We expect our vehicle’s safety features to protect us in the event of an accident. However, a Florida man ended up severely injured after his airbag — a device that was supposed to protect him — exploded after a crash.
The man was involved in an accident in 2020 in which he was severely injured by a defective airbag. The man sued the manufacturer, and a South Florida jury recently awarded him $3 million.
In 2022, the man filed a lawsuit against the Takata Airbag Tort Compensation Trust Fund. Takata has since gone bankrupt due to defective airbags, so this was not an isolated case.
In December 2020, the man was driving his Honda Civic in Miami. Another vehicle hit him as he turned left. The car’s Takata airbag inflator improperly exploded. It shot a piece of metal shrapnel several inches long into the man’s right arm.
The Takata airbag recall is a massive safety recall affecting millions of vehicles due to defective Takata airbag inflators. These inflators can explode when deployed, potentially causing serious injury or death. The recall, initiated in 2014, continues to be updated with new vehicles being added to the list.
In the United States, there have been 28 deaths linked to Takata airbag inflators and at least 36 worldwide. More than 400 people in the United States have been injured by these airbags.
Takata’s airbags were so dangerous because the company used ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate airbags in the event of a crash. However, ammonium nitrate can deteriorate over time due to high heat and humidity. The right amount of force can cause an explosion, which can blow apart a metal canister and send shrapnel into the passenger compartment.
Defective Airbags
Having a defective airbag can be scary. As a driver or car owner, here are some FAQs about defective airbags:
Q: What are the dangers of defective airbags in vehicles?
A: Defective airbags can cause serious injuries or even death. Some fail to deploy in crashes, while others deploy unexpectedly or with excessive force. In high-profile cases like the Takata recall, airbags exploded and sent metal shrapnel into passengers. Other risks include chemical burns and toxic gas exposure. These defects compromise the primary safety feature in a vehicle, turning a protective device into a potential hazard during both collisions and routine driving.
Q: What causes airbags to become defective?
A: Airbags can become defective due to design flaws, manufacturing errors, or long-term wear. Common issues include faulty inflators that rupture under pressure, degraded materials that fail to respond properly in a crash, and moisture intrusion that destabilizes chemical propellants. In some cases, improper installation or software glitches in the vehicle’s crash detection system may also prevent the airbag from deploying correctly. Many defects stem from cost-cutting measures during production or quality control failures.
Q: What are the common signs of a defective airbag?
A: Warning signs of a defective airbag include an illuminated airbag or SRS warning light on the dashboard, which indicates a malfunction in the system. Other signs may include airbags that deploy without cause, fail to deploy during a crash, or deploy too aggressively. Unusual sounds or smells during deployment, like a loud bang or chemical odor, can also signal a defect. Any such warning signs should prompt immediate inspection by a qualified mechanic.
Q: How can I check if my vehicle has a recalled airbag?
A: You can check for airbag recalls by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The tool will show whether your vehicle is subject to any open recalls, including airbag-related ones. Many recalls, especially those involving Takata airbags, remain unresolved in older vehicles. Promptly scheduling repairs at a certified dealership is crucial if your vehicle is affected by a recall.
Q: What steps should you take after an airbag-related injury?
A: If a defective airbag injures you, seek medical attention right away and document your injuries. Take photos of the damage to the vehicle and any physical injuries. Keep the airbag components, if possible, as evidence. Report the issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and check for recalls using your vehicle’s VIN. Contact a personal injury attorney to help protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Q: Who can be held liable for injuries caused by defective airbags?
A: Liability for defective airbags can involve multiple parties. Airbag manufacturers are often held strictly liable if the product is inherently dangerous. Automakers may also be responsible if they installed known defective units or failed to act on recalls. In some cases, dealerships and repair shops may share liability for failing to disclose or properly fix issues. Victims can pursue legal claims under product liability, negligence, or breach of warranty theories.
Contact Us Today
Defective car parts can cause catastrophic injuries. In some cases, they can even be deadly.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of a dangerous or defective product, consult with an experienced Florida product liability lawyer from Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm. We will help you obtain your rightful compensation. Schedule a consultation today by calling (954) 876-4344 or filling out the online form. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.