A Closer Look At The Takata Recall
Brian O Sutter
Recalls
Product recalls are nothing new, but these days it seems as though there are more than ever before. In the auto world, automotive recalls are made to help protect manufacturers as well as consumers - the recall helps keep motorists safe, and helps protect automakers from lawsuits. Recently, the most significant automotive recall in history has gotten larger. The initial recall for Takata airbags were originally believed to be related to warmer climates with high humidity that would lead to faulty inflation of the airbags. But now, even those airbags in drier climates have been determined to be at risk. As such, the recall has been expanded by a large number.
The Recall
Takata was recently ordered to add more than 2.7 million vehicles to its ongoing airbag recall. These new recalls add to the numbers already associated with the existing recall, creating some staggering statistics.
Just take a look at the basic numbers related to the Takata recall.
- More than 70 million of the airbags have been recalled in the US
- More than 100 million have been recalled globally
- 11 Americans have been killed due to the faulty airbags
- 18 people have died globally because of the airbag issues
- 180 injuries have been connected to the airbags so far
Those are huge numbers, and it adds up to the biggest recall in automotive history. And part of the issue is that Takata isn't an automaker - it created the airbags that are found in a huge number of vehicles. As such, the recall impacts virtually every type of vehicle including Nissans, Fords, Mazdas, GMs, and more. In short, with more than 100 million vehicles involved, there are millions of people who need to have their airbags replaced.
Recalls And Your Injuries
Sadly, because of the huge numbers of recalled vehicles and the fact that Takata has filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors, there is already a shortage of parts to replace and repair the faulty airbags. Long waits are now the norm due to this shortage, and it could take weeks or even months before you are able to get your vehicle repaired.
Additionally, many of the vehicles in the recall are older models - ten years old in some cases. The resale market means that many of these cars have changed hands multiple times and the current owners may not be aware of the recalls.
Being injured in any kind of accident can be significantly life-altering. And if the injuries were caused by a recalled part, it may be possible that you are owed compensation. This includes the Takata recall. However, you must be able to prove a few things:
- You must show that your injuries occurred due to a faulty Takata airbag
- You have to show that you were unaware of the recall or, you must show that you were unable to get a repair due to the longer wait times created by the recall
In short, you're required to show the courts that your injuries were not sustained because of your recklessness. In the case of product recalls, this means showing that you weren't aware of the recall or that you had no way of getting your vehicle repaired within a timely manner.
This Takata recall has been record breaking, and not for good reasons. If you've been injured due to airbags involved in this recall or by any other faulty part that was later recalled, you owe it to yourself to get help from the pros. Our team of legal professionals could help you get the financial compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.