GM car’s bad ignition switch not to blame in crash, jury rules

NEW YORK – A New York City jury has found that a flawed General Motors ignition switch was not to blame in a 2014 accident on an icy New Orleans bridge.

The jury returned the verdict Wednesday in Manhattan federal court. The trial stemming from a Louisiana fender bender was aimed at helping lawyers resolve hundreds of similar lawsuits. A man and woman claimed injuries after the accident.

Six trials were scheduled this year to help resolve claims stemming from an ignition switch controversy that has plagued GM since 2002. The company has issued recalls affecting over 30 million vehicles since early 2014.

The ignition switch can slip out of the on position, making it difficult to steer or stop as the car stalls. GM says it has fixed the problem.