Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the 11th U.S. death caused by a defective Takata airbag inflator. The faulty airbags triggered the largest automotive safety recall in the nation’s history.
The most recent death occurred last month in California after a 2001 Honda Civic was involved in a head-on collision with a Chevrolet pickup truck that was making a left turn.
The 50-year-old driver of the Civic was taken to the hospital where she died from her injuries. After inspecting the vehicle, NHTSA investigators confirmed the woman’s death was linked to a ruptured Takata airbag.
Honda has stated that the Civic in this accident was included in numerous recalls since 2008. A Honda spokesperson said over 20 notices were mailed to the registered owners of the car, yet their records show the car was not repaired.
Honda does not know if the woman who was killed in the vehicle ever received the notices, as she acquired the vehicle at the end of 2015.
The Department of Transportation urges the public to assist in locating the remaining recalled vehicles so that they may be repaired.
Vehicles with a higher risk for airbag inflator rupture include the following Hondas and Acuras:
- 2001-2002 Honda Civic
- 2001-2002 Honda Accord
- 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Acura 3.2CL
- 2003 Honda Pilot
The latest U.S. death brings the worldwide death toll from defective Takata airbags to 16, as there were five deaths in Malaysia from these airbags.
If you were injured or lost a loved one because of a defective Takata airbag, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact the Takata airbag recall lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy to review your legal options.