The recall of Takata Airbags has been expanded to nearly 70 million U.S. vehicles and 100 million vehicles worldwide. In the United States only about eight million airbags have been replaced so far. Officials are prioritizing states with hot and humid climates that make the devices more prone to rupture.
The latest recalls are for airbags that do not have a drying agent to prevent moisture buildup, which can contribute to airbag explosions and shrapnel spray onto vehicle occupants. The ammonium nitrate used as a propellant in the airbags can destabilize with prolonged exposure to heat and moisture, making older cars the most at-risk vehicles.
Two U.S. senators are calling for Honda to issue “do not drive” orders for Honda and Acura model years 2001-2003, which have a 50 percent chance of Takata airbag rupture in a crash. Although Takata has expressed regret over the faulty airbags, the recalls are rolling out slowly and putting many lives at risk. Eleven people have already died because of the faulty airbags and more than 100 injuries have been reported worldwide.
At Kline & Specter, PC, our experienced product liability lawyers have won major victories for victims injured by defective products, including a $153 million verdict against Ford for the death of a child who was run over by a truck with a defective parking brake and a $30 million settlement for severe injuries sustained from a defective rear seat lap belt.
Many Kline & Specter cases have not only resulted in large monetary compensation for the injured, but also affected safety changes in the industry, which have benefited citizens across the United States and around the world.
If you or your loved one has been the victim of injuries caused by a defective automobile, please call the personal injury attorneys of Kline & Specter at 800-243-1100 for a free case consultation. We represent clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and across the nation.
