Following at least four deaths and a recent crash in Florida, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made an urgent call for the repair of airbag inflation mechanisms in millions of vehicles. CBS of Dallas/Fort Worth reports on the recent warning issued to more than 4.7 million consumers. The urgent warning has been issued because the mechanisms that rapidly inflates airbags could explode and spray metal shards into the driver’s face.
The airbag inflation mechanisms at issue are made by Takata Corporation. Some manufacturers have already recalled cars containing the Takata airbag inflators over the last several years. The U.S. government is now warning even more consumers to act immediately, especially those in highly humid regions like Florida and Hawaii. While the cause of the defect is still being investigated, there is evidence that the parts are more likely to explode in humid climates.
This most recent government action comes following a deadly accident in Florida. A 46-year-old woman was killed in the accident after metal fragments flew out of her airbag and are believed to have caused severe neck injuries. At least three other deaths have been blamed on similar airbag defects. Unfortunately, the true number of airbag failures has likely been underreported and denied by responsible parties, forcing victims to use an airbag recall lawsuit to recover for their injuries.
Twelve million vehicles have been recalled worldwide due to the exploding airbag inflators. Some believe the problem could extend to more than twenty million vehicles in the United States alone. Recalls include both driver side and passenger airbags in cars made by General Motors, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Ford.
Drivers can check whether their vehicles are subject to this and other recalls using their vehicle identification number (VIN) at www.safercar.gov.
Drivers who suffer serious injuries in accidents due to airbag defects or other automotive defects may be entitled to recover for their losses by filing a products liability lawsuit against the car manufacturer. If you suffered a serious injury, call the product defect attorneys at Lopez McHugh, LLP today for a free consultation.
