BMW Recalls Some SUVS Due to Airbags
Millions of car accidents happen on the road each year. Designers and engineers annually update safety measures to ensure the safety of drivers everywhere.
However, what happens when the safety equipment causes more damage? BMW has recalled some SUVs due to airbag issues. It is imperative to know the details to stay safe.
Here is the important information about the BMW recalls and why it matters:
What Happened?
BMW has recently recalled several of its SUV lines due to the airbag. The airbag inflators were proven to blow apart in a collision. After the explosion, flying metal shrapnel has been documented. This metal can cause further injury or kill car occupants.
The BMW models that are recalled include:
- 486 X3
- X4
- X5
The model year in question is 2014 and are stated to be equipped with airbags from Takata Corp. of Japan. The recall includes over 30 million Takata inflators which are now under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
To design and develop the inflators, Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to cause the airbag to inflate and deploy. However, over time, the chemical changes and can deteriorate. When the altered chemical is exposed to humidity or heat, it can explode, sending metal shrapnel flying around the vehicle.
Since May 2009, 26 people have been killed in America by Takata airbag inflators. Around the globe, 30 people have been killed with hundreds of others injured.
Product Liability
In cases such as these, product liability comes into play. When a car is designed and manufactured, an existing standard of safety must be implemented. Failure to prevent injury can be referred to as neglect, and lawsuits can follow.
Product liability refers to a legal liability that sellers and manufacturers possess when consumers are injured by a defective product. It is considered a legal obligation for distributors, manufacturers, and sellers to offer consumers products that are safe, without defects, and provide essential warnings. When they fail to meet this standard, they may owe legal compensation to the victims.
Types of Product Liability Involving Motor Vehicles
When a maker, manufacturer, designer, or seller offers motor vehicles, two specific types of product liability exist. They are as follows:
Defectively manufactured vehicles or vehicle parts
This type of legal claim includes vehicles or their respective parts which have been incorrectly or improperly manufactured. The product may be a result of manufacturing facility error or during transport of the product.
Vehicles with an unreasonably dangerous design
This type of legal claim includes vehicles or their respective parts which are inherently dangerous in their design. The design itself can lead to injury. At times, these legal claims include vehicles or parts that have been on the market without suspicion of a dangerous design.
Who is Liable in a Product Liability Case?
If you were injured by a defective car product—such as the Takata airbag inflator—you may have a legal case. You may be wondering who you can hold responsible for your injuries.
In product liability cases regarding motor vehicles, several parties may be held accountable for negligence that resulted in injury. They include:
Manufacturer
The manufacturer is legally responsible for designing a safe vehicle and parts. Manufacturers are usually large companies or corporations, which may mean they can compensate you the most for your injury.
Parts manufacturer
If your legal claim involves a defective part—such as the Takata airbag inflator—you can sue the parts manufacturer. If this company differs from the manufacturer itself, you may be eligible to sue both parties for damages.
Shipper or middleman
If the car part that caused your injury was shipped or included a middleman, you may be eligible to hold them accountable for your injury. Chain distribution typically involves the manufacturer, additional retailer, or the car dealership.
Car dealership or auto supply shop
If you were sold a vehicle from a car dealership or purchased the auto part from a supply shop, they may be included in your legal claim. You do not have to be the actual buyer of the product.
Used car dealership
If you purchased your vehicle from a used car dealer, you may be able to hold them liable. This law varies from state to state. Check with a lawyer in your state to ensure they are eligible to be held accountable.
Bottom Line
If you were injured by the Takata airbag inflator in Florida, you need legal representation. At Cytryn & Velazquez, P.A., our lawyers boast over 40 years of experience in car accident and personal injury claims. Defective products in cars are unacceptable. We hold the wrongdoers accountable for their negligence.
If you or a loved one were severely injured or killed you may be able to obtain monetary compensation from several at fault business, car dealers, or manufacturers to help with your injuries. Please call us today to discuss the nature of your case. Our team of reputable Florida personal injury attorneys serves Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, and the entire State of Florida.