Takata Airbag Settlement Lawyer | Airbag Recall

At the height of its prominence, the Japanese company Takata airbags were provided to nearly 25% of all automotive manufacturers. However, the company eventually discovered that its airbags contained a serious defect that made them dangerous. Instead of taking proper action to rectify the situation, Takata executives manipulated early safety data, leading to injuries and fatalities among motorists and passengers.

As a consumer, you deserve to trust the products you buy, especially those intended to protect you. Motor vehicle safety features are essential for traveling securely in passenger cars and trucks. When a consumer product causes harm due to a defect, victims have the legal right to pursue compensation.

If you or someone you love has been injured by one of these defective airbags, you may be entitled to a Takata airbag settlement. A settlement fund has already been established to compensate victims. You should not bear the costs and losses from a defective airbag. Let the accomplished team at Paul | Knopf | Bigger examine the facts of your case and help you move forward.

Takata Airbag Recall Lawyer

It is critical to hold negligent corporations accountable for the harm they cause. Paul | Knopf | Bigger attorneys have the skills and knowledge to get you the justice you deserve. Complete our online contact form to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Our friendly team will help you determine the best course of action in your airbag injury case.

Takata Airbag Lawsuit | Defective Airbag Lawyer

With the announcement in January 2020 of the final batch of vehicles containing defective Takata airbags, the two-decade-long Takata recall may finally end. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to a defective Takata airbag, please get in touch with Paul | Knopf | Bigger.

The recalls for faulty Takata airbags, produced by the major parts supplier, initially started in the early 2000s when Honda recalled 4,000 Accords and Civics. The initial recall was prompted by the 2009 death of an Oklahoma woman, who was killed by shrapnel from an exploding driver-side airbag. Between 2002 and 2017, 34 automakers installed defective Takata airbags in millions of vehicles.

This led to what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) described as the most complex recall in history. The recalled Takata airbags affected frontal airbags on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of thousands of vehicles.

Paul | Knopf | Bigger has experience representing clients who were victims of defective products. The Takata airbag recall affects numerous vehicles worldwide equipped with potentially explosive airbags. When these airbags deploy, they can send metal shrapnel and other debris toward the faces and necks of the vehicle occupants.

This recall, which affects nearly 40 million vehicles globally, is one of the most significant in U.S. history. Contact our firm to speak with a qualified Takata Airbag Recall Lawyer about your case.

Takata Airbags Defect Recall of 2020

On January 2, 2020, Takata announced the recall of an additional 10 million front airbag inflators, affecting 14 automakers. This latest recall stems from a serious and fatal defect that has injured and killed hundreds of motorists worldwide.

The announcement in January 2020 impacts vehicles manufactured by Audi, BMW, Honda, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

These automakers will identify the vehicles affected by the recent recalls and initiate them. Some automakers have already declared their recalls.

What are the Takata Airbag Defects?

Takata airbag inflators sold to numerous automakers contain a serious and potentially deadly defect. This defect involves a low-cost propellant inside the inflators that deteriorates over time. As a result, when the airbag deploys, the inflator can rupture, propelling sharp metal fragments toward the driver and passengers in the vehicle.

Several deaths and injuries have resulted from the velocity of the debris paired with the proximity of passengers inside a vehicle.

Tests conducted by Takata and independent entities concluded that the period during which propellant degradation occurs varies greatly.

Many factors affect how quickly propellant degrades, including vehicle makes and models, airbag inflators, and propellant configurations. However, the most significant influencers on propellant degradation are climate zones. Airbags with non-desiccated ammonium nitrate are at the highest risk of explosion, especially when exposed to prolonged periods of absolute humidity, high temperatures, and temperature cycling.

It’s crucial to understand that the Takata airbag recall focuses on the airbag inflator, which is a part of the airbag assembly, rather than the airbag itself. As a result, the airbag and airbag inflator suppliers may vary for the same vehicle. Consequently, it’s possible to have different suppliers for the driver’s and passenger’s side airbag inflators in your vehicle.

Contact our firm today if you or someone you care about has been injured in a Takata airbag explosion. A Takata Airbag Recall Lawyer from Paul | Knopf | Bigger is dedicated to your case and can provide assistance.

Does My Vehicle Have a Defective Takata Airbag?

A list of vehicles affected by a Takata defective airbag can be found on the list page. This list may not be current, as it is possible that other vehicles may be affected.

List of Vehicles Affected by a Takata Defective Airbag

If you were injured as a result of a defective airbag and need assistance in your case or want to learn if you have a Takata defective airbag injury case, contact us today for a free consultation.

