General Motors Ignition Defects Reported to Cause Critical Injury And Death

This week, national and international media was reporting that the ignition switches in many models of General Motors (G.M.) vehicles have unexpectedly shut off, thereby locked steering columns, disabled airbags and caused accidents.

The new head of General Motors, Mary Barra, is on Capitol Hill today being questioned.  She will be questioned about the safety defect that has been linked to at least 13 deaths and resulted in a recall of 2.6 million vehicles according to NPR. There was also mention that it is possible that GM knew about this problem back in 2006, but did not disclose them, yet took government bailout money.

National news sources have described the problem as being that the ignition switch, where the key is inserted, can easily be knocked out of the “Run” position into the “Off” position or the “Accessory” position, for example by a driver’s knee, leading to a loss of power which can include, braking, steering and airbags.  The recall affects 1.37 million vehicles build between 2003 and 2007.  They include, but are not necessary limited to the following models:

-Chevrolet Cobalts
-Pontiac G5
-Saturn Ion
-Chevrolet HHR
-Pontiac Solstices
-Saturn Sky

If anyone believes they are a victim of this safety defect, or know someone who is, they can feel free to contact the law firm of Santucci Priore, P.L. as we are investigating these matters and considering litigating claims for clients who have bona fide claims and injuries.  Email info@500law.com or call 954.351.7474.  There are strict time limitations within which claims must be asserted, otherwise your claim could be barred forever.