Toyota Airbag Recall Lawyer
Airbags are one of the basic safety features included with every modern motor vehicle. While these safety features are designed to save lives, they can result in serious injuries when they are defective. In some cases, these injuries can be fatal. While auto manufacturers often recall vehicles with dangerous and defective airbags, these recalls routinely come too late for many people.
If you sustained injuries due to a defective airbag, a trustworthy mass torts attorney could help hold the manufacturer accountable. A Toyota airbag recall lawyer could evaluate your injuries and pursue a legal claim for monetary compensation.
Toyota and Takata Recalls
One of the largest airbag-related recalls in American history involved a number of vehicles manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. In January of 2013, Toyota recalled more than 1.1 million vehicles due to defective airbags. Most of these airbags were manufactured by Takata Corporation. The two companies largely blamed each other for the injuries that resulted from these defects.
The problem stemmed from the gas that was used to inflate the airbags in case of a crash. The gas, ammonium nitrate, began to degrade over time, particularly in areas with high levels of humidity in the air. Once the gas deteriorated, it could explode when a collision triggered inflation of the airbag. The exploding canister that held the ammonium nitrate would send deadly shrapnel into the car’s occupants.
Following the recall for these airbags, numerous attorneys pursued personal injury claims and class action lawsuits against both Toyota and Takata. Someone who was injured by these devices could also file a lawsuit with the aid of a Takata exploding airbag lawyer.
Injuries Resulting From Airbag Malfunctions
The exploding shards of metal that are propelled from a malfunctioning airbag can cause an array of injuries to drivers and passengers. These shards can tear through any exposed skin, including the face or neck.
The shrapnel from a malfunctioning airbag can be extremely dangerous even in minimal amounts. These injuries can range in size from small cuts to major lacerations that leave scarring. Shrapnel can also damage the larynx or vocal cords, as well as the eyes. If severe enough, this can lead to long-term or permanent loss of hearing or vision.
In some cases, the shrapnel from the airbag can penetrate beyond the skin, leading to torn arteries or fractured skulls. These defects can also lead to fatal brain injuries in extreme cases. Many of these injuries can require multiple surgeries or long-term care. Even with the best medical treatment, airbag defect injuries can have permanent repercussions like scarring or disfigurement.
Damages Available in a Defective Airbag Case
Motorists injured due to defective airbags could file legal action against both Toyota and Takata. If successful, these claims could lead to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of support
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
An experienced Toyota airbag injury attorney could seek damages to accommodate for every injury or loss that the plaintiff has suffered.
Call a Toyota Airbag Recall Attorney for Guidance
Motorists should not have to worry that their airbag device poses a danger to them. If you experienced a serious airbag malfunction, you are entitled to pursue financial compensation from the responsible party. In many cases, this could involve both Toyota and Takata.
The process of pursuing a civil lawsuit against companies of this size can be immensely challenging without the right legal representation. Contact a Toyota airbag recall lawyer to learn what your options are.
