Mazda has issued a recall for nearly 270,000 vehicles that are equipped with defective Takata airbags which can explode upon deployment.

Details of the Mazda Airbag Recall

According to a release on Mazda’s website, the recalled airbags are defective and dangerous, posing a hazard to drivers and passengers. The recalled airbags can deploy with excess force, causing the airbags to explode and send metal shrapnel into the cabin.

Mazda encourages affected owners to take immediate action to have their vehicles repaired. Repairs will be made at no cost to the customer; however, parts for some newly added vehicles are not yet available.

The following vehicles are include in the recall:

• 2004-2009 Mazda B-Series
• 2003-2012 Mazda 6
• 2006-2007 Mazda Speed6
• 2004-2006 Mazda MPV
• 2004-2011 Mazda RX-8
• 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
• 2007-2012 Mazda CX-9

Takata Airbags Linked to Multiple Deaths, Subject of Federal Inquiries

The Takata recalls deal with some 125 million vehicles worldwide that are equipped with faulty airbags that can explode on deployment, unleashing metal shrapnel into vehicle cabins. At least 42 million of the affected vehicles were sold in the United States.

So far, 22 deaths and hundreds of injuries have been linked to the faulty airbag inflators, most of which have occurred in the U.S.

The defect led Takata to file for bankruptcy protection in June, allowing it to sell its non-airbag inflator business to Key Safety Systems, a unit of China’s Ningo Joyson Electric Corp.

Earlier this month, U.S. Senators called for a congressional hearing dealing with the defective airbags and resulting recalls.

According to Senator Jerry Moran, the hearing would review the “current manufacturer recall completion rates, the Takata bankruptcy and transition to new ownership under Key Safety Systems, and what all stakeholders including NHTSA are doing to ensure this process continues to move forward.”

To date, less than half of affected vehicles have been repaired.

In February, Ford issued a “stop driving” warning to 35,000 Ford ranger and Mazda B-Series owners.

Contact an Experienced Airbag Recall Attorney

f you or a loved one have been injured by a defective and dangerous Takata airbag, call Thomas J. Henry today. Our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim and provide you with a free legal consultation. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.

Authorities say 12 to 14 teenagers were injured Wednesday afternoon when a church van was involved in a crash in Texas City.

Detail of the Texas City Church Van Crash

According to reports, the crash occurred around 3:40 pm near the intersection of Lowry Expressway feeder road and Century Boulevard.

A preliminary investigation suggests the passenger van traveling through the intersection when an Eastbound Nissan Altima ran a red light on the feeder road and crashed into the van.

Officials said 12 to 14 teens were injured in the crash. The teenagers were part of an out-of-town church group. Their injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

Texas Automobile Accident Statistics

The following information was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• 3,773 people were killed in Texas traffic accidents in 2016, marking a 5.45% increase from the 3,578 deaths reported in 2015.
• 638 of the deaths reported in 2016 were attributed to head-on collision.
• Alcohol was determined to be a factor in 987 traffic deaths, accounting for roughly 26% of all Texas traffic fatalities.
• An additional 264,076 people were injured in auto accidents in Texas in 2016.
• Based on reportable data for 2016, TxDOT estimates:
  • One person was killed in a traffic accident every 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  • One person was injured every 1 minute and 59 seconds.
  • A reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds.

Contact an Experienced Automobile Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced auto accident attorneys have experience handling a multitude of injury accidents, no matter how severe the crash or injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver acted negligently. Our firm has the experienced lawyers and financial resources that you need to achieve the real results you deserve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. If you cannot make it to our office, we can visit you at your home, in the hospital, or at work.

A 13-year-old girl was killed and six other people were injured in a crash n Goodyear, Arizona on Monday.

About the Fatal Goodyear Accident

ABC 15 reports that a vehicle was sitting at a red light near Yuma Street and Village Boulevard around 7:45 pm when it was struck from behind by a pickup truck.

