Automobiles made by over 19 different auto companies have been recalled in what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is calling “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.” Automakers, vehicle owners, airbag manufacturers, and attorneys across the country are scrambling to learn more about the problem and find out how to minimize the damage so that no more drivers end up harmed by devices intended to save lives. And here in San Antonio, humid weather conditions mean that the risk to drivers is even higher.
The air bag recall, which has already resulted in 16 million recalled vehicles, pertains to potentially dangerous front-facing airbags on the driver or passenger side or both. Forbes reports that as many as 69 million of these airbags have been recalled so far, and that the exact number of affected vehicles worldwide is still unclear. Most affected airbags were installed in cars with model years within the 2002 through 2015 range.
Because of the massive scale of this recall, the website listing recall information has frequently been down due to the high volume of consumers trying to check their VIN numbers simultaneously. The most recent air bag recall breaking news involves speculation that Takata, the Tokyo-based company responsible for manufacturing the airbags, is expected to file bankruptcy soon.
The airbag failures are linked to the inflator, which is a metal cartridge filled with propellant materials – including a volatile compound called ammonium nitrate. They were enticing to automobile companies due to their cost, which was much cheaper than previous models designed by other airbag suppliers.
Ammonium nitrate is the cause of the current recall. Its improper storage during assembly led to built-up pressure within the airbag inflators, causing some of them to explode. So far, there have been eleven verified deaths and more than 180 injuries linked to the defective airbags in the U.S. alone.
Because the compound is affected by weather conditions, the problem is most pronounced in the presence of hot, humid air – making the Southern U.S. states (including Texas and Florida) most susceptible to these incidents. Here in San Antonio, our personal injury attorneys on staff are anticipating an influx of calls from concerned vehicle owners as Takata air bag recall breaking news continues to roll in.
Some car owners have received notices in the mail from manufacturers alerting them to the problem – but due to the scope of the recall, it is likely that thousands of affected drivers are as yet unaware of the dangers that could be lurking within their steering wheels. Consequently, the number of fatalities or injuries resulting from Takata inflators is expected to continue to grow. If you may be affected, contact an experienced attorney at Carabin Shaw today.
A settlement resulting from a federal probe into Takata’s criminal wrongdoing is anticipated next year, which could be worth upwards of $1 billion.
The affected vehicles manufacturers include Honda, Toyota, Mazda, General Motors, found here.
To learn more about air bag recall breaking news and choosing the right personal injury attorney, click here. If you live in San Antonio and own an affected vehicle, bring your car to the dealership immediately and call our experienced San Antonio air bag injury lawyers at 800-862-1260.
If you have been injured by a recalled airbag in San Antonio or the surrounding areas, our expert attorneys at Carabin Shaw can provide you with more information about the potential settlement and possible compensation. Call today and set up your free initial consultation.