Posted on July 29, 2016
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has increased the scope of a national investigation into faulty air bags and the number of American drivers affected. There are now two major airbag manufacturers under investigation, and vehicles affected may include Kia Optima and Chrysler Town and Country, among many more. Defective auto parts place drivers at a higher risk of car accidents and serious injuries.
Takata Corp., one of the manufacturers already under investigation for distributing malfunctioning airbags, is under scrutiny from NHTSA. The company has already recalled over 33 million vehicles across the country, including in Louisiana. Vehicles that have been recalled were originally outfitted with airbags that could potentially explode and cause injury from metal pieces hitting occupants of the vehicle. Many major automakers have initiated recalls due to the serious nature of potential injuries.
NHTSA decided to expand its current investigation after receiving two reports of airbag malfunctions from unrelated incidents. Drivers whose vehicles are affected are eligible to have the faulty car parts replaced or repaired. Those who have been injured because of malfunctioning airbags may explore the possibility of filing civil claims in order to recover financial costs associated with their accidents.
Louisiana residents who believe that they have suffered due to defective auto parts may explore legal options by seeking a complete case evaluation with a knowledgeable lawyer. Manufacturers and auto makers can be held accountable for the pain and suffering caused by dangerous or poorly made car parts. Families of those killed and those who have been injured do not have to suffer alone.
Source: upi.com, “NHTSA expands investigation into faulty airbags“, Tomas Monzon, July 14, 2015