Simmons Law Firm Investigates Legal Rights of General Motors Co. Vehicle Owners in Illinois, Missouri
GM recalls 2.6 million vehicles due to serious safety defects, had complaints since 2001
ALTON, Ill., March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Simmons Law Firm, a nationwide consumer protection litigation firm headquartered in the St. Louis area, announced today it is currently investigating the legal rights of Illinois and Missouri residents who own or have leased one of the 2.6 million recalled GM vehicles.
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The recall is a result of a defect in the ignition switch that can cause the keys to slip from the 'run' to 'accessory' position, causing the vehicle to stall while in motion and lose power. This results in the failure of power steering, brakes and air bags.
A study commissioned by The Center for Auto Safety reviewed data compiled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration accident reports and found more than 300 deaths attributed to failed airbags in two of the recalled models.i GM acknowledged it has linked the faulty ignition switch to 12 deaths and 34 crashes in the Chevy Cobalt and the Saturn Ions.ii The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched its own investigation.
"Automakers have a legal responsibility to make sure their vehicles are safe and roadworthy," said Simmons Firm Shareholder Derek Brandt, who leads the firm's complex litigation department. "Consumers are right to be concerned whenever there is a safety-related investigation like this. Consumer protection advocates certainly have taken notice."
Recalled vehicles with defective ignition switches are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Saturn Ion, Chevrolet HHR SUV, Pontiac Solstices and Saturn Sky.
Reports published by USA Today assert that GM was aware of the ignition defect in 2001 and developed a solution, but decided against implementing it in 2005.iii
The Simmons Firm, a nationwide consumer protection law firm, has previously represented consumers in litigation surrounding Toyota's recall of vehicles due to unintended acceleration.
About Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC
The Simmons Firm is a leading national law firm in complex litigation and has represented thousands of clients throughout the country on issues involving toxic exposure, consumer rights and public safety. The firm is dedicated to its clients and has pledged nearly $20 million to cancer research. Additionally, the firm focuses on intellectual property infringement, pharmaceutical injury litigation, and contingent fee business litigation. For more information, visit http://www.simmonsfirm.com.
Contact: Mark Motley
Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC
618.259.2222
[email protected]
i http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/14/us-gm-recall-casualties-idUSBREA2D02U20140314
ii http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/14/us-gm-recall-casualties-idUSBREA2D02U20140314
iii http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/03/23/gm-ignition-switches/6770433/
SOURCE Simmons Law Firm
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