In an auto accident, a functioning airbag can often mean the difference between life and death. Airbags save hundreds of thousands of lives every year, but only when they are working properly. When an airbag is defective, the device intended to save your life may cause more harm than good. That has unfortunately been the case with a number of Takata airbags, and why many are turning to Takata airbag recall attorneys for assistance.
Takata Corporation, an airbag manufacturer whose products are found in vehicles across the country, has issued a massive recall of millions of defective airbags. The attorneys at the Phillips Law Group are investigating claims that Takata airbags have caused multiple deaths and hundreds of injuries.
If you or your loved one was injured by a defective Takata airbag, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact the Takata airbag attorneys at Phillips Law Group today to learn more about your legal rights.
Takata has recalled millions of airbags since 2008, affecting many makes and models of vehicles throughout the country.
The most recent recall was mandated by the NHTSA after reports that the defective airbags are susceptible to deterioration after exposure to high heat and humidity. As a result of the deterioration, the airbags combust in an overly-aggressive manner, which can shatter the airbag inflator housing. When the airbag deploys, these shards of metal from the housing are forced out at a great speed, leading to gruesome injuries.
Several deaths and many injuries have been attributed to these flying pieces of the airbag housing striking accident victims in the face and neck. In addition to this particular defect, other problems with the airbags have included ruptures as well as design defects and manufacturing flaws.
Recent reports indicate that Takata knew about these defects over a decade ago. Takata allegedly performed secret tests on its airbags after the company received reports that a driver in Alabama had been killed by shards of flying metal.
Rather than report the results of their tests to the NHTSA, Takata ordered its scientists to destroy the testing data. Takata has claimed that the issues with its airbags were resolved in the early 2000s, but employees speaking to The New York Times doubted the company’s truthfulness, and internal company documents revealed that Takata’s upper management may not have been as forthcoming as first thought.
As a result of these allegations, the House of Representatives asked the Government Accountability Office to begin an investigation into Takata’s handling of its airbag issues. The NHTSA is also investigating the company, as well as automakers who used Takata parts.
If you are concerned that your vehicle may be unsafe, you should use the NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool to check your particular vehicle.
In general, vehicles affected by this recall include the following models:
At Phillips Law Group, our attorneys believe that you should be able to count on your car’s airbags to keep you safe. If you were injured in an auto accident and think your airbag was defective, our Takata airbag products liability attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Call 602-222-2222 or use the online case evaluation form on this page to contact Phillips Law Group today.