Takata’s first recall was made back in 2008 after a faulty airbag killed a passenger after it deployed and sent metal fragments flying due to excessive force. This recall has reached a global scale, which has caused delays in the recall. Millions of potentially dangerous airbags are still in use today from this recall from fourteen years ago. As of February 1st, 2022, only 19 million recovered airbags have been documented in the RAS Takata database, which means this recall is far from finished.

So far there have been 19 deaths in the United States that have been directly linked to these faulty airbags. It’s important for drivers to remain vigilant of vehicle recalls. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Are Takata Airbags So Dangerous?
It has been determined that the chemicals in Takata Airbags is where the problem lies. Takata airbags use an ammonium nitrate compound and a drying agent to inflate the bag when a car accident happens. However, this chemical combination burns up far too hot and too rapidly, which can cause the airbag to explode. An airbag explosion can cause the following personal injuries and more.

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).
  • Neck and spinal cord injuries.
  • Eye injuries.
  • Broken ribs, arms, wrists, and fingers.
  • Contusions and lacerations.
  • Burns
  • Organ damage.
  • Respiratory complications such as asthma.

If you’ve experienced the injuries listed above, or other personal injuries due to a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away – even if you think you’re alright. There could be underlying issues that you don’t feel yet because of adrenaline. In addition, delaying seeking medical treatment can hurt your personal injury claim, therefore affecting your chances of receiving compensation.

Has My Vehicle Been Recalled?
Some of the cars that are known to contain Takata AirBags include 2003-2007 Toyota Corolla and Toyota Corolla Matrixes, 2005-2007 Sequoias, 2005-2006 Tundras, and the 2003-2007 Lexus SC430. If you have any of the previously mentioned vehicles, call your local dealer.

To find out if your car or truck is under recall, just visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and look up your car’s VIN number in the search bar. If your vehicle is under recall, you can call your local dealer and get the necessary repairs done for free. You should be able to find the VIN in at least one of the following locations in your vehicle.

  • On top of the driver side dashboard.
  • Inside of the driver door frame or pillar.
  • The underside of the hood.
  • On the front or rear frame.

If you are unable to locate the VIN, a mechanic will be able to find it for you.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
In most cases, absolutely, especially if the airbag has been found to be defective. There are plenty of car crash injuries that occur due to an airbag explosion, failure to go off, or other design defects.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to hire a personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you win the compensation you deserve with their services such as the following.

  • Gathering evidence such as medical records, police reports, payment receipts, expert opinions, and eye witness testimonies.
  • Going over your claim to ensure there are no words that can be twisted and used against you.
  • Handling communications with insurance companies.
  • Calculating the value of your injury including future related expenses such as prescriptions, physical therapy, surgeries, and a portion of lost wages from days spent out of work.
    • If your car crash injury has caused you to become permanently or temporarily disabled, you may also be entitled to get disability checks.
  • Negotiating a fair settlement that covers your relevant financial needs, and relevant payments that have already been made.
  • Filling out and submitting important legal documents and paperwork.
  • Guiding you through the legal process.

When you’ve been injured in a car accident, the only thing you should have to worry about is recovering. Let us handle the rest. Contact us today for free legal advice from a Colombia lawyer near you at your scheduled initial consultation.