NHTSA Warnings

The recall affected approximately 37 million vehicles, encompassing over 50 million defective Takata airbag inflators. The variation occurs because some vehicles are equipped with both driver-side and passenger-side airbags. According to the NHTSA, the Takata airbag flaws have led to more than 23 fatalities and numerous injuries. The NHTSA has released two crucial alerts for consumers:

Alpha Airbags

Alpha airbags pose the highest risk of severe or fatal injuries to drivers and passengers. Therefore, they are the top priority for repair. Alpha airbags are installed in specific 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles, as well as 2006 Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series trucks. As of January 2020, the vehicles with Alpha airbags include the following:

2001-2002 Honda Civic
2001-2002 Honda Accord
2002-2003 Acura TL
2002 Honda CR-V
2002 Honda Odyssey
2003 Acura CL
2003 Honda Pilot
Certain 2006 Ford Ranger (Ford advises do not drive)
Certain 2006 Mazda B-Series (Mazda advises do not drive)

More vehicles will be added to future recall lists. With the ultimate Takata airbag recall, the total count of affected airbags surged to approximately 70 million. These vehicles will soon become searchable in recall databases.

Takata Airbag Recall Timeline

In the late 1990s, Takata began producing airbag inflators utilizing ammonium nitrate propellant. By around 2000, internal documentation within the company revealed concerns regarding malfunctioning airbag inflators and recorded instances of explosions during product testing. In 2017, Takata reached a settlement entailing a $25 million criminal fine, establishing a $125 million victim compensation fund, and committing $850 million to compensate automakers.

Timeline:

2004: The first reported airbag explosion in Alabama was deemed “an anomaly,” and no recall was issued.
2007: Three more reports of airbag explosions occurred, yet no recall was issued.
2008: Honda settled some cases and recalled 4,200 vehicles.
2009: Two fatalities resulted from more explosions, prompting an expanded recall with Honda and Acura.
2010: Honda and Acura recalls grew even larger, encompassing several more models. Takata did not acknowledge deaths and injuries.
2011: The recall expanded to 900,000 vehicles.
2012: The recall continued to expand as more cases surfaced.
2013: With more airbag explosions affecting other automakers, the recall expanded to 3.5 million airbags for multiple manufacturers.
2014: The recall increased from 4 million in June to 6.1 million in October. Additionally, the NHTSA investigated Takata airbags.
2015: The NHTSA ordered Takata to pay $14,000 daily for failure to respond to inquiries.
2016: Recalls rapidly grew in numbers and affected automakers, reaching 41 million vehicles worldwide.
2017: Takata pleads guilty to criminal charges and pays over one billion dollars.
2017: Automakers Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, and BMW reached their settlement with consumers over economic loss claims.
2018: Takata expanded its massive recall by an additional 3.3 million airbag inflators due to concerns they explode and spray dangerous metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin.
2019: Ford recalled nearly 800,000 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Toyota announced it would install new airbags in select models.
2020: In January, Takata announced a recall of 10 million more airbag inflators.

What is Ammonium Nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound used to create an explosion. It is typically found in mining and construction applications. Takata used this compound because it was cheaper than other products on the market. The compound deteriorates when exposed to prolonged humidity and heat cycling, resulting in an explosion.

Because Takata did not use a drying agent with ammonium nitrate, the compound would degrade over time and become unstable. This is why NHTSA has issued recalls based on the location of the vehicle.

Legal Implications and Compensation in Defective Airbag Claims

If you or someone you care about has suffered injury or death because of a faulty Takata airbag, it’s crucial to grasp the legal ramifications and your entitlement to compensation. Pursuing legal recourse can assist in addressing medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses linked to the defect.

Types of Compensation

Medical Expenses: Covering all medical costs associated with injuries caused by the airbag, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work following the injury. This can include both past and future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the injury.
Wrongful Death: In cases where a defective airbag caused a fatality, families may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related costs.

Steps to Take if Affected

If you believe your vehicle may be affected by the Takata airbag recall, follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:

Check Recall Status: Use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to check if your car is part of the recall. This information is available on the NHTSA website and through your car manufacturer.
Immediate Action: If your vehicle is under recall, contact your dealership immediately to schedule a free repair. Do not delay, as the risks associated with these defective airbags are significant.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications with your car dealer and manufacturer, including dates, times, and the names of individuals you spoke with.
Seek Medical Attention: If you have been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Document all medical visits, treatments, and associated costs.
Consult a Lawyer: Contact a lawyer at our firm that specializes in product liability and defective products. They can help you understand your legal options and guide you through filing a claim or lawsuit.

Paul | Knopf | Bigger - Florida Injury Attorneys

Finding the Right Lawyer

The Takata airbag recall represents one of automotive history’s most significant and complex safety issues. If you or a loved one has been affected by this defect, taking swift and informed action is crucial. From checking the recall status of your vehicle to consulting with an attorney, each step is vital to ensure your safety and secure the compensation you deserve.

Negligent corporations must be held accountable for their actions, and pursuing legal action not only helps you recover damages and contributes to greater public safety by highlighting and addressing such serious defects.

For personalized advice and representation, contact Paul | Knopf | Bigger, a trusted law firm with experience in handling defective airbag cases. We can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate this challenging situation and work towards a just resolution for you and your family.