In addition to the “snowstorm” of lawsuits being filed in response to the faulty ignition switches on certain General Motors vehicles, the company is now under the spotlight of the U.S. Justice Department. According to NBC News, a shareholder has filed a class-action lawsuit against GM and is claiming that the company defrauded shareholders in the way the recall has been handled. At this time, the defective ignition switches have been blamed for at least 12 deaths and 31 crashes. General Motors has recalled approximately 1.6 million vehicles because of this problem.

What’s Wrong With The Ignition Switches?

The faulty ignition switches in the models listed below have the potential to turn to the “off” or “accessories” positions unexpectedly and without warning. This means that a car’s engine or electrical systems can shut off at unexpected times, which can put drivers and passenger occupants in dangerous or deadly situations.

Models Being Recalled Due to Faulty Ignition Switches

• 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Pontiac Pursuit
• 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
• 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR
• 2005-2007 Pontiac Solstice
• 2007 Saturn Sky

Are You Driving One of These Vehicles?

If you’re driving one of these vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a few tips. The NHTSA reports that GM recommends only using one single key in the ignition switch when turning on and operating the motor vehicle. They report that using key rings, additional keys and key chains on the single key can be even more dangerous. Drivers are asked to stop using heavy key rings immediately. Additionally, if your car is one of the models being recalled, you should contact your local dealership or service center immediately, if they haven’t already contacted you. It’s absolutely critical that you get the necessary repairs as soon as parts become available from General Motors.

If You’re Hurt in a Crash Involving a Faulty Part

It isn’t just other drivers that can cause crashes. Faulty and defective car parts can be responsible for wrecks too. After any crash, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured while driving or riding in a motor vehicle with a defective or faulty part, contact the skilled team at Weldon & Rothman, PL today for a free consultation.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com
Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.