Dozens of people have been poisoned by carbon monoxide after accidentally failing to turn off their keyless ignition cars or trucks.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting carbon monoxide induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning from a keyless ignition vehicle, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Keyless Ignition Vehicles Linked to Dozens of Carbon Monoxide Deaths
Since 2006, at least 28 people have died of carbon monoxide poisoning and 45 others were injured after forgetting to turn off their keyless ignition vehicles, according to an investigation by The New York Times.
What is the Problem?
When drivers forget to turn off their keyless-ignition cars, the car will spew poisonous carbon monoxide gas into their home. In some cases, the driver simply forgets to turn off the engine because they do not use a key. In other cars, the engine turns itself on automatically later.
Gas-Electric Hybrid Vehicles
In some plug-in gas-electric hybrid vehicles, the engine may not be on when the driver leaves the vehicle — but if the driver forgets to turn off the vehicle, the engine might turn on automatically when the battery runs low. If the engine keeps running, carbon monoxide can build up.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurry vision
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Brain damage
- Death
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause severe, life-threatening injuries or death. When there is too much carbon monoxide in the air, the body replaces oxygen in the bloodstream with carbon monoxide. This prevents oxygen from reaching the body and vital organs, causing brain damage or death.
Class Action Lawsuit
In 2015, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of 13 people who died of carbon monoxide poisoning after leaving their keyless-ignition vehicles on.
Keyless Ignition Recall
In 2015, GM recalled 64,000 Chevrolet Volt hybrid vehicles to add software that will shut the car off if the key fob leaves the vehicle, sound an alarm, or if the vehicle is left idling for 1.5-hours. The recall was announced after 2 incidents involving carbon monoxide buildup.
Safety Features to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Deaths
These deaths might be prevented with simple safety features. For example, vehicles can make a sound to alert drivers if they exit the vehicle while the engine is still running. Many newer vehicles also have an “auto-off” feature that automatically turns off the engine.
Do I have a Keyless Ignition Carbon Monoxide Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting carbon monoxide induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning from a keyless ignition vehicle, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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