Motor vehicle accidents are frightening, but people trust that their cars’ safety features will lessen the impact and protect them. However, there have been several reported incidents of Takata airbags injuring and even killing drivers and passengers. Individuals have filed lawsuits against Takata for the devastation allegedly caused by these defective airbags. The family of a man killed by an exploding airbag recently received a $2.7 million Takata airbag settlement.
Japanese automotive manufacturer, Takata Corporation, introduced its airbags in 1988. Since the introduction of its airbags, Takata has steadily risen in the global airbag market. But, unlike other companies, Takata uses a volatile chemical called ammonium nitrate that can cause the airbags to explode. Under high and humid temperatures, the ammonium nitrate would degrade and cause the metal canister in the airbag to erupt. The explosive canister then sends high-speed flying metal shrapnel to unsuspecting individuals within the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated one of the largest automotive recalls in 2014 due to the dangers of Takata airbags, affecting tens of millions of vehicles.
On June 6, 2022, 20-year-old Tocarious Johnson was found dead in his 2010 Dodge Charger. Johnson was involved in a single-vehicle crash in which he veered off the road and hit several mailboxes. At first, police believed Johnson was shot and were treating his death as a homicide. However, an autopsy later revealed that he died due to the defective Takata airbag in his vehicle.
Takata airbag lawyers representing Johnson’s family compared the violent rupture of the passenger-side airbag to a hand grenade that sent metal fragments at Johnson. His family filed a Takata airbag lawsuit against vehicle manufacturer Chrysler, B&H Investments, and 2nd Chance Auto Sales (where Johnson purchased the vehicle). Lawyers claimed the problem started with the defective Takata airbag, but the defendants failed to warn Johnson about the recall.
Johnson’s family received a $2.7 million Takata airbag settlement.
There are a reported 24 fatalities and hundreds of injuries linked to Takata airbags in the U.S. alone. The faulty airbags can result in lacerations, burns, broken bones, disfigurement, and even death. Has a Takata airbag harmed you or a loved one? A Takata airbag attorney from The Lake Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to speak with us to determine if you qualify for a Takata airbag claim.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.