Airbags in some cars have allegedly injured drivers after an accident, by shooting pieces of metal out from the airbag. 7.8 million vehicles have been recalled due to this defect in Takata airbags, from a total of 10 different car manufacturers. There are an additional 7 Million additional cars with these airbags still on the road. Does your car have one of these potentially dangerous airbags?
This year has brought many different car, van and truck recalls and we here at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers have been following it closely. In a previous blog, we discussed how 2014 has seen a record-setting amount of vehicle recalls, and we also provided some helpful tips and resources to help consumers better protect themselves. In another shocking headline story, officials from Honda announced on Monday that the automaker severely underreported the full amount of deaths and injuries involving its vehicles to U.S. regulators.
According to the statement released online, Honda stated the following:
- From 2003 to 2014, the company failed to report a total of 1,729 written claims or notices regarding injuries and deaths. (Honda reported only about 900 reports during this time, according to the New York Times )
- Honda underreported property damage and warranty claims.
- Honda has so far confirmed two deaths and 30 injuries from the possible Takata Airbag defect and is investigating two additional deaths in Florida and California, according to BusinessWeek.
Honda, which is blaming the reporting failure on data entry and reporting errors within its databases, said that the issue was first spotted in 2011 and again by federal regulators with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2012. Despite this, a third-party audit did not begin until September 2014.
The Dangers of Defective Auto Parts
In addition to making sure that their vehicles are safe and free from defects, auto manufacturers are required to report any claims involving possible defects that cause injury or death. By failing to report an accurate number, Honda could face millions of dollars in federal penalties. Honda has also been struggling to deal with issues caused by defective Takata airbags, which have been linked to at least five deaths and several dozen injuries involving vehicles from a number of different automakers. Federal regulators are continuing their investigation of Honda’s reporting errors and Takata’s defective airbags.
As we’ve seen this year, defective vehicles and auto parts present a clear and serious danger to everyone on the road – and they are responsible for far too many preventable injuries and deaths. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys fight for victims who have been harmed in all types of auto accidents, including those caused by defective auto parts. Our legal team is also currently reviewing cases of victims who suffered damages caused by failed or defective airbags.
If you have questions about defective auto parts, car airbags and your legal rights, contact our firm today to request a FREE, personalized case review.