This year, General Motors has faced intense scrutiny over automobile recalls and delays in addressing lethal safety concerns. Among the primary concerns is the automaker's failure to address a problem with the ignitions switch--a flaw that has caused numerous deaths. GM acknowledges 13 deaths associated with the faulty ignition switch, but it is only counting in that number those who were killed in head-on collisions tied to the ignition switch and a failure of the airbags to deploy. Grieving family members say the number of deaths is much higher.
In June, General Motors CEO Mary Barra announced the firing of 15 employees and said that an internal investigation did not turn up any more serious safety flaws. Her comments seemed to imply that the worst was over for GM, but earlier this week, the company announced the recall of an additional 8 million vehicles. The latest recall brings the total number of vehicles recalled by General Motors in the first six months of 2014 to more than 30 million.
The latest recall includes more models affected by the faulty ignition switch as well as models affected by other problems. According to CNN Money, the following models are included in the 8.4 million-vehicle recall announced Monday:
Ignitions Switch
Engine Block Power Heater Cord
Missing Fastener
Auxiliary Battery Fire Hazard
Electrical Short Disabling Power Door Lock and Window Switches
Of the approximately 30 million units recalled by GM this year, only three key models have escaped unscathed thus far: the Chevy Equinox crossover, the GMC Terrain crossover, and the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. CNN provides a complete list of 2014 GM recalls through June 29 here.
General Motors announced that it will be offering up to $1 million to family members of victims of fatal accidents involving the faulty ignition switch and airbag failures. However, many victims say that the $1 million settlement is not enough to convince them to waive their right to sue the automaker for the defect and the delay in rectifying a known danger. Instead, these families plan to fight their battle in court, filing lawsuits against the automaker rather than accepting the sum offered by GM. Others say they will have their lawyers closely scrutinize the settlement offer before making a decision.
While some families may be apt to accept the settlement just to put the past behind them, they could be doing themselves and their futures a tremendous disservice. Seeking legal counsel before accepting a settlement is always a wise decision.
