A class action lawsuit that has been filed against Takata alleges that five automakers: Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and BMW, knew about the Japanese manufacturer’s defective airbag inflators, but chose to sell vehicles equipped with the parts anyway. According to a report on CNET.com, the lawsuit alleges that the automakers were focused on the low price of Takata’s airbag inflators and chose to continue using them even after knowing that they were defective because they were concerned cost if they stopped using Takata’s products. After the defective airbags caused hundreds of serious injuries, Takata is currently facing numerous Takata airbag lawsuits.
Why are Automakers Being Named in the Class Action?
The allegations in the complaint go beyond Takata alone and name several of the biggest automakers as being responsible for injuries caused by the airbags. It is claimed that the automakers knew or should have known that the airbags were dangerous and prone to explosion but continued to use them anyway to save time and money. Further, the complaint alleges that each of the automakers failed to warn consumers of the possible dangers. Litigants claim that the defective design of the Takata airbags along with the automaker’s failure to warn the public lead to devastating injuries and even death.
What is the Problem with the Takata Airbags?
The inflators in these airbags are prone to fail causing them to explode and send shrapnel flying into the vehicle compartment. This explosion is apparently triggered by the chemical ammonium nitrate, which is used to trigger the airbag deployment. Ammonium nitrate is commonly used in fertilizers and is known to be unstable and highly explosive. Cars that are in areas of high heat and humidity are even more at risk for the dangerous airbag failure. So far, 11 deaths and more than 100 serious injuries have been reported as a result of these defective airbags. More than 30 million vehicles have been recalled. Millions of vehicles still on the roadway with these faulty airbags have not been repaired.
Contact an Experienced Takata Airbag Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a defective Takata airbag, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced Takata airbag lawyers across the country, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file a lawsuit for you, and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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