice, GM urged drivers not to use their vehicles until they had been inspected for safety at a GM car dealer.
GM Faces Lawsuits for Recalled Vehicles
GM currently faces dozens of class action lawsuits alleging that the company knew about the ignition switch defect for years, but hid the problem and failed to issue a timely recall.
These lawsuits hope to cover all those who own GM vehicles subject to the ignition switch recall, and are seeking compensation for the decreased value of these vehicles. Unfortunately, the class action lawsuits may not provide proper compensation for those who were injured because of a defect in a recalled GM vehicle.
If you or a loved one was injured in a vehicle that has been recalled by GM, you may be able to file a lawsuit separate from the class actions to hold GM accountable for your injuries.
A personal injury lawsuit may provide compensation for past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, and in the case of death, funeral expenses. To learn more about filing a personal injury lawsuit, fill out our free, no-risk case evaluation form today.
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