GM recalls 2.6 million cars due to faulty ignition switch, $400 million set aside for victims
Prior to the recalls beginning this year, GM and their attorneys had been doing their best to avoid government inquiries into mysterious car crashes where GM cars suddenly veered off the road and crashed without the airbags deploying. By law, automakers are required to report any claims of car defects that potentially lead to injuries or fatal car crashes. The law exists in order for the government to not have to rely on reports from consumers to learn about dangerous car defects, and instead hope for automakers to basically turn themselves in whenever a defect is discovered. The government’s method of gathering information from automakers is obviously flawed because it relies on these car giants to work against their own interests, which is absurd. At first, GM denied there was a problem, but as more strange crashes occurred and the evidence piled up, GM was forced to admit to selling defective cars.
On February 25th, GM issued a recall of the Chevrolet Cobalt (05-07), Chevy HHR (06-07), Pontiac G5 (05-07), Pontiac Pursuit (05-07), Pontiac Solstice (07), Saturn Ion (06-07), Saturn Sky (07), and the Daewoo G2X (07). This and a further recall on March 28th raised the total number of affected sold vehicles to 2.6 million. The recalls were due to a faulty ignition switch that could cause these cars to shut of suddenly. When these cars would turn off without notice, it not only turned off the engine but also the brakes, power steering, and airbags. One can see how this would be extremely dangerous. 13 deaths have already been tied to this ignition switch flaw, making it even more abhorrent now that GM has admitted they knew of the mechanical flaw for a decade prior to issuing the recall. It was recently announced that GM has set aside $400 million they expect they will have to pay to the victims of this faulty ignition switch. Separate from this recall, GM has recalled a total of 30 million cars this year; the largest amount ever recalled in one year.
Michael Phelan is a Virginia trial attorney who practices with a special focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, pharmaceutical and medical device claims, product liability cases, and truck accidents. Michael’s peers have consistently recognized him for his excellence as a trial lawyer, and his clients have praised him for his commitment to deep research, his outstanding communication skills, and his sincerity and dedication.