NHTSA Probes Nearly 75,000 Vehicles Following Reports of Unintended Airbag Activations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into approximately 75,000 Nissan Rogue Select vehicles from the 2015 model year. This probe follows multiple reports of unintended deployments of side airbags, which reportedly occur when the vehicle doors are shut or slammed. These incidents have raised significant safety concerns, as such inadvertent airbag activations can lead to serious injuries or compromise the protective function of the airbags during actual collisions.
Nissan has acknowledged the issue and stated that they are working closely with NHTSA to address these concerns. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining a transparent and cooperative relationship with the regulatory body, ensuring that all matters of product safety are handled with the utmost seriousness.
This investigation comes on the heels of a recent directive from both Nissan and NHTSA, urging owners of nearly 84,000 older Nissan vehicles equipped with recalled, unrepaired Takata airbags to immediately cease driving them. This urgent safety warning affects models such as the 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4, which were initially recalled in 2020 but have not yet been repaired. The Takata airbag issue has been linked to over 30 fatalities globally, including 27 in the United States, and more than 400 injuries since 2009. These incidents involve airbag inflators that can explode, releasing metal shrapnel into the vehicle’s cabin.
The ongoing safety challenges posed by both the unintended airbag deployments in the Rogue Select and the unresolved Takata airbag recalls underscore the critical importance of vehicle safety and the rigorous oversight required to protect consumers. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for vehicle owners to stay informed and adhere to any safety advisories issued by Nissan and NHTSA.
The Impact of Unintended Airbag Deployments on Consumers
Unintended airbag deployments can have severe and far-reaching consequences for vehicle occupants. The unexpected activation of an airbag can result in physical injuries such as fractures, abrasions, and concussions. In more severe cases, the deployment could lead to more significant harm, including spinal injuries or even fatalities, especially if the airbag deploys while the vehicle is in motion, potentially causing the driver to lose control.
Victims of these unintended airbag deployments may experience not only physical injuries but also psychological trauma. The sudden and violent nature of an airbag deployment can be a terrifying experience, leading to anxiety and fear regarding future vehicle use. Additionally, the financial burden of medical treatments, vehicle repairs, and potential loss of income due to injury can be overwhelming for many families.
Pursuing Legal Action for Product Liability
Consumers affected by unintended airbag deployments in their Nissan vehicles may be entitled to file a product liability lawsuit. This legal action can help them seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. To initiate such a lawsuit, it is crucial to establish that the airbag deployment was unintended and resulted from a defect in the vehicle.
The lawsuit process typically begins with a consultation with an experienced product liability attorney who can evaluate the merits of the case. Once a lawsuit is filed, the discovery phase follows, during which both parties gather evidence, including vehicle maintenance records, expert testimonies, and reports from similar incidents. This phase is critical for building a strong case to prove the defect and its impact on the victim.
Victims need a skilled attorney to navigate the complexities of product liability law and to advocate for their rights throughout the legal process. An attorney can handle negotiations with the automaker or their insurance company, ensuring that the victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses. In cases where a settlement cannot be reached, the attorney will represent the victims in court, presenting a compelling case to a judge or jury.
Recoverable Damages in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims of unintended airbag deployments can recover various types of damages through a product liability lawsuit. Compensatory damages include medical expenses for both immediate and future treatments related to the injuries sustained. Lost wages can also be recovered if the victim is unable to work due to their injuries. Additionally, compensation for pain and suffering, which encompasses both physical pain and emotional distress, can be awarded.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be pursued. These are designed to punish the manufacturer for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. The awarding of punitive damages requires demonstrating that the manufacturer acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for consumer safety.