Could Your Vehicle’s Airbag Seriously Injure You?

 Posted on May 30,2023 in Car Accident

When it becomes clear that a defective auto part could lead to consumer harm, a manufacturer will usually recall the affected part on a voluntary basis. Although there are costs associated with a voluntary recall – and there are usually short-term public relations issues that stem from a recall announcement – the risk of harm-related liability is such that delaying recall efforts can leave a manufacturer particularly vulnerable to lawsuits and truly significant public relations issues if it does not act quickly to address a product-related concern that could lead to injuries or death.

Yet, some manufacturers choose to “roll the dice” and refuse to initiate recalls when reports of harm are brought to their attention. Usually, a manufacturer’s hope is that the cost of settling any harm-related legal action will be more cost-effective than initiating a recall. This is a truly dangerous approach, as – absent a formal recall – an untold number of consumers may remain unaware that a potentially injurious or deadly vehicle defect could be endangering their well-being.  

ARC Is Refusing to Recall Potentially Defective Airbags

An example of this refusal-based approach to recalls is currently playing out in real time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not just requested, but demanded, that ARC Automotive Inc. recall 67 million airbag inflators due to a defect the NHTSA believes poses an unreasonable risk of death or injury. When making its demand, the NHTSA explained that the affected inflators can “project metal fragments into vehicle occupants, rather than properly inflating the attached airbag.”

Instead of complying with the NHTSA’s demand, ARC has refused to recall its airbag inflators, which have been installed in tens of millions of Kia, Chrysler, General Motors, Hyundai, and BMW models. As a result, tens of millions of motorists are at risk of potentially deadly defect-related injuries and are likely unaware of the risk that they are taking every time they get behind the wheel.

Meet with an Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer for Free to Learn More

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries from an airbag – that either deployed upon impact as a result of a collision or that deployed spontaneously – know that you have rights and options under the law. All too often, motorists are under the impression that only other drivers can be sued for causing physical harm. However, vehicle parts manufacturers and other parties can also be liable for injuries caused in an accident. 

Contact the experienced Arlington Heights, Illinois car accident lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP to discuss your options. 

We believe that all injury victims deserve to make informed decisions about their options. As a result, our firm offers pressure-free, confidential case evaluations at no cost. You can schedule a free consultation with our team by calling 847-797-8000 or by submitting a contact form on our firm’s website today. 

Source:

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-demands-recall-67-million-air-bag-inflators-2023-05-12/