Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers: GM Repairs Faulty Ignition Switches

In the year and two months since General Motors instigated a worldwide recall of more than two million cars due to faulty ignition switches, the company claims to have repaired nearly 70% of all vehicles with the product defect. In the U.S., GM’s rate of fixing the default is at about 71%. According to U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this data is in line with national averages. NHTSA studies peg the average completion rate to be 18 months after a recall at 75%.

GM Waited Years to take Responsibility for the Auto Defect

Unfortunately, GM had knowledge of the faulty ignition switches for over a decade.  The average level of achievement in repairing vehicles with the defect does not help the victims and families who have suffered car accident injuries and fatalities. The faulty ignition switches causes them to slip out of the run position, triggering an engine stall, while simultaneously knocking out the functionality of the vehicle’s airbags, power steering and brakes. The product defect resulted in car accidents which caused at least 80 deaths and nearly 150 injuries throughout the U.S.

GM Fined $35 Million for Delayed Recall

GM was fined $35 million for its failure to report the problem in a prompt manner, as is required by law. GM also got off to a slow start with recall repairs due to a lack of parts and failures in the computer inventory network used by its car dealerships. One GM dealership outside of Philadelphia was fined directly by the NHTSA after it was discovered to be selling new vehicles that had not been repaired under the recall. Failures in the computer inventory network allowed the dealership to qualify for sales incentives and rebates for sales of the new cars, even though their ignition switch defect had not been repaired. This was in direct violation of federal law.

NHTSA Recall Database for Consumers

While it is illegal for a car dealership to sell a new car that is included under an open recall, used cars may be legally sold while under open recall.  It is important for consumers to be aware of this distinction and do the appropriate research when they are shopping for cars, new or used. Consumers can access a NHTSA database online for the list of the models and manufacture years of the vehicles included in recalls. Vehicle owners should search using their VIN (vehicle identification number.) Vehicle owners can also call the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. If your vehicle make and model has been recalled, please take your car for service without delay.

Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help People Injured by Defective Auto Parts

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by a defective auto part, you may be entitled to recover damages and compensation for your injuries. Cherry Hill car accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law are passionate advocates for victims of car accidents in New Jersey. Contact DiTomaso Law online or call 856-414-0010 to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable and affordable South Jersey car accident lawyers.

Our South Jersey personal injury law firm is located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania allowing us to handle personal injury claims in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Mount Holly, Burlington County, and throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. We offer our clients a lower contingency fee rate than many other personal injury lawyers in South Jersey.