Acura Airbag Lawsuit

Both the ARC and Takata airbag inflators are known to cause explosions that can send metal fragments into the vehicle cabin, endangering the lives of those present in or near the vehicle, thus prompting the recalls. However, the issues stem from different manufacturing and design flaws. The Takata airbag inflators, created by the now-bankrupt Japanese company known as the Takata Corporation, were installed in millions of vehicles from 2002 through 2015. An investigation by the NHTSA discovered the root cause of the exploding Takata airbags stemmed from the design and the chemical compound the company used to inflate the airbags. 

The Takata airbag design included a metal cartridge loaded with a chemical compound known as ammonium-nitrate-based propellant. Used as a "cost-efficient" fertilizer, the compound is highly flammable and typically found in bombs. The specific propellant used requires a drying agent in order to ensure things like environmental changes, high temperatures, or aging do not affect the compound. Unfortunately, Takata did not include a chemical drying agent when loading the compound into the metal cartridge, and over time, vehicles exposed to varying temperatures, environments, and time would cause thousands of inflators to rupture. 

ARC airbag inflator issues stem from a “weld slag” produced by the friction welding manufacturing process. According to the report released by the NHTSA, it states that “should weld slag of a sufficient size become dislodged, it can cause a blockage of the inflator exit orifice when the airbag deploys. A blockage of sufficient size will cause over-pressurization and rupture of the inflator.” Both Takata and ARC airbag ruptures can lead to the potential forced propulsion of shrapnel or metal fragments from the inflator into the passenger compartment, risking the safety of those in or near the vehicles.

Listed below are some of the Acura vehicles affected by the ARC and Takata airbag recalls. 

• 2003 3.2 CL
• 2002-2003 3.2 TL
• 2013-2016 ILX
• 2003-2006 MDX
• 2007-2016 RDX
• 2005-2012 RL
• 2009-2014 TSX
• 2009-2014 TL
• 2010-2013 ZDX

Acura customers who suspect their vehicles may have been involved in a recall but are unable to verify can enter their vehicle’s 17character identification number (VIN) into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to learn more. Your car’s VIN is located on the lower left of your car's windshield, on your car's registration card, or may be shown on your insurance card. Acura vehicle owners can also contact their local Acura dealership to learn if their vehicle is affected. 

Some of the most common injuries drivers and their passengers have experienced due to a defective airbag include, but are not limited to: 

• Brain injury 
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Compound fractures
• Facial injuries
• Hearing loss
• Neck injuries
• Permanent scarring
• Serious cuts or avulsions
• Spinal fractures
• Vision damage 

In some cases, vehicle drivers or passengers may suffer from injuries that may lead to death. What you may be eligible to receive for your airbag claim will depend on the facts of your case, such as the scope of your injuries, medical expenses, income losses, and other factors. Available damages can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of wages 
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability
• Reduced life enjoyment

For an accurate estimate regarding what you may be eligible to recover after you’ve suffered an injury, we highly recommend you contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.

When it comes to finding the right attorneys for your case, not all law firms have what it takes to help you fight back against major vehicle corporations like Acura. When you decide to work with our law firm after you or a loved one have suffered an injury or loss due to a defective airbag, our team will ensure you never have to lift a finger. At Morgan & Morgan, we have over 900 trial-ready attorneys who have access to the largest resources in America. 

Your attorney will investigate the airbag defect with the help of professional automotive experts and help you understand whether you qualify for compensation. They will also explain your options, such as initiating a claim with an existing settlement fund or filing a personal injury lawsuit, and when ready, move forward with filing a settlement claim or lawsuit and fight vigorously for what you deserve.

While you are able to file a claim on your own, working with an experienced attorney like the ones at Morgan & Morgan can greatly increase your chances of recovering the compensation you and your loved ones deserve. If you or a family member have suffered an injury due to a defective airbag, do not wait to seek legal help. At Morgan & Morgan, we have over 35 years of experience helping our clients, and we’ve recovered over $23 billion in damages, and we want to help you too. 

For more information on how you may be eligible for an Acura airbag claim, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney by completing a free, no-obligation case evaluation form today.