Takata, a Japanese auto supplier that provides nearly a quarter of the worlds airbags, is facing massive recalls after their airbags were discovered to rupture and wound drivers and passengers with metal projectiles.
In the last 18 months more than 14 million cars worldwide have been recalled due to a deadly airbag defect that can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
More than 7 million cars in America have been affected by the recalls and there have been four deaths that have been reported and hundreds of injuries.
Takata is facing multiple lawsuits, a congressional investigation and an investigation initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA has solicited extensive information from the company detailing how airbags are produced, and tested to determine whether the company should be fined like General Motors.
Takatas Secret Tests
The New York Times recently reported that Takata may have become aware of the airbag defects in 2004. In NHTSA filings the company has alleged that they became aware of the defects in 2008-2009.
The article also details secret tests conducted by lab technicians during the holidays and during the weekends in Michigan. The two former employees cited in the article assert that the company tested 50 used airbags retrieved from a junkyard.
During the tests, the company is alleged to have discovered defects in the design of the airbags leading the bags to rupture and endanger occupants of the vehicle. The employees were instructed to dispose of the airbags and delete any and all evidence of the secret tests from computers, laptops and servers.
Congressional representatives are calling for a criminal investigation. Three senators have asked the Justice Department to open a criminal investigation to determine what Takata knew about the defects.
Illinois Takata recall injury lawyers at GWC Injury Lawyers are currently evaluating injury claims throughout the state.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and injured by defective airbags call our attorneys at 1-312-464-1234.
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