Takata Airbag Injuries – Airbag Recall Details
In February 2015, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration levied fines of $14,000 a day on airbag manufacturer Takata Corp. for their lack of cooperation with the Department of Transportation’s investigation into the company’s defective airbag inflators. According to the NHTSA and the DoT, those airbags –which have a tendency to explode, showering drivers and passengers with shrapnel – have caused six deaths and injured 60 others in the U.S. and overseas. In total, the massive Takata airbag recall affected more than 17 million vehicles built by 10 different automakers dating back to 2002 through 2008.
Deaths and serious injuries from exploding airbags
One of the latest victims of the exploding airbags was Hien Tran. In a story last fall in the New York Times, the Orange County Sherriff claimed that “When Ms. Tran crashed her car, the airbag, instead of protecting her, appeared to have exploded and sent shrapnel flying into her neck.” Both Tran and another driver who was killed by shrapnel when her car’s airbag exploded, Hai Ming Xu, looked as if they had been shot or stabbed in the face.
Other drivers, who were severely injured in accidents involving the airbags but survived, have had to deal with lingering injuries such as vision loss, traumatic brain injury and disfiguring scars.
How do I know if my car is included in the recall?
You have more than likely received a notice in the mail about getting your airbags replaced. The NHTSA has set up a website where you can enter the VIN number for your car and find out if your car’s make and model have been included in the recall. You can also call 1.888.327.4236; just make sure to have your VIN number handy when you call.
Depending on the make and model of car you own, you will most likely have to call the dealership and order the replacement airbag parts if your car is part of the recall. The dealer will call you when the parts arrive and then you can bring your vehicle in to have the airbags replaced at no cost to you.
Not all airbags are dangerous
One of the associated problems with this massive recall is that many people now believe that no airbags will keep you safe. This is categorically untrue. Airbags have saved far more lives than they have taken since they have been installed as safety equipment in vehicles. If your vehicle is on the recall list, get your airbags replaced. If not, you should not have anything to worry about.
If you or a loved one has received an injury from an airbag that exploded in your car, you can speak to a personal injury attorney who will discuss your options. Paulson & Nace, PLLC protects personal injury victims in the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area and throughout West Virginia. If you suffered a serious injury because of a known vehicle defect, please contact our office right away to learn more.
Christopher T. Nace works in all practice areas of the firm, including medical malpractice, birth injury, drug and product liability, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and other negligence and personal injury matters.
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