On May 4, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expanded the Takata (manufacturer of airbag and airbag components in many vehicles on the road today) recalls. This expansion is projected to potentially affect almost one out of every four cars on the road today according to a June 1, 2016, report from the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.[1] According to the report and a New York Times article published June 1, 2016, “Automakers Still Selling Cars With Defective Takata Airbags,”[2] Toyota, Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler and Mitsubishi continue to sell new vehicles with defective Takata airbags that will need to be recalled.
The defect associated with these airbags causes the inside of the airbag to potentially become damaged over time from moisture. After one of these airbags has been damaged due to moisture, there is a great risk that it might send fragments of the airbag throughout the passenger cabin of the car were it to deploy in the event of a collision. According to the New York Times article, this defect has been linked to more than 13 deaths and over 100 serious injuries.
Motor vehicle transportation is by far the most dangerous way to travel according to the United States Department of Transportation, Bureau of Statistics. There are tens of thousands of injuries and deaths on the road each year. Car airbags are supposed to make us safer. Instead, these airbags run the risk of being a ticking time-bomb inside your car, only to explode when you need them the most.
If you have been hurt or a loved one injured or killed in a car crash because of a defective Takata airbag or because of the recklessness or carelessness of another, contact the personal injury and products liability attorneys at Manchin Injury Law Group, PLLC. We are always here to help and the consultation is free.
[1] “The Takata Recalls: Consumers Are Still Stuck in Neutral Investigation of Takata Recalls Shows Low Recall Completion Rates, Use of Ammonium-Nitrate Inflators as Replacements, and Continued Sale of New Vehicles with Problem Inflators” OFFICE OF OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS MINORITY STAFF REPORT JUNE 1, 2016
[2] “Automakers Still Selling Cars With Riskiest Takata Airbags,” New York Times, June 1, 2016.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
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