A 13-year-old passenger in the vehicle that was stopped at the stoplight was transported to the hospital in critical condition but did not survive. Two adults and an 11-year-old child from the vehicle were also hospitalized and are expected to make a full recovery.

The 30-year-old male driver of the truck was also hospitalized along with a five-year-old and a three-year-old.

Police do not believe impairment was a factor in the crash, but a criminal investigation is underway.

National Traffic Accident Statistics

According to the latest available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• 35,485 people were killed in auto accidents in the United States in 2016, marking a 5.6-percent increase from 2015.
• Of those killed in auto accidents in 2016:
  • 22,639 were occupants of passenger vehicles
  • 5,495 were pedestrians
  • 5,029 were motorcyclists
  • 829 were pedalcyclists
  • 665 were occupants of large trucks
  • 235 were listed as other or unknown
• Injury estimates for the year have not yet been made available.

Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced auto accident attorneys have experience handling a multitude of injury accidents, no matter how severe the crash or injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver acted negligently. Our firm has the experienced lawyers and financial resources that you need to achieve the real results you deserve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. If you cannot make it to our office, we can visit you at your home, in the hospital, or at work.

A Texas man has been arrested following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 44 that left one man dead on Saturday.

About the Catoosa Crash and Resulting Arrest

According to Tulsa World News, Julio Cesar Rodriguez, 20, has been arrested and booked in Rogers County on homicide, driving under the influence, and traffic offense complaints.

A preliminary investigation suggests Rodriguez was operating a 2006 Toyota Scion while under the influence when he left the roadway and crashed into an unoccupied 2005 Chevy Cobalt. The crash occurred just after 3 am.

Rodriguez’s passenger, 28-year-old Raul Gonzalez, Jr. of Harlingen, was killed in the collision. Rodriguez was not injured, and another passenger suffered minor injuries.

National Traffic Accident Statistics

According to the latest available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• 35,485 people were killed in auto accidents in the United States in 2016, marking a 5.6-percent increase from 2015.
• Of those killed in auto accidents in 2016:
  • 22,639 were occupants of passenger vehicles
  • 5,495 were pedestrians
  • 5,029 were motorcyclists
  • 829 were pedalcyclists
  • 665 were occupants of large trucks
  • 235 were listed as other or unknown
• Injury estimates for the year have not yet been made available.

Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced auto accident attorneys have experience handling a multitude of injury accidents, no matter how severe the crash or injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver acted negligently. Our firm has the experienced lawyers and financial resources that you need to achieve the real results you deserve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. If you cannot make it to our office, we can visit you at your home, in the hospital, or at work.

Four motorcyclists were injured Sunday afternoon as a result of a chain-reaction crash in Balch Springs, Texas.

Details of the Balch Springs Crash

According to NBC-DFW, the collision was originally reported as an 18-wheeler accident involving five motorcyclists. However, later reports indicate an SUV struck one motorcyclist causing three others to crash as they attempted to avoid the wreck.

The crash occurred on Interstate 20 near U.S. 175 just before 4 pm. Two of the motorcyclists were transported to a hospital by helicopter, and two others were transported by ground. The severity of the motorcyclists’ injuries were not immediately available.

The driver of the SUV told police she panicked as the riders sped around her vehicle and tried to change lanes, clipping one of the motorcyclists.

2016 Texas Traffic Accident Statistics

The following information was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• 3,773 people were killed in traffic accidents in Texas in 2016, marking a 5.45-percent increase from the 3,578 deaths reported in 2015.
• 496 of those who lost their lives in traffic collisions in Texas in 2016 were motorcyclists (operators and passengers). Fifty-three percent of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets at the time of their collision.
• An additional 265,076 people were injured in traffic accidents in Texas in 2016, with 14,202 people suffering incapacitating injuries.
• Based on reportable crash data for 2016, TxDOT estimates:
  • One person was killed in a traffic accident in Texas every 2 hours and 20 minutes
  • One person was injured every 1 minute and 59 seconds
  • A reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds

Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced motorcycle injury attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to hear your claim. We can visit you wherever you reside, whether it be at your home, workplace, or at the hospital. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review.

