Defective airbags significantly threaten driver and passenger safety in Georgia, undermining one of the vehicles’ most critical protective features. When airbags malfunction—failing to deploy during a crash or deploying unexpectedly—they can cause severe injuries or fatalities. Faulty airbags may release shrapnel upon deployment, leading to lacerations, eye injuries, and even death. The failure of airbags to deploy can leave occupants unprotected, resulting in more severe injuries from the impact.
Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry know this issue extends beyond immediate physical injuries, causing emotional distress and substantial financial burdens due to medical bills and vehicle repairs. To enhance safety, it is crucial for drivers to stay informed about recalls and for manufacturers to ensure rigorous testing and quality control measures.
Which Airbags Have Been Recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?
Our dedicated Atlanta traffic collision attorneys have previously discussed the far-reaching consequences of what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history” the defective Takata airbags.
The airbags, made by major parts supplier Takata, were installed in cars mostly from 2002 through 2015. Some of those airbags could deploy explosively, injuring and even killing car occupants. A total of 67 million airbags have been recalled; at last count, 11 million were still yet to be replaced.
According to the NHTSA, the airbag’s inflator is at the heart of the problem. It is a metal cartridge loaded with propellant wafers that has ignited with explosive force. In some cases, if the inflator housing ruptures in a crash, metal shards from the airbag can be sprayed throughout the passenger cabin—a potentially disastrous outcome from a supposedly lifesaving device.
Vehicles made by 19 different automakers—34 brands—have been recalled to replace frontal airbags on the driver’s, passenger’s, or both sides.
Unfortunately, vehicle collisions, injuries, and fatalities are exacerbated by many Georgia drivers and passengers unaware of potential defects, assuming their airbags will function correctly in a crash. When they don’t, and someone is hurt or killed as a result, our skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry are here to help.
Contact our Georgia defective auto parts attorneys at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This initial step will ensure your rights are protected and enable you to make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.