Keyless Ignition Systems Come Under Fire in Class Action Lawsuit
Recently, a class action lawsuit was filed by at least 28 plaintiffs against several major automakers, including BMW, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Honda, General Motors, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and others, claiming that these companies failed to inform them of the dangerous defects associated with keyless ignition systems. Evidence has emerged that at least 13 people have died due to carbon monoxide poisoning allegedly associated with keyless ignition systems.
Keyless ignition systems, which hit the market a few years ago, allow drivers to start their vehicles without inserting a key. Most vehicles that have this feature are quite safe and the system is designed to maximize driver convenience. However, the convenience of these ignition systems has had deadly consequences for some consumers due to the absence of adequate safeguards and warnings. Apparently, at least 13 consumers have mistakenly believed that by removing the keyless fob from the vehicle's vicinity, the engine will turn off. This is not the case. The engine will continue to run, no matter how far away the key fob is from the vehicle. While it continues to run, the vehicle emits carbon monoxide. This gas, which is colorless and odorless, can have potentially deadly results for those who inhale it.
Allegedly, a number of instances have occurred where drivers parked their vehicles inside their garages and removed the key fobs, only to discover later that the engine's never actually turned off. As a result, carbon monoxide filled the garage and home. At least 13 deaths and several injuries have allegedly been linked to this problem.
Automobile Manufacturers May Have Know of this Risk
The class action lawsuit claims that automakers have known of the risks associated with keyless ignition systems for some time. At least 27 complaints have been submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since 2009. Instead of addressing these issues, automakers have continued to market keyless ignition systems without warnings. Class action plaintiffs say the problem could be easily remedied with automatic shut off features and are seeking to recover compensatory as well as punitive damages.
Automobile Manufacturers Can Be Liable for Injuries and Deaths Linked to Defects
If you have been injured due to a vehicle defect, you should be entitled to receive compensation from the automobile manufacturer. Automakers have a duty to create products that are free from known defects and reasonably safe for intended use. If your automaker placed a dangerous vehicle on the market or failed to warn of known defects, it should be liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more linked to the accident.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Automobile Accident Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, the Georgia Automobile Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm has over 39 years of experience in the industry, including assisting the victims of defective automobile accidents and accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.