General Motors’ profits are down approximately 85% in the wake of a devastating scandal involving the company’s failure to recall defective vehicles.

For over a decade General Motors has been aware that millions of cars it manufactured suffered from  serious defects which caused them to spontaneously lose power while in operation.  Despite being notified that the defect was causing auto accidents, including accidents which caused fatalities, General Motors nevertheless failed to recall the vehicles for over a decade.  The scandal finally came to light in early 2014, prompting the company to recall millions of vehicles and attempt to assure the public that it would do all it could to regain their trust.  In disturbing twist, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration was also aware of the deadly defect, and also failed to take appropriate action.

Toyota recently reached a $1.4 billion settlement with the government as a result of its having failed to recall defective vehicles.  It will be interesting to see what kinds of sanctions General Motors faces in light of the fact that the government itself also failed in its duty to protect the consumer.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of  a defective vehicle, call the Henderson accident attorneys of Jolley Urga Woodbury & Little at (702) 699-7500 right away or contact us online, for a free consultation.