Ashcraft & Gerel Can Help You Fight for Justice
Takata is well-known as one of the most prominent airbag manufacturers in the world. In fact, Takata’s airbags – which are found in most major car brands – account for roughly 20% of all airbags produced globally.
Unfortunately, some of Takata’s airbags have also been problematic and have led to numerous injuries and deaths. So far, over 14 million vehicles have been recalled by 11 different carmakers due to the Takata airbag defect.
If you were injured by a Takata airbag, you have the right to pursue legal action. With Ashcraft & Gerel on your side, you will be positioned for success in your claim. Our Takata airbag defect attorneys in Washington, D.C. can help you navigate the claims process, battle the insurance companies, and take on Takata on your behalf.
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Recalling Defective Vehicles
Back in 2013, BMW and numerous Japanese automakers recalled 3.6 million cars that were equipped with Takata’s defective airbags. Several other carmakers – including Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Honda, Chrysler, and Mazda – followed suit in 2014.
The vehicles were recalled based on several claims reporting that Takata’s airbags tended to explode upon deployment, which sent shrapnel and hazardous chemicals shooting through the cabin. These airbag explosions have caused serious and even fatal injuries.
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Issues with Takata’s Airbag Manufacturing
The defective Takata airbags were developed back in the late 1990s and first introduced to vehicles in 1998. Takata designed these airbags to inflate via an explosive in a metal canister. According to analysts, this inflating propellant is more affordable than other airbag propellants, but is also far more volatile and, therefore, more dangerous.
Perhaps the most disheartening and concerning aspect of this defect recall is that Takata has likely known about the deadly impact of its airbags for years but failed to warn the public. The company may have even covered up test results showing the airbags’ hazards.
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File a Takata Airbag Claim
If you own a vehicle with a Takata airbag, you may be wondering whether you have a valid claim. Keep in mind that it is not enough to just own the vehicle. In order to file a claim, you must have substantial evidence that the airbag’s defect itself – the shrapnel-spewing explosion – caused your injury.
It can be extremely difficult to prove that the defect was the cause of your injury. In car accidents, it’s not uncommon to see bits of metal and glass thrown through the vehicle’s cabin due to the impact of the collision. Suffering an injury in a car accident is not justification for a claim against Takata. You must be able to show that the airbag’s defect – and therefore, Takata’s negligence – was to blame.
At Ashcraft & Gerel, our Takata airbag lawsuit attorneys in Washington, D.C. understand how to properly investigate these claims and uncover the evidence needed to prove liability. Led by partner Joseph T. Musso, our auto product liability attorneys have the skill and determination to effectively resolve your claim.
