The latest major vehicle recall involves Takata air bag inflators, again. Thirteen auto manufacturers have recalled approximately 625,000 additional vehicles from such makers as: Audi, Nissan, Daimler Vans, Tesla, Jaguar-Landrover, BMW, Ferrari, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Karm, Mclaren and Mercedes.
When involved in a car accident, the Takata air bag inflators have been shown to be defective and can explode with great force and blow apart metal canisters causing shrapnel to enter the passenger area. When these inflators explode, the shrapnel can, and has, caused serious personal injury and death to the passengers. It is reported that 16 people have died and over 180 people have suffered personal injury as a result of this defect.
Takata Pays $1B Settlement After Investigation
This recall follows a massive $1 billion dollar penalty and criminal investigation into the negligence caused by Takata. The settlement includes $25 million penalty for criminal conduct, $850 million in consumer restitution, and $125 million to form a fund for those injured by the defective airbags.
After several car accidents and personal injuries from the deflators, the US DOJ started a probe to determine what caused the influx of personal injury being caused. It was found that at least three senior executives had a hand in a cover-up, and provided false information to encourage automakers to buy the defective airbags.
Takata has already reached a settlement with the NHTSA resulting in over $200 million in fines. After the NHTSA launched the first recall, the Justice Department found that Takata officials knowingly referenced misleading test reports about the safety of the airbags. Honda, the Takata’s largest customer, was provided test results that were “selective, incomplete or inaccurate data.”
What to Do If You Have Suffered Personal Injury From Faulty Airbag
Due to the fact that over 33.8 million vehicles have been recalled in all, the risk of personal injury is great. It would be wise to check and see if your vehicle is affected by the recall. To prevent personal injury, you can look up your vehicle by VIN by clicking this link.
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury or death due to a faulty airbag, you should call our firm today at 314-862-7222 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your legal rights.
