Major automobile recall may result in wrongful death claims

When people invest in a new car in New York, they typically assume that the vehicle is in good working condition. After all, vehicles that come from the factory should be equipped with undamaged and high-quality parts. Unfortunately, however, some vehicles are outfitted instead with defective components that can have a serious impact on driver safety. While it has yet to be seen how consumers, victims and their families will respond to the mass recall conducted by one leading automaker, it’s possible that a series of wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits may soon be presented.

General Motors began a massive recall on more than 1 million vehicles in February of this year, which has taken place in two stages. Several models of vehicles were involved in the recall, including the Saturn Sky, Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion. The primary cause for the recall is that all of the models cited feature faulty ignition switch devices. Dozens of complaints have reportedly been filed with safety regulators over ignition-related issues within the past decade even though the recall is only now taking place.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received documentation regarding problems and incidents relating to the recall from General Motors on two occasions. Though, the most recent report suggests that some of the information that was given before may not be correct. For example, ignition issues are now recognized in more than one car model. And even more startling is the fact that General Motors was reportedly aware of ignition switch issues long before it originally stated.

So far, it’s believed that ignition switch problems contributed to more than 30 accidents and 12 fatalities within the past 10 years.

Source: New York Times, “G.M. Reveals It Was Told of Ignition Defect in ‘01,” Danielle Ivory, March 12, 2014