Face Takata Airbag Injuries

Vehicle safety has come a long way in the decades since automobiles became the standard mode of transportation for Americans. Seat belts, reinforced frames, and airbags help keep passengers and drivers safe. 

But in some instances, vehicular safety features can cause harm to those inside the automobile. This is especially likely when a component contains a design or manufacturing defect. 

One of the most notable recent examples is the Takata airbag recall, which affected millions of consumers across the United States. 

Almost two dozen passenger vehicle brands relied on Takata airbags to ensure occupant safety. However, these defective airbags have the potential to project jagged shrapnel when they inflate, possibly injuring the people they’re supposed to protect.

When a defective product goes to market, those negatively impacted have the legal right to pursue financial compensation.  

Although any product may contain unintentional mistakes or defects, companies have a duty to react quickly to solve the problem. Unfortunately, the Takata company chose to deny the issue.  

Corporate executives even manipulated data in an attempt to keep the company’s reputation from being harmed. This type of negligent and deceptive behavior is inexcusable. 

If you or someone you love has sustained face Takata airbag injuries, do not wait. Reach out to one of the accomplished personal injury attorneys at Morgan & Morgan. 

Our team of professionals will review your case and help you recover the money you are owed. Fill out the contact form online to schedule your free consultation today.

Understanding the Takata Airbag Defect

The Takata company was based in Japan and supplied automobile manufacturers with airbag inflators. These components were designed to ensure that airbags would inflate quickly enough to protect passengers and drivers in case of an accident. 

Airbags inflate quickly due to a chemical reaction that produces gas. When a vehicle’s sensors detect an unexpected deceleration or impact, an electrical signal travels to the airbag control unit.  

This signal triggers the release of sodium azide or ammonium nitrate gas generators. The chemical reaction produces a rapid burst of nitrogen gas, inflating the airbag within a fraction of a second. This prevents those in the vehicle from colliding with the hard interior surfaces of the car or truck. 

At the height of its success, Takata provided around 25% of vehicle manufacturers with airbag inflators. These defective components led to the largest automotive recall in history. 

There were multiple issues with Takata airbags that had the potential to cause injuries. The most dangerous defect is that Takata airbags sometimes burst. When this happens, drivers and passengers may get sprayed with sharp pieces of shrapnel. 

Many people suffered severe scarring as a result of this defective feature. Other victims were blinded, and some lost their lives. 

Takata airbags also do not inflate reliably. Experts believe that the seal on the airbag inflator is faulty. Defective inflator seals allow moisture inside the component, which can cause a failure in the mechanism.  

When the inflation chemicals become unstable as a result of a mechanical defect, the metal in the airbag can explode. This causes shrapnel to shoot out and injure drivers and passengers. 

Some have suggested that Takata airbags are less stable in regions featuring high humidity. But whatever the conditions, if a Takata airbag defect has caused you harm, you deserve justice. 

The accomplished legal team at Morgan and Morgan can help you recover compensation for the losses you incurred. Negligent corporations should be held financially responsible for the damage that results from their defective products. 

How to Know if Your Car Has a Faulty Takata Airbag

It can be concerning if you don’t know the type of airbag in your vehicle. Fortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allows drivers to search for recalled vehicles online. The NHTSA website has a tool that allows motorists to determine whether their vehicle has any recalled components.  

Some of the automotive manufacturers that installed Takata airbags include: 

• Audi
• Acura
• BMW
• Cadillac
• Chevrolet
• Dodge/Ram
• Ford
• GMC
• Honda
• Jeep
• Lexus
• Mazda
• Nissan
• Pontiac
• Saturn
• Subaru
• Toyota
• Volkswagen 

These are only a few of the automotive companies that relied on potentially faulty Takata components. The recall of affected vehicles began in 2014. But some vehicles containing these dangerous components may still be in use today.

Common Injuries Resulting From Faulty Takata Airbags

Every accident involving a defective airbag results in unique consequences for the occupants of the vehicle. However, some types of injuries occur more frequently than others when a Takata airbag is involved. 

When metal shards blast out of a defective airbag, many different types of physical damage can result. In many cases, the shrapnel enters victims’ necks and faces. Many people experience face Takata airbag injuries. 

Some of the most common types of injuries attributed to these faulty airbags include the following: 

• Fractures and cracks in the skull
• Severe cuts and lacerations
• Eye injuries and damage
• Sliced or torn arteries
• Brain hemorrhaging 
• Piercing wounds 

Injury victims often require extensive medical care and treatment. Some Takata injury victims need emergency surgical interventions. When a facial injury occurs, patients may require reconstructive surgery and long-term periods of healing. 

Such trauma and serious financial damage should not be the responsibility of accident injury victims. If you were hurt by a defective airbag, the negligent Takata corporation may be liable for the losses and unexpected expenses you experienced.