Imagine being involved in a low-impact car crash and having your air bag, a device designed to protect your safety, explode causing shrapnel to spray throughout your vehicle. This is the type of situation that many drivers have faced over the last several months due to defective air bags manufactured by Japanese automotive supplier Takata.

What began as a regional recall, focused specifically in high-humidity states, has now become a nationwide safety concern affecting approximately 7.8 million vehicles from 10 different automakers, according to Consumer Reports.

The catastrophic events linked to Takata air bags have included explosive shrapnel as a result of air bags inflating too quickly after collisions such as rear-end car accidents. Over 100 personal injuries and at least five fatalities have been reported thus far, which has prompted the recall expansion. Honda was the first to take its recall nationwide as demanded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but in recent weeks, Ford, Mazda, Chrysler, and BMW have also followed suit, as reported by The New York Times.

Takata’s president has stepped down as the company continues involvement in this worldwide safety issue linked to its air bags installed in vehicles from 2002 through 2008. There are still lingering questions about the cause of more recent air bag injuries and which cars specifically are at inherent risk.

Car manufacturers are responsible in alerting consumers of any defectiveness regarding their products in a timely manner. If they are negligent in doing so, injuries can occur for which they hold accountability. Takata air bags have been directly linked to tragic events putting millions of people in danger. A woman in South Carolina has been the most recent victim reporting chest injuries sustained as a result of excessive force of the Takata air bag installed in her 2001 Honda.

If you or someone you know have been seriously injured as a result of a defective car part in Connecticut, contact a qualified Westport personal injury today. You may be eligible for compensation, which could help pay for any medical expenses acquired as a result of your injuries. Call our office for a free case evaluation.