Though 2014 came to an end this week, the fallout from major automobile recalls continues to affect drivers across the country, including those in Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. Recent news has focused on problems with ignition systems in several models of General Motors vehicles as fatal car accidents are believed to have been caused by underlying issues which can cause the vehicle to turn off in a collision, potentially deactivating airbags. Some models have already been repaired by now General Motors is targeting additional vehicles in their recall efforts.
This new round of recalls involves the ignition lock like prior 2014 recalls but the problem is believed to be slightly different. Even some previously repaired vehicles are included in this most recent recall because the ignition lock is too big and can make it impossible to turn the key if the vehicle is hot, according to officials. Drivers of certain 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverados, Avalanches, Tahoes, Suburbans, GMC Sierras, Yukons, and Cadillac Escalades may be notified in the coming weeks of the need to have their vehicles repaired. Some of these owners will have been involved in the last round of ignition-related recalls issued by General Motors.
GM says the current issue has not been associated with any collisions or injuries to their knowledge but the prior ignition issues did result in 42 suspected deaths and 58 additional suspected injuries.
Drivers of any type of vehicle in Arizona should feel confident that their car, truck, or SUV is free from design flaws that may cause an accident, but as the record number of recalls in 2014 reflect, cars are manufactured each year that are unsafe. Unwitting buyers of these cars may be placed in an unsafe situation simply by driving each day. What is worse is that these drivers likely are unaware of hidden defects and design flaws which means that nothing can be done by these motorists to prevent a crash.
Car accidents happen each day in Phoenix and many of them are caused by a mistake or an error on the part of someone involved. In some cases, it is the fault of a driver. But when it comes to a defect in design, it may be the fault of a company or manufacturer involved in the process of building the car.
When a collision is the fault of another, victims of that crash may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses, including the injuries they sustain. Arizona law makes it clear that these victims are entitled to relief and that the right to obtain help belongs to the victims and cannot be prevented by a company looking to avoid liability. Speaking with a personal injury attorney in Phoenix may help you understand your options and your rights if a collision has harmed you or has left your loved one injured or dead.
At the law firm of Abels & Annes, P.C., our team is comprised of dedicated personal injury attorneys who fight for the rights of victims all day, every day. If you have been hurt, we want to fight for you as well.
We offer a free case consultation without obligation to those who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential, so do not wait. Do not let another prevent you from seeking the help you deserve. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Inclement Weather Anticipated for New Year’s Eve in Phoenix, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 31, 2014.
Resource:
GM recalls 92K trucks, SUVs for ignition lock defect, Fox 10 Phoenix, published January 1, 2014.