Honda Airbag Settlement

Honda is recalling 1.2 million vehicles in North and Central America because their Takata air bag inflators can explode and send shrapnel into the passenger compartment.

The ammonium nitrate used to inflate Takata airbags can deteriorate very quickly if it is exposed to high temperatures and humidity. It explodes and blows apart a metal canister when it deteriorates. So far more than 20 people have been killed worldwide because of the defect.

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Honda Airbag Lawsuit Update

Auto Air Bag SettlementThe class lawsuit against certain car companies including Honda alleges that those companies distributed, and sold vehicles with defective Takata airbag inflators. The lawsuit claims that these airbags violate state consumer protection laws. So far, Honda denies liability and claims that it did not manufacture and distribute such vehicles.

Class Eligibility

You can register or submit a claim for settlement payment for this case your owned or leased a Honda Subject Vehicle in 2017 a Takata brand air bag.  The recall covers many Honda and Acura models from 2001 through 2016. If you sold or retuned after leasing a Honda Subject Vehicle distributed for sale or lease after November 11, 2008 and before September 19 of 2017, then you can also register or submit a claim for settlement payment. However, you must have sold or leased in the United States or its territories and the vehicle must have been recalled before September 19, 2017.

The Estimated Amount

The estimated amount varies. You may be entitled to remedies such as:

  • A potential residual distribution
  • A customer support program
  • An outreach program
  • A rental car loaner program
  • An out of pocket claims process

You will need to provide proof of purchase for you to be paid. The settlement pool is $605 million as proposed with the Honda Motor Co, Ltd.  However, the Honda settlement does not include claims for personal injury or property damage that does not relate to the Subject Vehicles.

Why Such Settlements Can Benefit You

Most of these cases actually allow you to file a claim online but just know that it can take more than five months before you see a check. But the check could have a significant amount that you can use to renovate part of your home or cover some expenses.  These cases also have lower litigation cost because the costs are divided amongst members of the suit. You also never have to pay any legal fee unless you win the case.

Judgments In Class Action Lawsuits

The judgment reached by a court usually applies to all people who have opted into the class. These are people who fit into the court’s original definition of what a class member in the particular case should be. A notice is sent to every person that would be affected by the court’s decision in the class action to inform that that the action has started.  This is where people can choose to join in the action.

It is the court and parties in the lawsuit and their lawyers that help develop the plan to distribute the amount won in the case. The judge is also expected to a settlement if the parties in the class action lawsuit decide to settle.