Austin police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that left a pedestrian dead in southeast Austin. Police believe the hit-and-run was intentional.

About the Austin Hit-and-Run

According to KXAN, the fatal incident occurred at the intersection of East Oltorf Street and Huntwick Drive around 3:10 pm. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reports to 911 said a female driver in a red sedan was observed leaving the scene of the crash. The sound of the impact was so loud, it was initially mistaken as a gunshot by people nearby. Police also said it appeared to witnesses that the victim knew the driver.

APD says they have identified a possible suspect and are working to file a warrant to make an arrest.

The victim was 30-years-old.

Texas Car Crash Statistics

The following information was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• 3,773 people were killed in Texas traffic accidents in 2016, marking a 5.45% increase from the 3,578 deaths reported in 2015.
• 638 of the deaths reported in 2016 were attributed to head-on collision.
• Alcohol was determined to be a factor in 987 traffic deaths, accounting for roughly 26% of all Texas traffic fatalities.
• An additional 264,076 people were injured in auto accidents in Texas in 2016.
• Based on reportable data for 2016, TxDOT estimates:
  • One person was killed in a traffic accident every 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  • One person was injured every 1 minute and 59 seconds.
  • A reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds.

Contact an Experienced Texas Auto Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced car accident attorneys have experience handling a multitude of injury accidents, no matter how severe the crash or injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver acted negligently. Our firm has the experienced lawyers and financial resources that you need to achieve the real results you deserve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. If you cannot make it to our office, we can visit you at your home, in the hospital, or at work.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 46 million vehicles have been recalled by auto manufacturers this year, which has hit a high in United States history. Currently, 20 percent of vehicles on the road are under recall.

About the High Recall Rate

NHTSA has recently stated that 1 in 5 vehicles on the road now is under recall. In most of these cases, the driver’s don’t even realize that their vehicle may be under recall.

Of the 46 million vehicles recalled this year, more than 37 million were recalled for defective Takata airbags. Government records indicate the defective airbags have killed 23 people worldwide in recent years, and injured hundreds more.

Although airbags are the big issue, they are not the only recall issue involving cars. In the last year there has been recalls with vehicles that include:

• 4.8 million cruise control issues
• 1.4 million loose steering wheel problems
• 350,000 transmission shifter issues
• 123,000 power steering problems

Government Agencies and Private Business Struggle to Keep Consumers Informed

In light of the high recall rate, the government has mandated that car dealerships send notices informing vehicle owners of open recalls. However, in some cases, the information never reaches the current vehicle owner.

Other organizations are also taking steps to improve recall notification. For example, there is a website created by JD Power allows users to look up open recalls by entering any make and model. Consumer Reports offers a similar car recall tracker, but it requires users to sign up for a free account in order to access it as a member.

NHTSA, the federal agency that’s charged with highway safety, has a website that allows users to look for recalls using car’s vehicle identification number. It goes deep, looking at safety recalls conducted over the past 15 calendar years, and it even includes motorcycles. The U.S. Department of Transportation also has a website that lists not only automobile recalls, but includes recalls for tires, child safety car seats, and even school buses.

If you suspect your car has been recalled please look on any of the websites mentioned in the article and follow the proper steps to stay safe.

Contact an Experienced Product Recall Attorney

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Two people are dead and two others are injured as a result of a T-bone crash in Northeast Bexar County Tuesday morning.

Details of the Fatal San Antonio Crash

According to KSAT, a Dodge Durango traveling south on Green Mountain Road lost control while attempting to pass a slow driver and slid into oncoming traffic where it was T-boned by a GMC Sierra.

The two occupants of the Dodge Durango died in the collision, and the driver and a passenger in the Sierra were hospitalized. They were listed in stable condition.

San Antonio police are still investigating the crash, but say the streets were slick at the time of the collision due to rain.

Authorities did not identify the deceased individuals.

