Hyundai is recalling 515 model year 2010 Hyundai Tucson vehicles. Properly seated adult right front seat passengers weighing over approximately 240 pounds cause the Passive Occupant Detection System (PODS) module program to illuminate the “air bag” warning lamp. If the “air bag” warning lamp is illuminated, the passenger air bag will deploy if a crash of sufficient force to require front air bag deployment is experienced, and will not be deactivated if a child is seated in the right front seating position, which may increase the risk of injury to a child front passenger. Hyundai anticipates owners will be notified by telephone and/or by mail during February 2010. 10V-061.

Question #1: Do you focus on airbag defect cases?

While there is no shortage of lawyers who accept any kind of accident and injury case, there are few whose primary focus is airbag defects. Ask the lawyer how many airbag defect cases he’s investigated and filed. Also, request a list of representative airbag cases and ask which ones involve issues similar to your case.

Question #2: Do you have direct experience in the automotive industry?

The answer to this question is a big factor in separating the lawyers who represent airbag defect victims and those who take cases without having any real industry knowledge. A lawyer with automotive industry experience will know …

• How the decisions are made on what design is used
• What testing and analysis is usually conducted on their products
• Who are the key personnel conducting the research and analysis
• What documents should have been generated during the design and development process
• What documents will be most helpful for your case
• How internal investigations are handled

Question #3: Do you have an engineering background?

The technical nature of airbag defect cases requires lawyers to understand input from engineering experts in subjects such as accident reconstruction, design analysis, testing and biomechanics. Those who understand engineering can ask intelligent questions about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Better yet is an attorney who has had “hands-on” responsibility for airbag engineering, and who has been dealing with airbags for many years. Questions from an attorney with a background in airbags will also give you the best possible chance of proving your case.

Question #4: Will you work on my airbag defect case, or will you delegate the work to junior lawyers and associates?

Why should your case serve as a training ground for an inexperienced junior lawyer or paralegal? Due to the reasons stated above, you need an experienced airbag lawyer handling your case.

Question #5: Will you be available when I need you?

Whether it’s normal business hours or not, you want your questions and concerns addressed immediately. So hire an airbag lawyer who is available during evenings and weekends – and willing to meet at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Also, don’t hesitate to request your lawyer’s cell phone number. An attorney who truly accommodates you will give you the number without hesitation.

Question #6: How much does it cost to hire you?

An airbag defect attorney should never make you pay an up-front fee just to consult with you. In addition, you should never pay attorney fees or any investigation costs until compensation is recovered for your injuries.

Also, be careful with attorneys who “nickel and dime” you for typical office expenses such as ordinary mail, copies, telephone or fax charges.

Question #7 (Ask yourself this final question.): Do you trust the lawyer?

Rely on your instincts. If you can’t trust the lawyer, don’t hire him.