Front-passenger airbags, designed decades ago to protect automobile passengers in a crash, sometimes pose a sinister danger. If they’re faulty, the airbags can explode and seriously injure others.
Numerous airbag recalls have occurred in recent years across many automakers. Now, Ford is recalling 3 million vehicles to correct the defect.
Takata airbags have been linked to 18 deaths in the United States and 400 injuries. Some accidents left victims blind. Others caused them to lose the use of organs and other body parts.
Companies responsible for designing and manufacturing dangerous products like airbags can be held accountable for their negligence. Victims can seek damages through the legal system in Hawaii.
If you’ve been hurt in Honolulu or elsewhere in Oahu, contact an experienced defective product lawyer in Hawaii at Recovery Law Center for a free consultation. You only have two years from the date of your injury to file your claim. Get started now to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today.
Ford’s Latest Recall
The airbag manufacturer, Takata of Japan, has been contending with its share of the blame for designing faulty airbags since their original recall in 2014. Takata is now bankrupt, leaving Ford alone to shoulder the cost of the recall — $610 million.
The recall in total is the largest in history, requiring the replacement of 67 million airbags in more than 40 million vehicles.
Ford sought to have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rule that this version of the Takata airbags does not need to be replaced. NHTSA rejected the claim, opening the door for the recall to proceed.
According to Car and Driver magazine, the vehicles being recalled are:
- 2007–2011 Ford Ranger
- 2006–2011 Mercury Milan
- 2006–2012 Ford Fusion
- 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr
- 2007–2010 Ford Edge
- 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
- 2007–2009 Mazda B-series pickup
Ford is ramping up the recall, mailing notices to owners of these vehicles. In addition, you can enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website to determine if it’s eligible.
What If a Defective Airbag Injured Me?
Injuries caused by defective airbags can be horrific. When they deploy incorrectly, the inflators in the driver-side airbags can rupture, causing metal shards to explode throughout the vehicle.
Did a faulty Takata airbag hurt you? You need to talk with a knowledgeable defective product attorney now. These cases vary greatly depending on the circumstances. But a successful claim can provide invaluable compensation if you are living with the consequences of a catastrophic airbag injury.
Going up against big corporations and their insurers can be a complex undertaking. That’s where a lawyer can help. A no-nonsense attorney won’t allow insurance companies to minimize your injuries and deny you full and fair compensation.
In Hawaii, examples of potential compensation include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Money for home renovations, ongoing nursing care, and assistive equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
At Recovery Law Center, our airbag injury team can evaluate your losses and demand maximum compensation on your behalf.
Is Recovery Law Center Right For Me?
As founder of Recovery Law Center, Attorney Glenn Honda has more than 25 years of experience resolving personal injury matters for people just like you. Our legal staff is qualified, down-to-earth, and entirely dedicated to helping you pursue the physical, emotional and financial recovery you deserve. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by arranging a free consultation. Call or contact us today to get started.
