We all rely on our vehicle’s safety features to prevent accidents, as well as to keep us safe in the event of an accident. One critical component of a vehicle’s safety is its airbags. However, faulty airbags have been under scrutiny as automakers have already recalled millions of airbags in 2014 through June.
For example, in June 2014 automakers recalled an additional 3 million vehicles in addition to the 10 million already recalled for defective airbags. If you’ve been involved in a car accident and sustained an injury because of a defective airbag, you may be entitled to compensation.
Injury or Death Caused by Defective Airbags: Recalls
One car manufacturer, Honda, has said that it is aware that defective Takata airbags may be responsible for two deaths and at least 30 injuries. Further, a Friedman Research Corporation review found that 303 deaths may be linked airbag problems in Chevrolet Cobalts and Saturn Ions that GM recalled in early 2014.
The recall of 3 million vehicles in June 2014 is the result of a fear that the airbags, manufactured by Takata, might rupture and send debris flying within the vehicle. This might cause serious injury if the debris strikes a vehicle occupant. In April and May 2013, several automobile manufacturers recalled vehicles for the same reason; and in early June 2014, Toyota recalled an additional 2.3 million vehicles for airbag problems.
Still other airbag-related injuries may be the result of failure to deploy. If a driver is in a wreck and the airbag does not deploy, then the driver or passengers may strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or other structures within the vehicle.
Injury or Death Caused by Defective Airbag: Who’s liable?
When a manufacturer designs and markets a product for public use, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that the product is safe. If a product such as an airbag is defective and causes injuries or fails to prevent them (such as is the case of many faulty airbags), then the manufacturer of that product may be responsible for any damages or injuries that that product causes.
If you’ve sustained an injury that was the result of a faulty airbag, a personal injury attorney can help. In New York, the statute of limitations for pursing a defective product lawsuit is usually three years from the time of injury. Therefore, if you want to take legal action for your injuries, you need to do so within the proper time period; otherwise, you may be barred from recovery.
Discuss Your Legal Options with a Defective Airbag Attorney Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident where defective airbags caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, as well as any pain and suffering you experience as a result of the injuries. The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can help.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of airbag injuries related to product defects, don’t hesitate to take action. To get started on the process of filing your claim, call us today at 800-500-0000 or contact us online.
