As technology advances, so does the equipment within our motor vehicles. These automotive technologies, such as power steering and airbag sensors, offer a higher safety level than vehicles did prior to these tools. Unfortunately, automobiles frequently experience manufacturing complications in these safety features after they have been sold on the market. In the event of automobile defects, manufacturers are required to alert the general public so that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent injuries or deaths as a result of these deficiencies.
The automotive giant General Motors, or GM, recently announced a recall of 1.37 million automobiles in the United States due to defects in their design. The defect involves the engine turning off unexpectedly when sudden movements or road conditions cause the ignition switch to come out of the run position. This poses a danger not simply because the vehicle is no longer running, but due to what a lack of power and electricity may mean for safety features within the vehicle. If a key is not in the on position in these vehicles, it can lead to faulty airbag deployment. Airbag defects often lead to serious injuries and even death. Thus far, reports have surfaced of more than 30 automobile crashes as a result of the automobile defect, as well as 13 deaths.
The automobiles included in this recall are:
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
- 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit
- 2007 Pontiac G5
- 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR
- 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice
- 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
- 2007 Saturn Sky
- 2007 Opel/Vauxhall GT
- 2007 Daewoo G2X
GM is said to be in the process of contacting owners of the affected vehicles. If you believe you are one of those in danger from this recall you should transport your vehicle to the nearest dealership to have the switch replaced free of charge. Until the replacement can be made, however, the company is urging drivers to drive with only the ignition key and no others attached to a key ring hanging from the ignition, as that increases the risk of unexpected shut offs. You can also input your vehicle’s VIN on the General Motors website to determine if it is included in the recall.
In the event of a crash leaving victims with injuries as a result of a defective automotive part, an experienced injury attorney will attempt to prove negligence on the part of the manufacturer. First, it must be determined what the official cause of the crash was, which oftentimes requires an expert. Then it is important for the attorney to determine whether the cause was the fault of a manufacturing error. The overall process for gaining compensation for injuries from a crash such as this is complex, so it is important to contact a law firm with experience and connections to experts. For more information or to consult with an attorney for free, call (770) 427-5498 of fill out our contact form on www.awjlaw.com.
Categories: Airbag Safety, Product Recall
