GM Recalls Chevy and Buick Vehicles for Brake Problems
General Motors has recently been the center of media attention for receiving a $35 million dollar fine for failing to notify customers of faulty ignition switches in certain car models. The defect led to the recall of 2.6 million Saturn Ions, Chevy Cobalts, and other small vehicles, as well as multiple injuries and deaths.
More recently, GM has made headlines again with its recent recall of 8,500 cars for brake problems. If you’ve been involved in a car accident that was the result of a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering, and any medical costs accrued.
Cause of the Most Recent Recall
The recent recall is a result of possible braking problems in GM’s Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Malibu models. The potential braking problem, and therefore necessary recall, is related to rear brake rotors having possibly been installed in the front brake assembly. This mistake may reduce braking performance. Additionally, as a rear brake rotor is seven millimeters thinner than its front rotor counterpart, the rear brake rotor has a shorter life expectancy.
At this point, GM has stated that it is not aware of any injuries or accidents that have been associated with the recall, unlike the recall of GM vehicles earlier in the year, which led to 13 deaths.
Product Liability Law
When designing and manufacturing a product, the manufacturer has a responsibility to ensure that the product won’t cause harm to any of its users. While the law differs on a state-by-state basis, generally a product can be labeled as defective if the benefits of the product, such as the intended use of the car, are outweighed by the associated risks such as any dangers related to ineffective design or manufacturing.
Although no injuries have yet been reported related to GM’s most recent vehicle recall, the potential for injuries to occur by vehicles that are still in the owner’s possession exists. If you’re in the possession of a defective GM vehicle or have been harmed by one, you need to act immediately. You should receive notice with instructions to get the defect examined and fixed, and you may receive a loaner car until the defect is corrected.
Legal Options for Victims of Defective Cars
If you’ve been the victim of a car accident that you suspect was caused by a defective vehicle – made by GM or another automaker – you should act immediately to explore your legal options in such a case. This may require securing an examination of the vehicle and testimony from an accident reconstruction expert who can piece together the accident.
The attorneys at Rob Levine & Associates can help you to get started immediately on filing your claim, and can provide you with more information about what types of compensation you may be eligible to recover. To receive a free case consultation about your case, call us now at 800-LAW-1222 (529-1222).
