It’s been nearly a decade since the first Takata airbag recalls were issued, but there are still hundreds of thousands of vehicles on U.S. roads. That’s a small fraction of the number of vehicles that were affected by the faulty airbag inflators–more than 67 million. But a lot of drivers and their passengers are still at risk.
On August 13, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that both Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations had issued urgent do-not-drive warnings for all unrepaired, recalled Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Mazda vehicles equipped with desiccated Takata airbags. The urgent waring applies to more than 457,000 vehicles.
How Do I Know if My Vehicle Is Included?
You can check your vehicle on Ford’s recall page at https://www.ford.com/support/recalls/. To use this page, you will need your VIN number. The make/model look-up doesn’t extend far enough back to include the vehicles covered by this warning. You can also enter your VIN number or license plate number on the NHTSA’s recall look-up page at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How Dangerous are the Recalled Takata Airbags?
The NHTSA says at least 27 people in the U.S. have been killed when Takata airbags exploded. Hundreds of others have been injured–and there are additional fatalities and injuries outside the U.S. The injuries associated with exploding Takata airbags can be serious and permanent, as the airbags can expel sharp pieces of metal in a crash. Since the covered vehicles are 10-20+ years old, the danger is increasing. Age, heat and humidity all increase the risk of airbag explosion.
Help for Victims of Takata Airbag Explosions
If you’re one of the hundreds of people who have suffered injuries when a Takata airbag exploded, you may be entitled to compensation. If you’ve looked up Takata airbag lawsuits, you may have been confused by the complex issues. The airbag manufacturer filed for bankruptcy. A settlement fund was established for those who were injured or lost loved ones. The deadline for claims against some vehicle manufacturers has expired. But many of those who have been injured by Takata airbags are still eligible for compensation. You don’t have to sort it out alone.
The best way to find out whether you may have a claim is to consult an experienced South Carolina product liability attorney. You should do so as soon as possible, to make sure you don’t miss an important deadline. At the Hartman Law Firm, we’ve helped people injured by exploding airbags recover fair compensation in the past. We’re here to help you, too. To learn more about your rights, call us today at 843-300-7600 or fill out the case evaluation form on this page.
Charleston’s Personal Injury Lawyer
When life throws unexpected challenges your way, especially those that involve personal injury or loss, you need a dedicated and experienced legal team to stand by your side. At The Hartman Law Firm, we are more than just attorneys—we are your advocates, committed to fighting for your rights and securing the justice and compensation you deserve. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the expertise and determination to help you through it.
Explore Our Full Range of Legal Services
Understanding that no two cases are the same, The Hartman Law Firm offers a wide range of legal services, each tailored to address specific circumstances. Explore our practice areas below to find the help you need:
- Car Accidents: If you’ve been injured in a car accident, we can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
- Truck Accidents: Truck accidents often involve severe injuries and complicated liability issues. We have the experience to handle these complex cases and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of motorcyclists and ensuring they receive the compensation they need to recover.
- Bicycle Accidents: Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, we’ll fight to secure compensation for your injuries and other losses.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries. We are here to help you hold negligent drivers accountable and obtain the financial recovery you need.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you deserve justice. We will aggressively pursue your case to ensure you are compensated for your pain, suffering, and losses.
- Wrongful Death: Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a heartbreaking experience. Our compassionate team will help you seek justice and compensation for your loss.
- Premises Liability: If you’ve been injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, we will fight to hold the property owner responsible and secure the compensation you need.
- Dog Bites: Dog bites can cause significant physical and emotional trauma. We are here to help you pursue a claim against the responsible party and obtain the compensation you need for recovery.
- Workers’ Compensation: If you’ve been injured at work, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. We will guide you through the process and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Why Choose The Hartman Law Firm?
At The Hartman Law Firm, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation. Our mission is simple: to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that personal injuries can take, and we are committed to easing your burden by handling every aspect of your legal case.
Take Action Now—Your Future Depends on It
Don’t let uncertainty or fear hold you back from pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence in personal injury cases, and the sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Contact The Hartman Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take control of your future and achieve the justice you need to move forward.