INTRODUCTION TO the takata airbag recall
Safety technology in vehicles has advanced significantly since the implementation of the initial Federal Safety Standards in 1968. The purpose of introducing oversight was to safeguard the public against unreasonable risks stemming from subpar design, construction, or vehicle performance. However, what occurs when a safety feature poses more harm than good? This precise scenario unfolded with the defective Takata airbags that has victim's retaining a Takata Airbag lawyer after experiencing an exploding Takata airbag. The Takata airbag recall has affected millions of individuals who own vehicles sold in the United States and led to the establishment of the Takata Airbag Settlement.
Numerous vehicle brands installed defective Takata airbags in their vehicle models during the late 90s and early 2000s, which have the potential to release lethal shrapnel upon inflation and has led to several Takata airbag deaths. NHTSA has confirmed that 28 people in the United States have been killed when their defective Takata airbag inflators exploded. Tens of millions of faulty Takata airbags are under recall. If the defective Takata airbags are subjected to long-term exposure to high heat and humidity, it can cause an exploding Takata airbag. While it is possible for any product to have defects, the legal and ethical issue lies in how a company handles knowledge of these defects. In the case of Takata, the company was aware of the life-threatening faulty Takata airbags as early as 2000, and executives even confessed to manipulating early data with the intention of preserving their reputation and maximizing profits. If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective Takata airbag, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries through the Takata Airbag Settlement and should call Takata Airbag lawyer Timothy L. Miles today for a free case evaluation as you may be entitled to substantial compensation. (855) 846-6529 or [email protected], 24/7 and no charge, of course. Read on for the answers to the eight most frequently asked questions about the Takata airbag recall. Who Is Eligible for the Takata Airbag Settlement?
If you suffered personal injury or wrongful death caused by a defective Takata airbag at the time the defective Takata airbag accident occurred: (a) in a vehicle located or registered in the United States, its territories, or its possessions; or (b) a United States citizen or permanent resident (wherever the faulty accident occurred); and (c) have not already resolved your claim against Takata, then you are eligible to file a claim with the Takata Airbag Settlement.
what caused the defective takata airbags?
The main issue lies in the fact that these faulty Takata airbags have the potential to rupture and release dangerous shrapnel, resulting in injuries such as scarring, blindness, and even fatalities.
Another concern is that the defective Takata airbags may fail to inflate properly during an accident, thus failing to provide the intended protection for motorists. The defective part is believed to be a faulty seal on the inflator component. If this seal is defective, moisture can enter the propellant responsible for deploying the airbag, leading to malfunctions or failures. Moreover, the chemical used for rapid inflation of the airbag can become unstable and burn too quickly. This causes the canister to rupture, sending metal fragments into the driver and passenger compartments of the affected vehicles. It is particularly worrisome that these airbags pose an even greater risk in hot and humid regions. If your vehicle is equipped with one of the potentially faulty Takata airbags, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises that you take appropriate measures. If you were injured as a result of one of the exploding Takata airbags, call Takata airbag lawyer Timothy L. Miles today as you are most likely entitled to compensation from the Takata Airbag Settlement. (855) 846-6529 or [email protected]. How Do You Determine if Your Car Has One of the Defective Takata Airbags Subject to the Takata Airbag Recall?
The NHTSA has a page dedicated to safety issues and recalls for motor vehicles. You input your vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if there are any active problems. You can usually find your VIN on the bottom lower-left-hand side of the dashboard, underneath the spare tire, the driver-side door, the driver-side rear wheel well, or on the front of the engine block. You can also find it on your title, registration, or car insurance documents.
Are the Defective Takata Airbags Still Being Used?
Despite the discontinuation of the Takata airbag division, and the defective Takata airbags, there are still approximately 14 million potentially faulty Takata airbags installed in vehicles that are actively being driven. If your vehicle is included in the NHTSA list, we strongly recommend ceasing operation and promptly arranging for repairs, especially if you reside in a hot or humid area. Time is of the essence when dealing with this issue, as it is directly related to the degradation of the chemical properties responsible for airbag inflation.
As recently as 2022, five fatalities have been attributed to defective Takata airbags in affected vehicles. Most car manufacturers involved in the Takata airbag recall offer complimentary replacement parts, regardless of whether the vehicle was purchased new or used. We suggest contacting an authorized dealer to schedule an appointment. Some dealerships may even provide towing services and loaner vehicles while your vehicle undergoes repairs. Faulty Takata components have been linked to at least 30 deaths and over 450 injuries. Are Some Defective Takata Airbags Riskier Than Others?
