There is no doubt that Pennsylvanians know how essential airbags are. Airbags were designed to protect drivers and passengers in case of a crash. This safety feature has saved countless lives and prevented serious injuries. However, that may not be the case for certain airbags manufactured by one corporation. Instead of being safe, the airbags can cause drivers and passengers to sustain serious injuries and can even cost them their lives.
The National Highway Traffics and Safety Administration has urged drivers across the country to get their vehicles fixed as airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation has been found to be defective. The airbags were used in vehicles manufactured by Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Nissan and even BMW. The NHTSA investigation concluded that the airbags, when deployed in a crash, can burst and cause metal parts to fly off.
Four deaths have already been associated with the defective airbags, including numerous injuries.
The NHTSA initially stated that around 4.7 million vehicles which used the airbags were being recalled but corrected the figures to 7.8 million after coming up with a more thorough list. However, the figure is expected to balloon to around 20 million vehicles, according to the Center for Auto Safety’s executive director.
Worldwide, car manufacturers already have recalled 12 million vehicles due to the defective products. Federal safety regulators have been investigating the airbags since June, after news that the ruptured airbags caused three injuries.
Defective products often result in product liability cases especially when injuries and deaths occur. Pennsylvanians injured by a defective product, whether it is a motor vehicle or any other merchandise, may consult with a product liability attorney in order to determine the merits of the claim. Families can consult with a professional on the possibility of filing a claim if the defective product caused the death of a loved one.
Source: wcvb.com, “Airbag recall expands to 7.8 million vehicles,” Oct. 22, 2014