Time reported today that General Motors
(“GM”) is standing by its’ initial stance that their faulty ignition
is only responsible for 13 traffic fatalities. This statement was made in
response to a report from Reuters, which concluded that the faulty ignition in
GM vehicles was actually responsible for the wrongful deaths of at least 74
individuals. Reuters
calculated its number using the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a
government database that contains traffic accident reports from U.S. law enforcement
agencies. GM, however, says it uses more detailed information when
investigating accidents.
GM and Reuters both looked at accidents wherein drivers or
passengers in the front seat were killed in head-on vehicle collisions with one other
vehicle during which the GM vehicle’s airbag did not deploy.
GM recalled 2.4 million vehicles over the past several months
after it was discovered that a problem with their ignition switch caused cars
to shut off while driving, disabling power steering, anti-lock brakes and airbags.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not
comment on the Reuters figures, but it previously said the final number of
deaths will likely be higher than 13.
I will be following this story closely to see if additional
wrongful death lawsuits arise as a result of GM’s faulty ignition. GM is also
looking at consumer protection class action lawsuits based on the recalled
products.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a
Chicago car accident was a victim of an auto defect accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free legal consultation at
312-614-1076.