April 13, 2012—Consumer rights law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro is investigating claims that 2005-2009 Toyota Tacoma vehicle models have defective airbags following an official recall of more than 495,000 trucks, the firm announced this week.
Toyota disclosed in March that an issue was found in 2005-2009 Tacoma models that could prevent driver’s side airbags from inflating during a crash. Specifically, friction between two components could cause a loss of connectivity with the driver's side airbag and prevent deployment, according to Hagens Berman.
Hagens Berman said it is investigating whether or not Toyota knew about the problem before the recall was issued. The firm said that Toyota Tacoma owners may be able to initiate legal claims due to injuries that resulted from failed airbag deployment, or because the defect may reduce vehicle values and cause an economic loss.
"We find it surprising that Toyota only just now disclosed an issue that impacts Tacoma models that are now seven years old," said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman. "If Toyota was aware of this issue and chose not to inform the public, we believe it may be liable for injuries that consumers suffered as a result."
The Seattle-based law firm said owners of 2005-2009 Toyota Tacoma vehicles can find more information by visiting hbsslaw.com/toyotaairbags.
Hagens Berman is also currently co-lead counsel in the sudden, unintended acceleration (SUA) litigation of Toyota vehicles. That suit alleges that Toyota knew about instances of SUA, but failed to act to protect consumers.
Hagens Berman has offices located throughout the country in Boston, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Colo., Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
