The Takata Airbag recall has been deemed the largest recall in U.S. history, affecting close to 24 million vehicles. Last month, a man was killed due to a faulty airbag prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to expand the current recall to include an additional 5 million U.S. vehicles including Volkswagen AG, Audi, and Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz division. The most recent fatality was the first that has occurred in a vehicle manufactured by another company other than Honda.
The Takata airbag inflators are prone to exploding when a collision occurs. The airbag can explode spraying metal shrapnel into the vehicle. Over 100 injuries have been sustained and 10 fatalities due to the defect. Takata has agreed to pay a $70 million fine and may face others in the future.
Many people may not know that one common cause of auto accidents is that of vehicular or mechanical defects. All consumer goods, including vehicles, are required to be produced in the safest form preventing any injuries, property damages, or death. Unfortunately, each year there are millions of vehicles recalled due to defects, and many of these recalls are not issued until after an individual suffers damages.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a mechanical defect, it is imperative to contact a product liability attorney at Meyerkord & Kurth. Our attorneys will thoroughly analyze all aspects of your accident to determine the negligent party. We will fight to hold them accountable by recovering the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and mental anguish. Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation.