Airbag Injuries and Your Legal Options
Airbags are a vital safety feature in today’s vehicles, saving millions of lives and reducing severe injuries in car accidents. But while airbags save many, they can also hurt due to deployment issues, defects or the force of a high impact crash. Airbag injury victims are left wondering what their legal options are.
How Airbags Work
Airbags deploy in a split second of a serious crash. Sensors throughout the vehicle trigger a rapid inflation process using compressed gas or chemical reactions. When working properly airbags provide a cushion. But malfunctions or improper deployment can cause more injury.
Airbag Injuries
Facial and Head
- Broken facial bones (nose, jaw, cheekbones)
- Eye trauma, including retinal detachment
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Burns and Abrasions
- Chemical burns from propellants used in inflation
- Friction burns from rapid deployment against skin
Chest and Torso
- Broken ribs or sternum fractures
- Damage to internal organs like the heart or lungs
Arm and Hand
- Fractures or dislocations from improper hand placement on steering wheel
- Severe bruising or skin abrasions
Defective Airbags: When Safety Features Fail
Defective airbags are a leading cause of airbag injury cases. Common problems include:
- Failure to Deploy: Airbags that don’t deploy during a crash leaving occupants unprotected.
- Over-Deployment: Excessive force causing more harm than good.
- Chemical Defects: Malfunctioning inflators that rupture and turn airbags into projectiles.
- Improper Installation: Faulty design or manufacturing causing avoidable injuries.
Legal Options for Airbag Injury Victims
Those injured by airbags may have a claim under:
- Product Liability: Holding manufacturers responsible for defective design, production or inadequate warnings.
- Negligence: Going after parties responsible for the improper installation or maintenance of the airbag.
- Third-Party Liability: Seeking damages from other drivers or entities that caused the crash or airbag failure.
What to Do After an Airbag Injury
- Get Medical Attention: Even minor injuries can have serious consequences. Get checked out.
- Document Everything: Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage and the accident scene.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, keep the damaged airbag and vehicle. They may be evidence.
- Call an Attorney: Experienced lawyers can evaluate your case and tell you what to do next.
The Airbag Injury Lawsuit Process
If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will investigate the incident and look at:
- Airbag design and manufacturing records
- Vehicle maintenance and repair history
- Who is liable (manufacturers, mechanics, other drivers)
- Damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
By building your case, your lawyer will fight to get you the most money possible for your airbag injuries. With the right law firm, you can hold the people responsible and get the financial help you need to move on after a traumatic crash.