The latest Takata airbag recall affected eight auto manufacturers and more than 3 million cars on the road. From Honda to Toyota, some of the most popular car brands on the market were impacted. This follow-up recall is in response to the incomplete safety investigations of potentially defective units by Takata Corporation.
New evidence shows that the defective airbags inflated with too much force and caused metal shrapnel to shoot out at the driver and passengers. Honda reports as many as 30 injuries and two deaths caused by Takata airbags.
The airbag manufacturer Takata is no stranger to product recall. In early April 2000, defective Takata airbags were removed from the U.S. market. According to a report sent to U.S. safety officials, by the end of 2002, the airbag issues were resolved.
Unfortunately, this latest recall revealed significant problems with Takta safety reporting and filing systems.
Recalls are a fairly common occurrence in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recorded nearly 9,000 safety related automotive recalls from 1967-2008. Generally, the issues causing auto part recalls are not life threatening. However, this recent recall includes parts linked to catastrophic injury and death.
Who Suffers from Defective Auto Parts
While common, recalls can cost automakers big time. In instances like this Toyota, Honda, and affected carmakers are likely to face class action lawsuits. Product liability issues can lead to large settlements and a tarnished reputation.
However, at the heart of the issue is safety. Product liability is a leading cause of automobile deaths in the United States. Individuals and families who unknowingly drive cars with defective auto parts are the real victims in product liability cases.
Product Liability at Pope & Howard, P.C.
The skilled lawyers at Pope & Howard, P.C. work with car accident victims to find justice after wrecks due to product liability. Our Atlanta attorneys understand how to prosecute car accident cases due to faulty auto parts and product liability.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to a product liability issue, please contact the lawyers at Pope & Howard P.C. via phone at (866) 910-0642 or (404) 885-9999 for help.