Do you drive a General Motors vehicle? Well, keep reading, because you and your loved ones may be at risk for injuries or death.

According to the Associated Press, the recall of more than 2.6 million vehicles by GM has led to public outcry. It has been reported that the manufacturer’s problems have led to untold injuries and 13 deaths. The recall stems from an ignition switch problem.

According to GM, the ignition on the vehicles could accidentally switch out of the run position while the car is being driven. When this occurs, the vehicle’s engine shuts off, rendering its brakes, power steering and airbags useless. Cars involved in the recall include:

  • Chevrolet Cobalts
  • Pontiac G5s
  • Saturn Ions
  • Chevrolet HHRs
  • Pontiac Solstices
  • Saturn Skys

GM is responsible for notifying the owners of vehicles involved in the recall to bring them to a dealer, which will replace the ignition switch at no charge. Currently, the Justice Department and Congress are investigating the GM recall, bringing into question the company’s legal and ethical duty to warn consumers about defective products.

Injured In a Car Accident Involving a Recalled General Motors Vehicle?

Earlier this year, a Tennessee woman spoke out about the GM recall, claiming that ignition switch problems may have played a role in her son’s death.

Shannon Wooten, of Adams, Tennessee, told WTVF-TV that she lost her son Joshua in a 2009 car accident, and that he had experienced problems with his vehicle’s ignition prior to the crash. However, she was never notified about the issues plaguing the vehicle.

Tragedies like this are unacceptable. Unfortunately, defective vehicle parts can lead to car accidents, which can in turn lead to wrongful death, as well serious injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations and broken bones.

Manufacturers like GM must be held liable when they injure or kill someone. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car wreck involving a recalled GM vehicle, contact our car wreck attorneys at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP for a no-cost consultation.

It is important that evidence detailing a car wreck be properly preserved, especially when dealing with a recalled vehicle. For more information, call our firm at 1 (800) 460-0606 to schedule a free consultation.

Source: “Toyota, GM recalls put U.S. on track to break 30.8 million vehicle recall record” NY Daily News