Texas Automobile Accident Statistics

The following information was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• 3,773 people were killed in Texas traffic accidents in 2016, marking a 5.45% increase from the 3,578 deaths reported in 2015.
• 638 of the deaths reported in 2016 were attributed to head-on collision.
• Alcohol was determined to be a factor in 987 traffic deaths, accounting for roughly 26% of all Texas traffic fatalities.
• An additional 264,076 people were injured in auto accidents in Texas in 2016.
• Based on reportable data for 2016, TxDOT estimates:
  • One person was killed in a traffic accident every 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  • One person was injured every 1 minute and 59 seconds.
  • A reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds.

Contact an Experienced Commercial Trucking Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury after being involved in an 18-wheeler accident, contact Thomas J. Henry immediately. Our experienced commercial trucking injury attorneys are available to respond to semi-truck accidents at any hour, day or night. Our lawyers understand that the immediate acquisition of evidence is paramount to understanding how the accident occurred. We will take immediate action on your case.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Remember, your choice does matter. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. Attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

An 18-year-old is dead and two other teenagers were seriously injured as a result of a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 295 in Salem County early Monday.

Details of the Fatal Crash

According to reports, the fatal crash occurred around when a car traveling south on the interstate veered off the road and struck the left guardrail before crossing back onto the highway, where it collided with an SUV.

A third vehicle attempted to avoid the initial collision and struck the right guardrail.

The driver of one of the vehicles, an 18-year-old boy, was killed in the collision. Two other teenage boys, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, were transported to Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware with serious injuries.

Three others involved in the crash were treated for moderate injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

National Traffic Accident Statistics

According to the latest available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• 35,485 people were killed in auto accidents in the United States in 2016, marking a 5.6-percent increase from 2015.
• Of those killed in auto accidents in 2016:
  • 22,639 were occupants of passenger vehicles
  • 5,495 were pedestrians
  • 5,029 were motorcyclists
  • 829 were pedalcyclists
  • 665 were occupants of large trucks
  • 235 were listed as other or unknown
• Injury estimates for the year have not yet been made available.

Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced auto accident attorneys have experience handling a multitude of injury accidents, no matter how severe the crash or injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver acted negligently. Our firm has the experienced lawyers and financial resources that you need to achieve the real results you deserve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. If you cannot make it to our office, we can visit you at your home, in the hospital, or at work.

A Rio Grande City boy was killed Tuesday after the vehicle he was riding in overturned on U.S. Highway 77 in Refugio County.

About the Fatal Refugio County Collision

According to the Corpus Christi Caller Times, the fatal crash occurred about two miles north of Woodsboro at around 2:45 pm.

Preliminary reports indicate a 1999 Ford F-350 pickup carrying five occupants was traveling north on Highway 77 when the vehicle’s rear right wheel assembly detached from the vehicle. The  pickup lost control, crossed into northbound lanes of the highway, then overturned in the center median.

Jonathan Gonzalez-Pena, 10, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Three other passengers were flown to Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline where they were listed in stable condition. The driver was transported to Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline and was also in stable condition.

The accident remains under investigation.

Texas Automobile Accident Statistics

The following information was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• 3,773 people were killed in Texas traffic accidents in 2016, marking a 5.45% increase from the 3,578 deaths reported in 2015.
• 638 of the deaths reported in 2016 were attributed to head-on collision.
• Alcohol was determined to be a factor in 987 traffic deaths, accounting for roughly 26% of all Texas traffic fatalities.
• An additional 264,076 people were injured in auto accidents in Texas in 2016.
• Based on reportable data for 2016, TxDOT estimates:
  • One person was killed in a traffic accident every 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  • One person was injured every 1 minute and 59 seconds.
  • A reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds.

Contact an Experienced Automobile Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury after being involved in an auto accident, contact Thomas J. Henry immediately. Our experienced auto accident injury attorneys are available to respond to car crashes at any hour, day or night. Our lawyers understand that the immediate acquisition of evidence is paramount to understanding how the accident occurred. We will take immediate action on your case.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Remember, your choice does matter. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. Attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.