GM Compensation Fund Set Up for Accident Victims

In light of GMC’s ignition switch recall, General Motors have placed a compensation fund aside for those who can show they have suffered serious physical injuries or have lost loved ones from accidents involving the recalled GMC vehicles with faulty ignition switches.  Approximately 1.6 million 2003-2007 recalled vehicles which were manufactured with the ignition switch defect, along with about 1 million 2008-2011 vehicles which were possibly repaired with a recalled ignition switch.  Compensation checks will range anywhere from $20,000 to several million, with $1 million being automatically awarded for pain and suffering above other payments for accidents involving deaths.

Independently administered by Kenneth Feinberg, who also administered the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, this voluntary program compensates those individuals if they agree to give up the  right to sue General Motors.  Although there is no cap on this victim compensation fund, GM expects to pay out anywhere from $400-$600 million.  Careful decisioning of approved claim disbursement will be made by Feinberg, not General Motors, and can take 90-180 days, depending on the complexity of the case.  Prior to the August 1st program launch, Feinberg outlined a compensation structure that is based on three tiers: 1) for death; 2) for catastrophic injuries, such as permanent brain damage and paralysis; and 3) for less serious injuries.

Claim submissions can be completed online or by mail, and must be submitted by December 31, 2014. A toll-free number has been designated for the GM victim compensation program: 1-855-382-6463 (U.S. and Canada) and the claim forms and submission information can be found at www.gmignitioncompensation.com.

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If you have had any issue with your GM vehicle, contact Davis Consumer Law Firm at 855-432-8475 for free lemon law help.  You may be entitled to financial compensation or a free replacement vehicle.  Visit www.usalemonlawyer.com to request a free case evaluation.

Hyundai Hit with a Class Action Lawsuit for Stalling Defect

Hyundai Motor Co. has recently been hit with a class action lawsuit in a federal court in California on behalf of owners of the 2010-2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Julia Reniger and Greg Battaglia, plaintiffs in this lawsuit, allege that their Hyundai vehicles had a stalling defect and that Hyundai was aware of the defect, but waited years to issue a recall.  They purchased a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe and a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, respectively.  They claim their vehicles stalled randomly with total loss of power, including with the brakes and steering.  This defect increases the chances of a crash and poses a risk of injury or death to passengers.  Many owners have complained of similar experiences.

Although Hyundai did launch a Service Campaign to tackle the issue, the lawsuit alleges that the problem still was not resolved.  The manufacturer states that while the driver is braking at low speed, the vehicles can stall due to reduced engine RPM.  With an additional simultaneous load on the engine, the reduced RPM can also stall the engine.  Those involved in the class action disagree with Hyundai and point out that different driving conditions cause their vehicles to stall.  Some owners have reported their vehicles shutting off with no warnings while operating at low speeds, turning or coming to a stop.  Others have claimed this occurred while driving at full speed on highways, while accelerating or at a stop, with several complaints depicting close calls which could have potentially resulted in a fatal crash.  Those who have complained were informed the problems were unable to be replicated or were given failed repairs.  They believe that they were issued “false or misleading statements”, with Hyundai informing them that their vehicles were safe to drive.

Do you need a Hyundai Lemon Law Attorney?

If you are experiencing stalling issues with your Hyundai, contact Davis Consumer Law Firm for a free consultation or complete our form.  There is absolutely no cost to the consumer.

Fred Davis is a true consumer advocate who has represented consumers in a countless number of lemon law cases and ended up with favorable outcomes for the vehicle owners. (Recent cases).  His experience in and out of the courtroom has earned him peer recognition as one of Pennsylvania’s 2013 Rising Stars in the national Super Lawyers. We fight diligently for consumers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Maryland.