An enormous Takata airbag recall is currently affecting more than 37 million vehicles. If you or a loved one has suffered harm from a Takata airbag deploying aggressively, exploding, or expelling metal shards, contact the Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. in Dallas. Our product liability attorneys have decades of experience handling defective auto part claims and can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries or the tragic death of a loved one.
About the Takata Airbag Recall
Currently, safety organizations estimate the number of defective Takata airbags at around 50 million. By December 2019, experts predict the total number of Takata airbags recalled to reach around 70 million. Takata, a major supplier of vehicle safety systems, created airbags that may explode when an accident triggers them, putting occupants at risk of serious injuries and death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall for Takata airbags on a national level back in 2014. Since then, many people have brought lawsuits against Takata for making faulty airbags and delaying a recall. These lawsuits allege the following:
- Takata airbags use a volatile chemical called ammonium nitrate, which can cause the airbags to explode or deploy too aggressively.
- The metal cartridge that inflates the airbag can cause the bag to inflate too quickly, rupture, and/or shoot metal shards.
- Takata knew about the defective and dangerous airbags back in 2004 – years before it filed recall paperwork with federal organizations.
- Takata failed to cooperate with the NHTSA on investigations into the airbag problem, possibly delaying a recall.
- Takata denied and delayed the release of safety information that could have prevented motorist injuries and deaths.
- Takata’s defective airbags have caused deaths and injuries worldwide that would not have happened were it not for the defect.
The defective Takata airbags could cause lacerations, puncture wounds, burns, bruises, or more severe injuries by exploding and shooting shrapnel into the cab of the vehicle upon impact. So far, faulty Takata airbags have taken 15 lives and injured more than 100 others. Some injuries have been catastrophic, with metal shards exploding from the airbags and piercing victims’ necks and faces. If you’re one of the victims of a defective airbag, arm yourself with an experienced attorney.
Join a Takata Lawsuit
Those in the auto industry have referred to Takata’s defective airbags as “live bombs waiting to go off.” In 2017, Takata pleaded guilty to criminal misconduct under the prosecutor of the U.S. Department of Justice. Of the $1 billion settlement that resulted, $125 million will go toward compensating the victims. Victims are continuing to bring lawsuits against Takata for airbag-related harms in the form of individual lawsuits and class actions. You might be able to receive your own settlement or verdict with help from our lawyers.
Since Takata pleaded guilty to misconduct, it can be easier to prove product liability lawsuits against the company. While a guilty criminal verdict doesn’t automatically mean proof of guilt in the civil courts, plaintiffs can use this information as evidence against Takata. Other successful lawsuits for the same or similar harms can also help a case against Takata to succeed. Working with experienced personal injury attorneys can give you an edge in the courtroom. You’ll have someone standing up for your rights and making your voice heard.
At the Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C., you’re not just a number. You’re a real person suffering serious ramifications because of Takata’s criminal misconduct. We will provide legal services with a strategy tailored toward your specific needs and goals for your claim. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay a dime unless we win. Learn more about the ongoing Takata airbag recall and lawsuits at (214) 200-4878 or schedule a free consult online.