The GM Ignition Recall: How it Could Affect Your Life

A tiny defect in several cars’ ignition switches has led to 13 confirmed deaths, many lawsuits and millions of recalls. The company behind it all? General Motors. In fact, many believe that someone at GM or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was aware of the defect early enough that lives could have been saved and injuries prevented. 

So whom does the ignition defect affect? At first glance, one could argue that it only affects individuals who own or drive a GM-made car. However, given the number of cars that contain this defect, it could potentially affect everyone on the road. The GM recall began in February 2014 with 778,000 compact cars. Since then, the recall has grown substantially to include 2.6 million vehicles, including the following models: 

• Saturn Ion (2003-2007)
• Chevrolet Cobalt (2005-2010)
• Chevrolet HHR (2006-2011)
• Pontiac G5 (2007-2010)
• Pontiac Solstice (2006-2010)
• Saturn Sky (2007-2010) 

The malfunctioning ignition switch causes drivers to lose control over their vehicles. Your ignition switch provides power to your car. If it switches off while your car is in motion, your vehicle will continue to move. Yet your power brakes and steering may not function. As a result, you may collide with other vehicles, pedestrians or fixed objects. Additionally, the ignition defect prevents airbags from deploying in the event of a collision. 

If you own one of the GM cars listed above and have been injured in an accident that resulted from the product defect, you may be entitled to compensation. Consult the law firm of [ln::firm_name] to learn your options for taking legal action.