20th Person Killed by Takata Airbag

Jan 09,2018

Honda has confirmed the 20th death related to Takata airbags occurred in July. A driver was killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when their 2004 Honda Civic crashed. The inflator blew apart, killing the driver. The victim’s name was not released.

Defective Airbag was Salvaged from Another Vehicle

According to Honda, the vehicle’s airbag was salvaged from a 2002 Honda Civic. This incident sheds light on the practice of salvaging parts from wrecked cars. Junkyards often sell these parts—which could have been recalled, as in this case—to repair shops. Moreover, no agency monitors these transactions.

Why Do Takata Airbags Explode?

Takata used ammonium nitrate in its airbags, which creates a small explosion to inflate the airbag. The problem is that the chemical deteriorates over time when exposed to heat and humidity. Instead of inflating like it should, the inflator can burn too fast and blow apart a metal canister, shooting shrapnel into the vehicle cabin. The Takata airbag recall is the largest auto recall in U.S. history. Currently 42 million vehicles are affected.

“Takata airbags are extremely dangerous. If your vehicle is included in this recall and you have not yet had it repaired, you should contact a dealership right away to have it taken care of,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.