Orlando Takata Airbag Injuries

Airbags are meant to keep us safe in the event of an accident. But that’s not the case for some vehicles. Popular automotive part manufacturer Takata has created defective airbags, some of which have claimed the lives of innocent drivers and passengers. The most unfortunate thing is that records have shown that Takata knew about the issues concerning its defective airbags as early as 2004. However, despite this knowledge, the company chose not to acknowledge the safety risk formally because they knew they would face legal action. It wasn’t until 2015 that they officially recognized the issue. But that was too late — things would have been different had they addressed the safety risk promptly. Contact us today if you or a loved one suffered Takata airbag injuries in Orlando or elsewhere in Florida.

FAQ

What is Wrong With Takata Airbags?

Certain Takata airbags utilize ammonium-nitrate-based propellant without a crucial chemical drying agent. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when such an airbag is exposed to prolonged periods of high temperatures and humidity, its fuel can degrade over time. This degradation may result in a potential explosion during airbag deployment, leading to the dangerous release of lethal metal fragments toward anyone sitting in the vehicle's front seats (driver and passengers).

Can I Sue Takata for Defective Airbags?

Thousands of accident victims are getting compensated for injuries sustained due to defective Takata airbags. This also applies to families that lost their loved ones in car accidents where Takata airbags deployed.

Takata’s failure to inform the public about the dangers associated with the inflators was a form of negligence, given that many deaths and injuries could have been avoided. Even though The Department of Transportation imposed a $200 million fine on the automobile party manufacturer, that was just a slap on the wrist.

In January 2017, the company pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to its misconduct and reached a substantial $1 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Out of the total settlement, at least $125 million is designated for victim compensation.

What Vehicles Are at a High Risk?

Certain Honda and Acura models manufactured between 2001 and 2003, equipped with the so-called "alpha" airbags, are considered high risk. We’ve also seen cases where the 2006 Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series pickup trucks have been reported to be high risk. To determine if your vehicle is safe to drive, enter your VIN on the vehicle recall tool found on the NHTSA’s website.

Talk to an Orlando Takata Airbag Lawyer

There have been around 26 fatalities and over 400 injuries in the U.S. so far due to the defective Takata airbag. The fact that the multi-billion company knew about this problem but kept silent until 2015 shows a blatant disregard for human lives and safety. And considering that the problem started around 2004, Takata profited from making defective airbags for over a decade.

Now is the time to hold them accountable. Fill out our free case evaluation form if you were injured or lost a loved one in a car accident between 2004 and 2015, in which the airbags deployed. We might be able to fight for you.