In recent news, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed another tragic death linked to a faulty Takata airbag.
This announcement is a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers associated with these airbags, which have been a significant safety concern for over a decade.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a Takata or any other airbag, understanding your rights for recovery is crucial.
Our Virginia Beach defective product attorneys have been following this issue for years, including all the personal injury claims filed by victims of Takata airbag defects. We can offer expert advice on the strength of your case and your potential compensation.
Defective Takata Airbags Have Been a Problem for Decades
According to Newsweek, the NHTSA recently confirmed a 28th fatality linked to an exploding Takata airbag. During the crash, the airbag erupted and caused the death of the victim, who was driving a 2004 Honda Civic in Alabama. At least 400 more people have been injured.
The NHTSA recently warned drivers that it’s not only the original Takata airbags that may be problematic but also “cheap, substandard replacement air bag inflators” that were installed as part of the initial recalls.
Takata Corporation, once a prominent name in automotive safety, became infamous for producing defective airbags about a decade ago. These airbags, installed in millions of vehicles worldwide, can deploy explosively, sending metal shrapnel into the vehicle cabin during a crash. That shrapnel can impact occupants and cause serious injuries and fatalities.
The problem started when Takata changed to using ammonium nitrate as a propellant in their airbag inflators. This is a chemical that can become unstable and dangerous over time, particularly in vehicles that are exposed to high heat and humidity.
To date, about 67 million Takata airbags have been recalled because of the dangers associated with them. You can check for recalls using your vehicle identification number (VIN). If your vehicle has an outstanding recall, take it to your nearest dealership for help.
Should I Stop Driving My Vehicle Until It’s Repaired?
Ford and Mazda recently released “do not drive” warnings for more than 457,000 vehicles with recalled Takata airbags. Ford’s warning covers 374,290 model year 2004-2014 vehicles that were previously recalled. Mazda’s warning covers 82,893 model year 2003-2015 vehicles previously recalled. (Find the specific models here.)
Some of these vehicles are now more than 20 years old, which increases the risk of airbags rupturing in a crash.
In 2023, the NHTSA also issued a “do not drive” warning for 2003 Dodge Ram 1500s after a passenger was killed by a Takata airbag rupture.
Steps to Recover Compensation for Airbag Injuries
If you or someone you love was injured because of a defective airbag, follow these steps:
Document Your Injuries and Damages
Collect all medical records related to your injuries. These will help establish the extent of your injuries and the treatments you’ve undergone.
Repair and Replacement Costs
Keep track of any vehicle repairs or replacements required because of the airbag failure.
Lost Wages
Document any time you missed work related to your injuries.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Takata, other airbag makers, and vehicle manufacturers may be held liable for airbag injuries under product liability laws. Our Virginia Beach defective product lawyers have experience in defective product cases and can help you strengthen your case and increase your chances of fair compensation.
We will assist you in gathering all the necessary evidence you need and will handle the negotiations with the insurance companies or manufacturers. If these negotiations fail to lead to a satisfactory settlement, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
How a Virginia Beach Defective Product Lawyer Can Help
The physical, emotional, and financial toll of airbag-related injuries can be overwhelming. When you contact us, you’re not just getting legal representation—you’re gaining a committed ally who will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
We offer compassionate, personalized legal support tailored to your unique situation. Our goal is to ease your burdens and help you focus on your recovery, as we did for this client’s family who filed a wrongful death claim. The decedent was killed by a defective product, and we helped secure a $2.5 million jury award for the family.
Find our offices in Virginia Beach as well as in Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake.