A lawsuit filed in federal court in Los Angeles claims the Takata Corporation discovered a defect in its airbags around ten years ago and then destroyed the records of the study. Approximately 8 million cars have been recalled. Most of the recalled vehicles were built by Honda Motor, which is also named as a defendant in the suit.
Takata’s airbags have been tied to at least four deaths; the airbags deployed with too much force and sprayed metal shrapnel at the drivers and passengers. After a Honda driver was injured in 2004, Takata tested its airbags. That testing revealed that the steel containers used to contain the airbag’s rapid inflation system had cracks that compromised its structural integrity. Once discovered, Takata ordered the technicians involved in the study to destroy all evidence of the test results, including video footage and computer files.
When someone is injured or dies in a collision, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.
Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for such injuries or fatalities.