Airbags are an essential life-saving tool, used in the event of an auto collision. They can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and even save lives. That said, their deployment is extremely powerful and occurs within fractions of a second.
The unfortunate reality is that despite being designed to protect drivers and passengers, airbags can sometimes cause injuries. As a result, victims of car accidents can end up sustaining injuries directly related to the incident and due to defective deployment. If you have been injured in a crash, do not hesitate to speak with an attorney about your legal options.
What Causes Airbags To Deploy During an Accident?
Airbags are activated by a network of crash sensors. Typically, accelerometers and impact sensors are connected to a central control unit that constantly monitors sudden deceleration. When the system detects a rapid drop in speed consistent with a severe collision, it sends an electrical signal to ignite a small pyrotechnic charge inside the airbag inflator.
This causes it to inflate within 20 to 30 milliseconds at incredible force and speed. While the prime purpose of airbags is to soften the blow of the collision’s impact, the contact with the bag itself can still cause injuries like burns, cuts, and bruising.
The risk of airbag injuries increases exponentially when these devices deploy unexpectedly. When this happens, it could indicate a manufacturing or design defect. An attorney can help you identify the negligent parties in these cases that should be held liable.
What Type of Injuries Can Air Bag Deployment Cause?
Adults and children alike can suffer a range of airbag-related injuries, from mild bruising to severe lacerations.
Burns and Skin Abrasions
These injuries often result from the rapid deployment of the airbag and friction against the skin. The airbag inflator can release hot gases and fine chemical particles, which may cause mild burns or irritation. Abrasions can occur when the airbag fabric, which deploys at very high speed, scrapes against exposed skin, especially if the person is seated close to the steering wheel or dashboard.
Facial Injuries
Facial trauma can occur when the airbag strikes the face during deployment, particularly if the occupant is positioned too close to the steering wheel or not seated upright. The force of inflation can cause bruising, fractures (such as nasal or cheekbone fractures), or soft-tissue damage. Broken glass or contact with the steering wheel before full inflation can also contribute to facial injuries.
Eye Injuries
Eyes are vulnerable to both the physical impact of the airbag and exposure to chemical irritants released during deployment. This can lead to corneal abrasions, irritation, or more serious trauma if the airbag hits the face directly. Glass shards from a broken windshield during the crash may also contribute to eye injuries.
Neck and Back Injuries
The sudden forward-and-backward movement of the head and spine during a collision, known as whiplash, can strain muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae. Even though airbags reduce impact force, the abrupt inflation can still cause cervical spine sprains or exacerbate existing back injuries, especially in high-speed crashes.
Chest and Rib Injuries
The force of the airbag striking the chest can compress the ribcage, particularly in smaller occupants or those seated too close to the steering wheel. This may result in bruised or fractured ribs, chest wall contusions, or, in severe cases, injury to internal organs such as the lungs.
Hand, Wrist, and Arm Injuries
Drivers often instinctively place their hands on the steering wheel, putting them directly in the path of the deploying airbag. The rapid expansion can forcefully displace the arms, causing fractures, sprains, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries in the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Can Airbags Cause Serious and Long-Term Injuries?
Yes, airbags can definitely cause severe harm to drivers and passengers, especially when they deploy unexpectedly. The intensity of impact and seriousness of a person’s injuries often depend on certain factors, like:
- Crash speed
- Seating position
- Age and size of occupant
- Airbag function
Traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and lasting complications may occur in some cases. Similarly, a child sitting in the front seat can be at greater risk of serious, life-threatening harm. Certain safety laws are meant to protect children in a crash. Parents should always follow safety guidelines and use the proper seating and seat belt functions for their child’s height and weight.
How To Know Whether You Have a Valid Legal Claim
You may have several legal avenues available to you following an airbag defect injury. In many cases, victims pursue product liability claims for defective design, manufacturing errors, or failure to warn. Automakers and parts manufacturers are often the culprits behind these types of incidents.
Evidence is key to securing a favorable outcome in your claim. Your attorney can help launch a thorough vehicle inspection to investigate the cause of the deployment and pinpoint liable parties. Whether your airbag deployed unexpectedly due to a defect or caused injuries after a collision, you may have legal options for your circumstances.
Available Compensation After an Airbag Injury
Filing an injury claim for an airbag-related defect can lead to numerous forms of compensation, including the following:
- Medical expenses: Ambulance fees, hospital bills, surgeries, and doctors’ appointments
- Lost wages: Money lost due to time off work or a reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering due to your injuries
- Long-term care costs: In-home care, assistive devices, and long-term rehabilitation programs
- Property damage: Any damage to your personal items, like your car or cellphone
Learn more about which types of compensation you may be eligible for by scheduling a consultation with our team at Shamieh Law.
What To Do After Suffering Injuries From Airbag Deployment
Taking proactive steps after suffering airbag-related injuries can protect a potential claim for compensation. Steps you should take after an airbag incident include:
- Seeking medical treatment: Get checked immediately, even for minor symptoms, since some injuries may not appear right away.
- Preserve photos and vehicle information: Keep images of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and deployed airbags to help document how the injury occurred.
- Keep medical records: Save all treatment records, diagnoses, and bills to connect your injuries to the accident.
- Speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement: Avoid early insurance offers until you understand the full extent of your injuries and potential long-term costs.
Our Legal Team at Shamieh Law Can Help
At Shamieh Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping car accident victims get compensation for their injuries. Whether someone’s negligence caused a crash, or your airbag malfunctioned and deployed out of nowhere, we have the knowledge and skills needed to build a strong case.
Our team is trained to launch in-depth investigations into the circumstances surrounding a personal injury, from collecting key evidence to identifying liable parties. We will look into possible manufacturer defects and other issues that may have contributed to the incident.
If your injuries resulted from a defective airbag or an airbag deployment after a collision, you may be entitled to compensation. Shamieh Law may be able to help evaluate your options.
Safeguarding Your Rights Following an Airbag Injury
Airbags are designed to save lives and significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries in a crash. However, their rapid deployment can still cause serious harm, including burns, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. It is important not to dismiss pain or injury as just a normal part of a car accident.
Even seemingly minor symptoms can signal underlying damage that may worsen without proper treatment and documentation. If you have been injured in a crash involving airbag deployment, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and pursue the compensation needed for your recovery. Contact Shamieh Law today at 469-813-7332 to schedule an initial consultation.
