The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest recalls to ever occur, having reached a global scale. Up to one hundred million of these airbags have been found to be defective, and the Alpha Takata airbags are still subject to being recalled. Because of the size of this recall, there have been some delays regarding non-Alpha airbags.
This is not Takata’s first product recall. In fact, the company’s first recall was made all the way back in 2008 after a faulty airbag killed a passenger. Millions of potentially dangerous airbags are still in use today from this recall from fourteen years ago. As of February 1st, 2022, only 19 million recovered airbags have been documented in the RAS Takata database, which means this recall is far from finished.
What’s Wrong With It?
There is a major design flaw in the Takata airbag that causes them to blow up – and not the way an airbag should.
It has been determined that the chemicals used as propellant, which is used to inflate airbags, is where the problem lies. Takata airbags use an ammonium nitrate compound and a drying agent. This combination burns up too quickly, which can cause the airbag to explode. An airbag explosion can cause head injuries, lacerations, and other injuries from the blunt force trauma of the airbag, and from flying metal or glass fragments.
So far, there have been 19 deaths linked to the faulty airbag and the recall isn’t likely to end before 2023, so it’s important for drivers to remain vigilant.
Are There Recalled Parts in My Vehicle?
Some of the cars that contain Takata airbags include 2003-2007 Toyota Corolla and Toyota Corolla Matrixes, 2005-2007 Sequoias, 2005-2006 Tundras, and the 2003-2007 Lexus SC430.
To find out if your vehicle is under recall, visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and look up your car’s VIN number. If your vehicle is under recall, you can call your local dealer and get the necessary repairs done for free. You should be able to find the VIN in at least one of the following locations in your vehicle.
- On top of the driver side dashboard.
- Inside of the driver door frame or pillar.
- The underside of the hood.
- On the front or rear frame.
If you are unable to locate the VIN, a mechanic will be able to find it for you.
Personal Injuries
Can you be compensated for a personal injury caused by an airbag? In some cases, absolutely, especially if the airbag is found to be defective. There are plenty of car accident injuries that occur due to an airbag explosion, failure to go off, or other design defects.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to go to the emergency room right away (even if you “feel fine”) and to hire a car accident lawyer. Your attorney can help you win the compensation you deserve with their services such as the following.
- Gathering admissible evidence such as medical records, police reports, receipts, expert opinions, and eye witness testimonies.
- Going over your claim to ensure there are no holes or accidental self-sabotage.
- Handling communications with pesky insurers.
- Calculating the value of your injury including future related expenses such as prescriptions, physical therapy, surgeries, and a portion of lost wages from missed days of work.
- If your car accident injury has caused a permanent or temporary disability, you may also be entitled to get disability checks.
- Negotiating a fair settlement that covers your relevant financial needs.
- Filling out and submitting important documents and paperwork.
- Guiding you through the legal process.
Focus on what’s most important – recovering. We’ll handle the rest. Give us a call to schedule your initial consultation where you’ll receive free legal advice from a St. Louis lawyer near you.