Two New Deaths Linked to Defective Takata Airbags

Two additional deaths have been attributed to injuries caused by defective Takata airbags. These new deaths bring the total number of U.S. fatalities caused by the now-recalled faulty airbags up to 11.

On March 31^st, a Texas teenager driving a 2002 Honda Civic crashed into the rear of a Honda CR-V. Upon impact, the inflator caused the airbag to rupture, sending shrapnel in the direction of the driver; her carotid artery and neck were severed. The 17-year-old high school senior was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Earlier this month, a Florida woman died from injuries she sustained in a 2014 accident. Her 2001 Honda Civic struck an SUV, causing her airbag to deploy. The airbag exploded, causing the victim to sustain injuries which left her quadriplegic. The accident occurred just four days before the first Honda recall for defective Takata airbags was issued in Florida and California.

Honda Urges Owners to Seek Repairs

Honda reported that the Texas teen’s family, who bought the vehicle used, had been sent numerous recall notices, yet no repairs were made. The family maintains they never received any notices.

Honda has expanded its efforts to inform vehicle owners of the recall, in efforts to fix all affected vehicles. In addition to doubling the size of the customer relations team tasked with customer notification and coordinating recall repairs, Honda has sent millions of notifications via phone, email and postal mail, as well as conducted advertising and social media campaigns in efforts to inform vehicle owners of the recall.

If your injuries were caused by an exploding Takata airbag inflator or another defective product, you may be entitled to compensation that could help cover medical bills and lost wages associated with your accident.

Call 414-333-3333 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Milwaukee, from PKSD.