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Many people in Texas are aware of the issues concerning exploding airbags manufactured by Takata Corp., which led to the recall of millions of vehicles across the nation. The airbags potentially spew shrapnel when deployed, which could cause serious injury or death to vehicle occupants. A seemingly minor car accident could turn deadly in a vehicle containing such an unsafe product.
One family believes a faulty airbag led to the death of their loved one. The airbag in the 35-year-old man’s 2002 Honda Accord deployed during what was characterized as a minor accident. Instead of inflating at it should, the airbag exploded, and a piece of metal flew into the man’s neck. Emergency responded pronounced the man dead at the scene.
The man’s family recently filed a lawsuit in connection with his death against Takata, Honda and the dealership where the car was purchased in 2014. Official reports do not yet blame the airbag for the man’s death, and the final autopsy results are still pending. However, counsel for the family reports that individuals representing Takata, Honda and the family inspected the vehicle, which appears to have burst when it deployed.
Honda publicly acknowledged the airbag was defective, and Takata issued condolences to the family. Moreover, it reported that a recall letter was sent to the previous owner of the vehicle, but one had not yet been sent to the vehicle’s owner at the time of the tragedy. The dealership is accused of failing to replace the airbag in compliance with the recall prior to the sale of the vehicle.
Texas drivers can be as careful and diligent as possible while driving, but when a vehicle contains an unsafe product, their diligence may not matter. Manufacturers, distributors and sellers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe. Injured parties and the families of deceased victims may file product liability claims seeking damages. In this case, they are being sought for the benefit of the victim’s two children.