Exploding airbags could cause serious accident injuries

Pennsylvania drivers, as well as millions of others across the country, may be at risk for injuries due to unsafe airbags. Two major airbag manufacturers are currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after reports of exploding airbags. Drivers whose vehicles contain these defective parts could be injured by exploding airbags, possibly causing accidents and accident injuries. 

Over 33 million vehicles are affected by the recall. Drivers whose cars have defective airbags are eligible to have the faulty car parts replaced. Two recent reports stated that the airbags may explode without warning, sending pieces of metal and other debris flying at the driver and passengers. It has been reported that faulty airbags have contributed to at least two deaths. 

According to the manufacturer, the airbags may explode due to an increase of pressure that builds over time. The airbag inflators may degrade if exposed to moisture, which could lead to a rapid ignition of a certain chemical in the airbag. The manufacturer has struggled to keep up with the demand of the replacement parts, and experts believe that the recall could span for 18 months. 

Pennsylvania drivers should never be placed at unnecessary risk for car accident injuries due to dangerous or malfunctioning car parts. Those who have suffered because of the negligence of an auto manufacturer could be eligible for compensation from the liable parties. A civil claim offers victims and families of those who have been killed a way by which they can recover financial losses associated with the accident. By seeking a legal opinion, an individual can understand what legal options may be available. 

Source:  upi.com, “NHTSA expands investigation into faulty airbags“, Tomas Monzon, July 14, 2015