Takata Corp., the auto parts supplier that set off a massive recall of air bag inflators, is recalling another 3.3 million air bags under a U.S. order. The order also calls for repairs to be scheduled over the next several years. This is important news for drivers in Kentucky and across the U.S. as the supplier identified 15 automakers that purchased its air bags. They include Toyota, Honda, GM, BMW and Tesla.
The initial recall was announced when defective inflators were found to explode after crashes and spray vehicle occupants with metal shards. So far, there have been 13 deaths as well as hundreds of injuries related to the inflators. Takata filed for bankruptcy in June 2017 and will be acquired by Joyson Electronics.
More than 31 million vehicles in the U.S. contain these defective air bag inflators. An independent monitor stated back in November 2017 that only a third of the inflators had been repaired as of September 2017. Takata continues to urge customers to have their inflators replaced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to recall about 65 million inflators by the end of 2018. It will have them replaced in phases, starting with the riskiest parts first.
When drivers are injured by a defective air bag inflator, they should understand that filing a product liability claim won’t be easy without legal representation. In some cases, auto experts must show how a defective auto part contributed to the injuries. However, a lawyer can bring in such experts when building up a case.
A lawyer can then estimate a fair settlement that covers vehicle damage, medical expenses, lost wages and future lost income. The attorney could strive for an out-of-court settlement or go straight to litigation.