As Atlanta resident know, cars are a part of everyday society. The manufacturers of these vehicles owe a duty to their customers to ensure their products are safe.
It appears that Hyundai has recently found a defective product in its Azera model. The sensor in the Azera that is supposed to turn the passenger airbag off when there is a young child in the passenger seat is not working properly. Typically, when a lighter passenger is up front, the airbag is supposed to not deploy at all or deploy with less force, as a full force airbag could injure the child more than the force of the accident itself.
Specifically, it appears that the airbags may not be able to sense when a smaller passenger is there, and, as such, would not know to switch off. The problem appears to stem from a new fabric covering. The sensor issue is in approximately 5,200 2012-2013 Hyundai Azeras, and has already been corrected, according to the company, in any models made after those year models. Hyundai said it will be notifying owners in the third quarter of this year.
Though it appears that this defective product was caught before anyone was hurt, not all people are so lucky. Sometimes, when a family member is injured from a product, it could take years to determine exactly where the problem stemmed. Often, the responsible party may deny liability, which is why a product liability lawsuit must be brought. The product liability lawsuit will be used to determine the exact cause of the injury, and can be used to make sure that the responsible party is held liable.
Recovering from an injury caused by a defective product can be a long, drawn out process. However, with the proper assistance, that recovery can be made, and the family can move past the injury.
Source: USA Today, “Hyundai recalls 5,200 Azeras for possible airbag flaw“, James R. Healey, July 8, 2013.