Recalled Airbags May Pose Increased Danger in Florida

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) November 5, 2014 – More than 14 million vehicles from 11 automobile manufacturers have been recalled due to defective airbags.

Federal safety regulators have urged the owners of millions of vehicles to “act immediately” to have the airbags repaired. Regulators warned that car owners in Florida and other high-humidity areas are at increased risk, because the air bags’ propellant is more likely to explode under humid conditions.

Hien Tran of Orlando became at least the third death linked to the airbag recall. As she fought for life in an intensive care unit after a car accident, detectives tried to find the cause of what looked like stab wounds in her neck. A week after her death, a letter from Honda arrived, urging Tran to have the airbag in her Accord repaired because it was defective and could explode.

In September, the New York Times reported that both Honda and Takata, the manufacturer of the airbags, have known of the defect for years, but have failed to take decisive action. Their delays kept other automakers from knowing about defective airbags in their own vehicles, causing other recalls to be delayed.

“Any death or injury due to negligence is an injustice,” said Robert Joyce, Tampa car accident attorney with Joyce & Reyes. “It is inexcusable when a manufacturer fails to take action to address a dangerous defect.”

Honda has stated that two deaths, not including Tran’s, and more than 30 injuries, are attributable to the rupturing air bags. The automaker said it was too soon to make a conclusion regarding the cause of Tran’s death. Federal regulators have received complaints blaming Takata air bags, in various automakers’ vehicles, for at least 139 injuries, according to reports. In 37 of those cases, the complainant said that the airbag had exploded.

Learn more at http://www.joyceandreyespa.com Joyce and Reyes Law Firm, P.A. 307 S Hyde Park Ave Tampa, FL 33606 Call: 813.251.2007