Although many assumed the multi-year Takata airbag recall had come to an end, Ford Motors recently announced that they are recalling 953,000 more vehicles worldwide due to additional defective Takata airbags. Owing to a critical defect in the inflator mechanism, these airbags are known to explode and hurl metal shrapnel at passengers after deployment, or in intense heat.
With this latest announcement from Ford, the Takata recall has now affected more than 37 million vehicles in the U.S. – and so far, the Takata recall is unchallenged as the largest vehicle recall series in U.S. history. Sadly, it’s estimated that at least 16.7 million vehicles have not been fixed yet, and thousands of Americans may still be at risk of serious injury and death.
About the Takata Recall
When the New York Times first published a groundbreaking report on faulty Takata airbags in November 2014, there was a massive public outcry. According to the report, Japanese airbag manufacturer Takata had known for more than a decade that their steel airbag inflators contained an explosive defect, yet the company actively suppressed this information from the public. It’s estimated that at least 300 people have been seriously injured to date, with 23 people killed worldwide.
As more than 19 major car companies scrambled to recall the defective airbags, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) eventually took over the national recall effort. Over the next five years, millions of vehicles would be recalled, and dozens of lawsuits were filed against both Takata and the major car companies that used these defective devices.
Just last year, Ford settled a class-action lawsuit for more than $299 million, which included a program to reimburse consumers who had been forced to wait months for the appropriate repairs. The agreement also called for Ford to make increased attempts to reach affected consumers.
What Can I Do if I’ve Been Injured?
The injuries that result from a Takata airbag explosion can be debilitating to say the least, and may include lacerations, blunt force trauma, spine injuries, paralysis or even death. Although Takata recently went bankrupt, you still have the right to file a personal injury claim in San Jose, or to join an existing class action lawsuit against Takata and the car manufacturer.
When you need help fighting back against these major companies, our San Jose defective airbag lawyers can stand by your side and help you seek the full compensation you deserve. We have over 85 years of combined experience serving the San Jose area, and because we work on contingency fees, you won’t have to pay until we win your case.