Florida Airbag Injuries
Airbag-associated injuries are a concern for drivers and passengers alike. In Florida, a series of shocking incidents have vividly underscored the potential dangers posed by faulty airbag systems.
From fatal accidents to critical injuries, the impact of airbag malfunctions has reverberated across the state, prompting heightened awareness and concern. Florida has the highest number of injuries and fatalities due to defective airbags, especially Takata airbags. [1]
Five Shocking Airbag Accidents in Florida
Explore the unexpected and harrowing incidents involving airbag deployments in Florida with five shocking accidents that shed light on the varied and startling consequences of airbag deployment.
1. August 2022 airbag accident involving a pickup truck in Florida
2. A Florida man killed by exploding Takata airbag inflator in 2016
3. Honda related injury from airbag failure in April 2015
4. Orlando woman died due to airbag injuries from a car accident in November 2014
5. Florida woman died from injuries sustained by Takata airbag in April 2014
Airbag Accident Involving Pickup Truck in Florida Occurred in August 2022
A 23-year-old man tragically lost his life in a traffic accident near Pensacola, Florida, and authorities suspect that his death may be linked to exploding Takata airbag inflators. [2]
On confirming the details of the tragic event, authorities reported that the victim was driving a 2006 Ford Ranger pickup truck, and the airbag inflator in the vehicle reportedly exploded during the crash, emitting shrapnel that struck the driver.
Takata’s use of ammonium nitrate to facilitate a controlled explosion for inflating airbags during crashes has been a cause of concern. The chemical can become increasingly volatile as it ages when exposed to moisture and repeated high temperatures.
In some cases, the force of the explosion can cause the airbag’s metal canister to rupture and eject shrapnel into the passenger compartment, posing an extreme risk to vehicle occupants.
A Man in Florida Died After a Takata Airbag Inflator Exploded in 2016
An 81-year-old man in Florida died after a Takata airbag inflator exploded while he was working on a Honda Accord in his backyard. The incident occurred on June 18, 2016, resulting in the man suffering fatal head trauma. [3]
Kuffo was dismantling the car’s interior with a hammer, with the ignition switch on, triggering the airbag deployment. Honda confirmed that the metal driver’s side inflator ruptured and released fragments. It’s unclear why the airbag deployed, but Honda noted the presence of a deceleration sensor meant to activate the airbags during a crash.
Honda Caused Injury From Airbag Failure in April 2015
A defective Takata airbag inflator caused an accident involving a 2003 Honda Civic driver in March 20, 2015. Honda informed the owner about the airbag four times, three of which were about the driver’s side. The notifications were sent between September 29, 2014, and March 23, 2015 (just three days after the crash). The vehicle was eligible to get new inflators on both sides. [4]
Woman Died Due to Airbag Injuries in November 2014
An Orlando woman died from injuries to her neck and head due to a car collision and an exploding airbag. The incident led to plastic and metal fragments being scattered throughout the 2001 Honda Accord’s driver’s side airbag. [5]
The detectives discovered fragments of loose metal still in the deflated airbag, which was bloodied and had multiple tears. The tragic incident prompted the U.S. government to issue an urgent plea to more than 4.7 million individuals to address the problem with the airbags in their cars promptly.
The concern stemmed from the potential dangers of the airbag device’s defect, including the possibility of causing harm to the driver or passengers. Particularly worrisome was the potential to release metal fragments into the passenger-side inflators, further amplifying the risk of injury or fatality.
Florida Woman Succumbed to Injuries Caused by Takata Airbag in April 2014
A Florida woman who was injured by a Takata airbag during a slow-speed crash died from her injuries in April 2016. The 2014 crash left the victim with catastrophic injuries. [6]
She became quadriplegic following the slow-speed crash. The 2001 Honda Civic she was in collided with an SUV. The family blamed the woman’s injuries on an exploding Takata airbag. The collision happened four days before the initial recall of Takata’s faulty inflators involving Honda vehicles in Florida and California.
You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
If you have suffered injuries related to an airbag, contact Goldberg & Loren’s personal injury lawyers in Plantation, Florida.
FAQs
The common causes of airbag injuries in Florida include deploying with excessive force or at an incorrect angle, faulty airbag mechanisms, and improper positioning of the driver or passenger.
To reduce the risk of airbag injuries as a driver or passenger, you should always wear a seatbelt and ensure you are properly seated. Maintaining a safe driving distance from the steering wheel and dashboard can also lessen the impact of an airbag deployment.
If injured by an airbag in Florida, you may have legal options to seek compensation through personal injury lawsuits if the injuries were caused by a defective airbag or improper deployment. There may be grounds for legal action if the injuries were the result of negligence on the part of another driver or vehicle manufacturer.
Sources:
[1] Benk, R. (2020, October 26). Florida Ranks Number One In Takata Airbag Deaths, Injuries. Health News Florida. https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2018-05-11/florida-ranks-number-one-in-takata-airbag-deaths-injuries
[2] Team, C. M. (2022, August 4). Florida death could be 20th in US caused by Takata airbags. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-death-could-be-20th-in-us-caused-by-takata-airbags/
[3] Man dies when air bag inflator ruptures during car repair. (2017, July 11). WPDE. https://wpde.com/news/auto-matters/man-dies-when-air-bag-inflator-ruptures-during-car-repair
[4] Autoblog is part of the Yahoo family of brands. (2015, April 14). https://www.autoblog.com/2015/04/14/honda-claims-another-injury-from-takata-airbag-failure/
[5] Autopsy: Air Bag Injuries Killed FL Woman. (2020, October 29). Health News Florida. https://health.wusf.usf.edu/hnf-stories/2014-11-19/autopsy-air-bag-injuries-killed-fl-woman
[6] Strathman, J. (2016, April 13). Takata airbag injuries kill Florida woman. WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm. https://www.wptv.com/money/consumer/florida-woman-dies-from-injuries-suffered-in-2014-honda-crash-involving-a-takata-airbag
