General Motors' ignition switches in 1.62 million vehicles are defective, so many of the vehicles have already been recalled. According to an NBC report, the switch defect may have caused at least six deaths. USA Today says that GM recalled Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles with the defect, but left many other cars on the road. Lawyers are reaching out ot the press and warning drivers not to drive their GM vehicles if they are concerned that there may be an ignition defect.

One lawsuit filed against GM claims that they knew of the problem with the ignition switches. USA Today reports that the ignition can shut off the engine of the car while driving. This can then cut off the driver's power steering and brakes, as well as safety systems such as airbags and the anti-lock brakes. Allegedly, GM knew about the issue as far back as 2004, but did nothing about it.

In the Chevy Cobalt, the stall would cut off the driver's power steering and brakes, often causing serious collisions. GM says that the ignition can pop out of the run position because of a heavy key chain or the jarring of the keys in accessory or off. This could deactivate the airbags, so that in the event of a crash the victim isn't even protected.

GM says that it will replace all switches in 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalts and 2007 Pontiac G5 compact cars in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. After issuing this initial recall, the firm also issued another recall for all 2006 and 2007 Pontiac Solstice cars, and 2003 to 2007 Saturn Ions. The company also issued a recall for the 2007 Saturn Sky.

Yet according to a recent article, some drivers don't think that replacement is enough. Drivers say that there is a second defect with the GM vehicle. This is the placement of the ignition switch. Allegedly, the switch is too easy to bump, which can also trip the ignition out of "run" mode in the middle of a route.

A recent lawsuit claims that GM needs to create an additional shield that will keep the key or fob from being bumped by a driver during transit. One law firm participating in this lawsuit says that GM has known that they need to complete a recall and add shields to the vehicles ignition systems for years. Still, GN continues to let their vehicles remain on the road without making much of an effort to promote change.

GM allegedly knew as early as 2001 that its key ignition system could shut off the engine without warning but never took steps to fix the issue because they didn't think that it there was a high probability of problems. Evidence shows that GM may be responsible for as many as 12 deaths and 31 crashes as a result of the faulty ignition switches. Some car owners are suing because the value of their vehicles plummeted following the news stories. Others are suing for medical damages or for wrongful death.

This is a prime example of a car accident lawsuit that is targeted against the auto manufacturer. Sometimes, another driver on the road may be responsible for your accident. Yet there are other times that the auto manufacturer may be directly responsible for the incident that occurs. An auto manufacturer may have overlooked a defect in testing. If the auto company is directly responsible for your injures or the death of your loved one, don't hesitate to call a local car accident attorney tor represent you in your case. Call today!