GM has made a name for itself in an unfortunate way in the last several years following the defects found in ignition switches and the subsequent recall of vehicles.

Prior to the GM ignition switch recall, consumers were reporting that they were involved in accidents stemming from the defect in the ignition switches.

They reported that the ignition switches would turn to the “off” position with an inadvertent bump of the knee or by the weight of the keys in the ignition.

Once the ignition switch was turned off by these actions, the car would suddenly turn off. This was more of an annoyance than anything when drivers were stopped at a light or a stop sign, and they would have to turn the car back on.

The big problems from this defect arose when the car was being driven on highways or freeways and the car suddenly turned off. Drivers had no idea what was going on and the car may have gotten out of control due to the inability to operate the car without knowing what caused the issue.

Sadly, the defect prompting the GM ignition switch recall led to reports of more than 100 deaths and many more hospitalizations due to the hazards it posed to GM drivers and passengers, as well as drivers and passengers of other vehicles.

Consumers Take Legal Action Against GM Ignition Switch Recall

Consumers affected by the GM ignition switch recall have already taken steps to hold GM accountable for what they believe could be classified as the company’s failure to warn about these potentially fatal defects.

Lawsuits against GM say that the manufacturer was aware of the defect as far back as 2001, but failed to warn consumers about it for 13 years when the recall was finally issued in 2014.

Individual lawsuits as well as class action lawsuits have been filed against GM following the GM ignition switch recall. Additional lawsuits have been filed regarding other GM defects that have been reported as well, such as airbag defects and power steering defects.

Filing a GM Ignition Switch Recall Lawsuit

If you were hospitalized as a result of a defect covered by the GM ignition switch recall and owned an eligible vehicle made in model year 2000 or later, you may be eligible to take legal action against the manufacturer to recover damages. A full list of eligible vehicles can be found here.

Patients who were injured but not hospitalized may also be eligible to file a lawsuit against GM to recover damages caused by the defect covered under the GM ignition switch recall. Individuals should be able to provide supporting evidence to show that the defect covered under the GM ignition switch recall was responsible for the accident.

Supporting documentation for accident and injury may include a police report documenting the occurrence, an insurance claim detailing the cause of the accident or any other supportive evidence to demonstrate the accident and injuries resulted from defects covered under the GM ignition switch recall.

An experienced attorney can review your potential GM ignition switch recall case at no charge and can help you determine if you qualify to take further legal action.