NTHSA targeted for failing to detect ignition problem in GM cars

A recent article by Reuters, published on March 23, took a more in-depth look into the GM recall, its ignition defect, and how the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) failed to detect the problem like many others.

The article focuses on retired Wisconsin state trooper Keith Young, who submitted a report in 2006 to the NHTSA regarding a car accident that he stated was caused by an ignition problem. The 2006 St. Croix County, Wisconsin crash, which caused the deaths of 18-year-old Natasha Weigel and 15-year-old Amy Rademaker, and permanently damaged the brain of 19-year-old Megan Ungar-Kerns, had been professionally analyzed by Young, who had a 20-year career as an accident reconstructionist. Young sent his findings to the NHTSA that the ignition had been switched to “accessory” from “run” before the crash occurred, thereby disabling the air bags’ ability to deploy and cutting off the engine.

However, the NHTSA did not act on Young’s observation, and only began investigating GM after the company issued the recall in February. The company is now under scrutiny for this lack of action at the time.

Unfortunately, this defect and many others have caused many people in Tennessee to suffer serious harm or be killed. At Pohl & Berk, LLP, we help victims of such accidents take action against the car manufacturers responsible for the defect. Call us at 615-277-2765 if you have been involved in an accident caused by a defect and want to learn more about your legal options.