Air Bag Recalls~2 min read
Springer & Lyle wants you to know that millions of vehicles have been recalled by their manufacturers because of dangerously defective air bags. Injuries attributed to air bag deployment include brain, eye, cervical spine and chest injuries. Deaths have also been claimed.
There’s strong evidence that the chemical propellant that causes air bags to deploy breaks down over time, particularly in climates with high heat and humidity. When the propellant deteriorates, excessive pressure results in the metal housing around it. The metal housing ruptures, and when the affected air bag deploys, metal shrapnel from the housing flies at high velocity and rips through the air bag at the occupants of the vehicle and results in serious personal injuries. These air bag deployment systems were installed in vehicles between 2000 and 2008. On November 18, 2014, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered some air bag manufacturers to issue a nationwide air bag recall. Recent reports indicate newer vehicles may also be at risk. The agency said it was particularly important for vehicle owners in Texas to take immediate action. The list of vehicles possibly affected by the air bag recall is extensive. Given the urgency of the NHTSA notice to Texas vehicle owners, you should check with the manufacturer of your vehicle right away to learn whether it’s on the list.
Allegations against the manufacturer of the air bags state that Takata Corporation, the manufacturer of the air bags, knew of the defects in them over 10 years ago but failed to alert the NHTSA and the public about them. Instead, it’s alleged that Takata ordered its engineers to destroy data about the defects.
Being on the road can be dangerous enough sometimes. Being in a vehicle with safety devices that shoot shrapnel when they’re deployed makes safe motoring even more difficult. Other known cases of air bags injuring vehicle occupants involve injuries to children, the elderly and taller people when struck by the air bag itself. Sometimes the air bags don’t even deploy. Some manufacturers don’t even have the parts in stock to repair recalled vehicles. A cause of action may arise if you’re injured by a defective air bag while waiting for parts. We’re dedicated, experienced and successful personal injury lawyers, and we represent injured victims across all of Texas. Contact a personal injury attorney at Springer & Lyle if you or somebody close to you has been injured by a defective air bag.
