Blog EntriesGeneral Motors Goes Down
October 6, 2006 in USA
Natalie and Jason.
Look at me, I’m a wedding photographer now! ha!
First, I’d like to start off by saying congratulations to my cousin Jason and his new wife Natalie. The man we never thought would settle down has finally tied the knot, and we’re all extremely happy for him. Since the new couple is already off enjoying the beaches of Hawaii I imagine it will be some time until they see this…but give me a shout when you get back, I’ve got quite a few wedding pics for you guys, as requested 
Now that’s what I call Jewish tradition. 230lbs or not, J’s going for a ride.
Now, I’m sure all of you remember about 15 posts ago when I mentioned that I had initiated a lawsuit against General Motors. At long last, that lawsuit has come to an end.
Wanna hear about it?
OK, here goes!
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Yep, I’m fully aware of how messed up the exposure is. Oops.
Thanks to my incredibly awesome stepfather Dan, in June 2002 I got my first car. It was a brand new 2002 Pontiac Firebird. I loved that car, and took care of it accordingly: From the day I got it until I left for Japan it remained in virtually mint condition.
Unfortunately, it would not remain in mint condition during my absence.
In the winter of 2005, LA saw record-breaking rains. More than half of which ended up inside my car. Despite my best efforts to protect the vehicle, a defect in the removable T-Top roof panels led to severe leaking and interior damage. By the time the rain stopped and my dad opened the car up, it had ankle-deep water and inch-thick mold growing on virtually every surface.
Me with my mom, sister, and stepdad at the wedding.
But that’s alright! Thankfully, the car was still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. We contacted General Motors to notify them of the defect and ask for repairs.
They told us to go f**k ourselves.
My slick old man and little sister.
My father subsequently spent countless hours drying the car, obtaining damage estimates, and pressuring GM to honor their warranty - something he really should not have had to do in the first place. But they were adamant about their position, coming up with excuse after excuse for why they couldn’t be held responsible.
Disappointed by they way they’d chosen to do business, disgusted by their treatment of customers, and shocked at their refusal to honor their warranty, my dad and I decided to sue. Through no fault of my own my car had been severely damaged and reduced in value, and I wanted back the defect-free car that was paid for fair and square.
A happy Justin comes home with a new car.
So we began to extensively research the relevant laws, put together a pile of evidence, and file a case against them. Justin vs. General Motors. David vs. Goliath. No lawyers, just me and one white-haired corporate lapdog.
And I won.
Even though I’ve yet to actually collect, and they could technically appeal the decision, I have to say that it feels really good to have that heartache behind me. GM tried so hard to avoid paying for the damages that they even attempted to scare me away by threatening with a countersuit. But in the end a fair judge allowed us to move forwards and prevail.
Chalk one up for the little guy!
3 Comments »
congrats…..way to stick it to those bastids. I hate when corporate America tries to weasle out of something that is such a simple matter. Just makes everyones life harder.
wow, that’s pretty awesome.
That’s a hell of a nice car you’ve got there. You’re gonna have to get used to the Yellow-plate cars in Japan getting blinged out in every way possible!
