Published by Free Confidential Kia Airbag Recall Lawsuit Review
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Table Of Contents
- Kia Airbag Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Kia Airbag Lawsuit Updates
- NHTSA Reports and Statistics
- Kia Airbag Injuries & Hazards
- Do You Qualify for a Kia Airbag Lawsuit?
- Kia Airbag Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Kia Airbag Lawsuits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I prove that an airbag defect in my Kia vehicle caused my injuries?
- Has Kia issued any recalls related to airbag failures?
- What should I do if my Kia vehicle is part of an airbag recall?
- What should I look for in a lawyer to handle a Kia airbag lawsuit?
- How is the airbag defect in Kia vehicles different from the Takata airbag recalls?
- What causes Kia airbag malfunctions?
- How widespread is the airbag problem in the automotive industry?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
If you or a loved one experienced serious injuries following the deployment of a defective Kia airbag, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to faulty airbag systems. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Kia Airbag Lawsuit Overview
The Kia airbag lawsuits center on defective airbag inflators that may rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious injuries or death to vehicle occupants. Primary allegations against manufacturers involve manufacturing defects causing metal debris blockage in airbag inflators. These defects have been linked to multiple injuries and at least one death, prompting NHTSA investigations and various vehicle recalls across the automotive industry.
Latest Kia Airbag Lawsuit Updates
NHTSA has requested ARC Automotive to recall their airbag inflators after identifying significant safety defects. ARC has denied this request, maintaining that no defect exists in their inflators and attributing any problems to isolated manufacturing issues. The NHTSA has indicated it may pursue further actions if ARC fails to initiate a recall.
Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update
NHTSA Reports and Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has taken significant action regarding defective airbag inflators:
- NHTSA formally requested ARC Automotive to recall their airbag inflators after identifying a defect posing significant safety risks
- NHTSA documented a fatality on August 15, 2021, when a driver-side airbag inflator in a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse ruptured in Michigan
- Another incident on October 20, 2021, involved a driver-side airbag inflator rupture in a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse in Kentucky, causing serious facial injuries [1]
- NHTSA indicated it may pursue further regulatory actions if ARC fails to initiate a recall promptly
- The potential scope includes approximately 67 million ARC airbags that could be subject to recall
Kia Airbag Injuries & Hazards
Defective Kia airbags can cause a range of severe injuries when metal fragments are expelled during airbag deployment.
- Facial Injuries: Lacerations, burns, and permanent scarring
- Head Trauma: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Leg Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and potential nerve damage
- Death: In the most severe cases, airbag malfunctions have led to fatalities
Related Article: Porsche Airbag Lawsuit
Do You Qualify for a Kia Airbag Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Kia Airbag lawsuit if:
- You own or were traveling in a Kia vehicle equipped with potentially defective airbags
- You experienced injuries following the deployment of an airbag
- Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the airbag deployment
Evidence Required for a Kia Airbag Lawsuit
To successfully pursue a Kia airbag lawsuit, you’ll need to gather:
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments
- Documentation of the vehicle involved in the incident
- Accident reports and photographs of the scene and vehicle
- Expert testimony linking the airbag defect to your injuries
Damages You Can Recover
By filing a Kia airbag lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover damages including:
- Medical expenses for past and future treatments
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering from your injuries
- Punitive damages against the manufacturers in cases of gross negligence
Kia Airbag Recall Information
While specific Kia-branded recalls are not detailed in the original content, multiple automobile manufacturers using ARC airbags have issued recalls:
- BMW recalled MY X5, sDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X5 xDrive40e vehicles from model year 2017 (March 2017)
- Ford issued a recall for model year 2017 Mustang and F-150 vehicles (August 2017)
- General Motors has issued 4 separate recalls since 2018
- Volkswagen has recalled various vehicle models due to the airbag inflator defect
Statute of Limitations for Kia Airbag Lawsuits
Legal claims related to defective airbags are subject to statutes of limitations, which vary by state. These time limits typically begin from the date of injury or from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by a defective airbag. Due to these varying timeframes, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prove that an airbag defect in my Kia vehicle caused my injuries?
Proving that an airbag defect in your Kia vehicle caused your injuries typically involves gathering evidence such as accident reports, expert testimony, photographs of the accident scene, and an examination of the vehicle’s airbag system. A lawyer can assist in building a strong case by collecting and presenting the necessary documentation.
Yes, Kia has issued recalls related to airbag failures in certain models. These recalls typically involve specific production years and may address issues such as faulty airbag sensors, electrical problems, or other defects that could prevent the airbags from deploying properly.
What should I do if my Kia vehicle is part of an airbag recall?
If your Kia vehicle is part of an airbag recall, follow the instructions provided in the recall notice. This usually involves taking your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer for inspection and repair at no cost to you. It’s important to address any recall issues immediately to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
What should I look for in a lawyer to handle a Kia airbag lawsuit?
When choosing a lawyer to handle a Kia airbag lawsuit, look for someone with experience in automotive defect and personal injury cases. A lawyer with a proven track record in similar cases can effectively represent your interests and help you pursue compensation.
How is the airbag defect in Kia vehicles different from the Takata airbag recalls?
The airbag defects in ARC inflators (which may be present in some Kia vehicles) involve manufacturing issues where metal debris blockage can occur within the airbag inflator during the welding process. This differs from Takata airbags, where the issue involves degradation of nitrate due to heat and humidity exposure, causing dangerous explosions.
What causes Kia airbag malfunctions?
According to NHTSA investigations, a defect in ARC airbag inflators occurs during the manufacturing process. During welding, metal debris can create a blockage within the airbag inflator. When the airbag deploys, this blockage can cause over-pressurization, leading to ruptures and ejection of metal debris at high speed toward vehicle occupants.
How widespread is the airbag problem in the automotive industry?
The airbag inflator issue extends beyond just Kia. The controversy over ARC airbag inflators comes as manufacturers continue replacing defective Takata airbags linked to at least 28 deaths and over 400 injuries worldwide. The Takata recall affected over 100 million airbags in tens of millions of vehicles. If approximately 67 million ARC airbags are recalled, this would represent another major industry-wide safety issue.
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action regarding defective Kia airbags. Don’t delay seeking legal assistance, as your right to file a claim may be restricted by specific statutes of limitations.
The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Kia Airbag Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Our services include:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees for our legal representation
- Payment only if we win your case through settlement or verdict