Airbags were designed to save lives. When a vehicle detects an impact, airbags deploy by rapidly filling with air and then immediately deflating, providing a cushion for the driver and front seat passenger in the car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags save just over 2,000 lives a year, which is an incredible number for such a small safety feature. However, airbags can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when they’re defective.
Over the last year, 34 million vehicles with defective airbags have been recalled and replaced. The NHTSA has called it “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.” The airbags, made by major parts supplier Takata, were installed in cars from model year 2002 through 2015. The defect stems from issues with ammonium nitrate, which causes the airbags to malfunction because of moisture sensitivity. Malfunctioning Takata airbags have been linked to 6 deaths and more than 100 injuries, such as blindness, broken bones, and lacerations to the face.
The NHTSA has set up a vehicle recall page to help owners find out if their car is among the ones recalled; all you have to do is enter your VIN. While the list of vehicles recalled is extensive, a few of the more popular brands include BMW, Dodge, Ford, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.
If you have been injured by an airbag, the manufacturer of the defective airbag may be liable. A class action Takata lawsuit may be your best solution, but many other legal options exist if your injuries occurred because of another manufacturer's negligence. With an experienced airbag recall lawyer by your side, you can take an aggressive stance to hold the manufacturer accountable for the costs you have incurred as a result of these injuries.
Contact our Los Angeles product liability lawyers at Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation today. We have more than 35 years of combined experience and are prepared to help you with your airbag lawsuit. If you enlist our legal guidance, we can rigorously investigate your case and call in airbag experts to analyze who’s responsible for your accident.
To schedule a free consultation with our firm, call (866) 884-1717 or contact us online.