Even if you are aware of the issues with faulty Takata airbags, some are more dangerous than others. The oldest airbags, known as "Alphas," have a 50% chance of malfunctioning in a way that can result in severe injuries and even death. It is estimated that there are still thousands of these vehicles on the road. Older Honda and Acura vehicles are equipped with these highly hazardous components, including the following models:
Manufacturers have faced difficulties in reaching the owners of these "Alphas" since the vehicles may have changed hands multiple times. Additionally, individuals who currently possess these vehicles may not have received recall notices, as these notices are typically sent to the address of the registered owner. This was the case in a tragic accident that occurred in July 2022, resulting in the death of a passenger. The owner of the vehicle had received a recall notice in 2018 but chose not to have the necessary repairs done. They then loaned the car to a family member who was killed when the driver-side airbag fragmented upon deployment. While the airbag in this particular instance was not an "Alpha," it still serves as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of driving a vehicle with faulty airbags. What Kind of Injuries Has Been Caused by the Defective Takata Airbags that are Compensable Under the Takata Airbag Settlement?
Driver and passengers are at risk of injury or being killed by faulty Takata airbags, which may propel metal shards as the airbag deploys or otherwise fail to deploy as intended. Some of the injuries that have been related to defective Takata airbags malfunctions include:
Substantial wounds:
how can a victim of one of the defective takata airbags recover compensation from the Takata airbag settlement?
If you or a loved one were harmed or lost their life due to one of the exploding Takata airbags, you may have the opportunity to receive compensation through the Takata Airbag Settlement or through an established trust or a personal injury lawsuit. It is crucial to act quickly, as there are specific deadlines for filing a claim. Generally, you have a three-year window from the date of the injury or the time permitted under state laws that apply to your case.
It is important to note that if your Takata airbag incident occurred before April 11, 2018, the deadline to seek compensation through the Takata Airbag Settlement may have already passed. However, we strongly advise you to contact us so that we can assess the details of your situation and determine if you are still eligible for compensation. The Takata Airbag Tort Compensation Trust Fund (TATCTF) was established when Takata filed for bankruptcy. Its purpose is to provide compensation to individuals who have suffered personal injuries or wrongful death as a result of the exploding Takata airbags. Additionally, another fund was created by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in response to Takata's criminal plea. These two funds work together to ensure that victims of one of the defective Takata airbags have access to the compensation they deserve. What Claims Are Available under the Takata Airbag Settlement for Injury or Wrongful Death Caused by the Defective Takata Airbags?
Through the TATCTF, you may bring up to three types of claims when submitting one form. Depending on your circumstances, choose either a Personal Injury Claim Form or a Wrongful Death Claim Form. Here are explanations for claim types:
Individual Restitution Fund Claim (IRF) - Claims submitted to the IRF draw from funds allocated for personal injury or wrongful death, as established by the Restitution Order by the District Court associated with the Takata guilty plea. Trust Claim - Also known as a TDP or TD claim, this claim is submitted to draw funds from the TATCTF established in association with Takata's Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Plan of Reorganization. POEM Claim - Specific claimants may additionally submit a claim for TATCF funds against a Participating Original Equipment Manufacturer. Only individuals who were injured or family members of individuals who suffered a wrongful death in conjunction with the automobile manufacturers Honda/Acura or Nissan/Infiniti related to the exploding Takata airbags may use this claim. Currently, this claim is the only legal remedy against these manufacturers. In other words, you cannot bring a personal injury lawsuit against these manufacturers in association with injury caused by the Takata airbag defect in question. Contact takata airbag lawyer Timothy L. Miles to Submit a Claim in the Takata Airbag Settlement for compensation
We recommend that you take advantage of the experience of Timothy L. Miles, a personal injury lawyer, who can guide you through the process to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve. Call Timothy L. Miles today if you were injured by one of the defective Takata airbags as you may be entitled to substantial compensation. The call is free and so is the fee unless we win or settle your case. (855) 846-6529 or [email protected].
call a Takata airbag lawyer today about the Takata Airbag Settlement if you were injured by a defective Takata airbag
If you have knowledge of fraud against or by the federal government, contact Nashville whistleblower attorney Timothy L. Miles who can guide you through the whistleblower process and explain your whistleblower protections. The consultation is free and confidential. Just complete the form below to get started or call (855) Tim-M-Law. Ask a Nashville Whistleblower attorney, you could be entitled to a significant whistleblower award.
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The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center 300 Centerview Dr., #247 Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone: (855) 846–6529 Email: [email protected] Nashville whistleblower attorney Timothy L. Miles Timothy L. Miles is a top-rated and AV preeminent lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee and a nationally known class action and products liability lawyer who has been leading the fight to protect consumer rights for over 22 years. Mr. Miles received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in 1995 and his J.D. from the Nashville School of Law in May 2001, graduating third in his class, and was made a member of the Honorable Society of Cooper’s Inn which is reserved for students graduating in the top ten percent of their class. Comments are closed.
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