A fatal auto accident involving a 34-year-old woman in Holiday, Florida could be the 13th death in the United States caused by defective Takata airbags. Investigators with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Honda claim the airbag inflator on the driver’s side of the 2002 Honda Accord ruptured.
According to NHTSA, the ammonium nitrate propellant used in the inflators can degrade over time when it is exposed to humidity and temperature fluctuations. As a result, the inflators deploy with too much force. The metal casing that holds the inflators can rupture into small pieces that hit drivers and passengers when these airbags deploy.
Florida car owners have an increased risk of being harmed by this defect due to the humid environment. In addition, NHTSA claims 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles pose the greatest airbag rupture risk.
Can I File a Takata Airbag Lawsuit?
Automakers and auto parts makers have a legal obligation to ensure their products are free of dangerous defects. If you lost a loved one due to a defective Takata airbag, then you may be able to file a lawsuit. The same could be true if you or a loved one suffered an injury caused by this defect. Damages from a Takata airbag lawsuit could help pay for expenses related to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. By filing a lawsuit, you could also help deter automakers from releasing additional products that cause harm to the public.
Colson Hicks Eidson offers free initial consultations if you have questions about the Takata airbag recall and wish to speak to one of our attorneys.