Since the establishment of Federal Safety Standards in 1968, vehicle safety technology has made remarkable advancements. These regulations were introduced to protect the public from unreasonable risks due to poor design, construction, or vehicle performance. However, what happens when a safety feature meant to protect drivers and passengers becomes the source of danger itself? This is exactly what happened with the defective Takata airbags.
The Takata airbag recall has impacted millions of vehicle owners across the United States. During the late 90s and early 2000s, various car manufacturers installed defective Takata airbags in their models. These airbags had a fatal flaw – they could explode upon deployment, releasing shrapnel into the vehicle cabin. Tragically, this flaw has led to numerous fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that 28 people in the U.S. lost their lives due to faulty Takata airbag inflators. Tens of millions of defective Takata airbags are now under recall due to this serious safety issue.
These airbags pose an even greater risk if they are exposed to long-term heat and humidity, increasing the likelihood of an explosion. While any product can experience defects, the real issue is how companies handle such knowledge. In the case of Takata, they were aware of the dangerous fault in their airbags as early as 2000. Executives even admitted to falsifying early test data, prioritizing profits over consumer safety.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective Takata airbag, it is crucial to understand your rights. You may be entitled to compensation through the Takata Airbag Settlement. Consulting a Takata Airbag lawyer is the best step to take if you want to pursue legal action. Takata Airbag lawyer Timothy L. Miles offers free case evaluations and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore your legal options today.
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