Air bag manufacturer recalls defective inflators
Georgia drivers who own vehicles that were not affected by past Takata air bag recalls should be aware that the company has widened the recall. This recall now includes a particular type of air bag inflator that was previously thought to be safe.
The devices, which cause the air bags to inflate when a collision occurs, can explode with too much force, causing shrapnel to be thrown at passengers and drivers during a collision. It was reported that at least 17 people have died as a result of injuries caused by faulty air bag inflators, with another 180 suffering injuries. Essentially, the problem with the inflators is caused by a chemical called ammonium nitrate. While this is the chemical that causes the air bags to quickly inflate, it can deteriorate if it is exposed to certain conditions.
This recall affects approximately 2.7 million vehicles made by Mazda, Nissan and Ford. The model years range from 2005 to 2012. Nissan reported that this recall will affect about 515,000 2007 to 2009 Versa hatchbacks and sedans. It also affects 6,000 B-Series trucks from model years 2007 to 2009 from Mazda. Ford was reportedly still reviewing the information and intended to release the affected makes and models.
When an injury or death occurs due to a defective auto part, there are several parties that could potentially be held responsible. Under product liability law, companies that were involved at any point in the chain of distribution might bear financial liability. This could include car companies as well as the manufacturer of the part, and people who have been injured might want to meet with an attorney who handles these types of cases.