As more and more information regarding the GM recall continues to come out, Transport Canada is investigating a fatal car accident that may be linked to the same ignition switch failure that led to 12 deaths in the United States.
According to the federal department, there has been one complaint in Canada involving a crash that appears to be related to the failure of ignition switches that led to the 1.6 million vehicle recall. The crash occurred in June 2013 and involves a vehicle that went off the road and hit several trees. The driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
If the investigation finds that the accident is linked to the faulty ignition switch, it would be the most recent fatal crash involved as the last one, as reported by GM, was in 2009. Transport Canada is analyzing data provided by GM Canada from the vehicles event data recorder.
General Motors of Canada began sending recall notices this week to about 236,000 Canadian owners of models that were affected. GM Canada and its parent company have offered $500 rebates to owners of models that were purchased new in 2013, 2014 or 2015 and loaner cars to customers who do not want to drive their cars until they are fixed.
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on late Wednesday, GM said that the defect was present in pre-production models of a 2001 Saturn, but the design of the switch was later changed. Chevrolet Cobalt models began experiencing power failures in 2005, but recall notices for the model and other affected vehicles were not issued until February 2014.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by a vehicle defect, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine what your legal rights are. Contact an injury lawyer at Greg Monforton & Partners today for your free, initial consultation.
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