Another Recall Worries Drivers

Yet another major recall is plaguing the automobile industry and worrying drivers. Joining current recalls for faulty ignition switches and malfunctioning seat belts is the latest recall for rupturing air bags. ABC News is reporting that car makers recalled about 12 million cars worldwide thus far in connection with this growing problem. Within the United States, the recall is focused on the most humid regions of the country, but government leaders are now demanding that manufacturers expand it nationwide, regardless of climate.

The Takata Corporation, a Japanese based automotive parts company, is at the center of the recall. The corporation made the airbags, which may reportedly rupture during inflation. Though the airbags have been under international recalls for years, they only became the subject of an American investigation within the last few months. As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a warning to more than eight million automobile owners within the United States.

Who is Subject to the Recall?

Manufacturers that are subject to the recall thus far include:

• BMW;
• Ford;
• Nissan;
• Toyota;
• Chrysler;
• General Motors;
• Mazda;
• Honda;
• Nissan; and
• Subaru

The current recall was implemented within regions of the country with higher levels of humidity, including the state of Florida. This is reportedly based on a recommendation from Takata. According to the report, the NHTSA’s examination is centering around the impact of extended humidity on the moisture content within the bags. It is reportedly believed that this condition can cause chemicals inside the bag to explode when inflated. This explosion can cause metal parts of the bag to fracture and propel out towards passengers in the car.

Federal lawmakers have reportedly communicated their concerns about the limited recall in a letter to the NHTSA, where they asked for a nationwide expansion. The letter, in part, stated, “Almost any area of the country may have high heat and humidity for an extended period of time, including the Northeast. The lines they’ve drawn are completely senseless and arbitrary.”

Rates Of Injury

According to the Washington Post, about 100 injuries and four deaths are linked to the faulty airbags. One case involves a mother who bled to death in front of her children on Christmas Eve, after she was struck in the neck by pieces of an exploding airbag. Though the rate of injury is characterized as low, they are incredibly significant to the victims and their families who are left to deal with excruciating physical and emotional pain, along with financial hardship.

When these incidents occur, a civil liability lawsuit may be the only option to ensure that responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence. With the assistance of a capable and experienced lawyer, victims can present a successful case for product liability to the court.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a recalled vehicle, contact the legal team of Pita Weber Del Prado in Miami for knowledgeable and skillful representation. Call the office today at 305-670-2889 for a free consultation.