A Car’s Safety Features Blamed For Severe Injuries
Modern cars are equipped with a variety of safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags. All of these features are designed to save lives during an accident and to make motorists feel safe. However, when these safety features fail, the consequences can cause severe injuries or even be fatal.
In one of the more recent cases, a 35-year-old father was killed by an exploding airbag. According to the autopsy, the man died due to blunt-force injuries to his neck. At least five other people have died because of the same defect in the airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation in Japan, while 64 people have suffered injuries. New Jersey drivers of 2002 Honda Accord cars should act on the recall notices issued by the companies, before they become victims of an exploding airbag.
It is reported that the airbags inflate with excessive force, blowing apart a metal container. The shrapnel resulting from the explosion is what causes the injuries. In the case of the deceased father, a metal disc got stuck in neck near his right shoulder and severed an artery and vein.
Although the company claims that recall notices were sent to the dealer who sold the car to the deceased father, as well as the previous owners, none of them had the necessary repairs done. However, no letter was sent to the victim who recently bought the car. The deceased family has chosen to sue not only Honda and Takata, but also the dealer. New Jersey victims who have suffered severe injuries may choose to file an auto product liability claim against the parties deemed responsible should it be documented that the accident was caused due to a fault in the product. Although it may provide only a small amount of emotional consolation to families, it may assist in providing financial redress for any wrongs committed.
Source: New Jersey Herald, “Autopsy finds Texas man was killed by exploding air bag“, Feb. 9, 2015
