Airbags are engineered as a critical safety feature, designed to protect us during a motor vehicle collision. Despite their life-saving intentions, however, these devices can sometimes cause injuries, sometimes serious, during their deployment. As drivers and passengers place their faith in airbags, the reality is that the very device intended to safeguard can carry unexpected risks. If an airbag defect or unexpected deployment causes injury, speak to an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How Can an Airbag Cause an Injury?
An airbag works by initiating a controlled explosion that fills the bag with gas to create a cushion. This is designed to prevent worse trauma, but it can also be the source of injury in several ways:
- Sensor Malfunctions: An airbag system relies on sensors to detect a collision. If these sensors malfunction, the airbag may deploy too late, too early, or not at all, increasing the risk of injury during an accident.
- Chemical Burns and Respiratory Issues: The chemicals used to initiate the inflation of an airbag can cause burns or exacerbate respiratory issues for some people. The intense force of the airbag can also result in abrasions or facial injuries.
- Impact Injuries: The force of an airbag can cause varying degrees of injury depending on the proximity of a person to the steering wheel or dashboard at the time of deployment. Common injuries include bruises, fractures, and even more severe damage like internal injuries.
- Shrapnel: Faulty airbag components, such as those seen in the widespread Takata airbag recall, can explode and project shrapnel into the vehicle, posing a lethal risk to occupants.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Airbags
While airbags are meant to protect, they can also cause severe injuries. High-impact contact with an airbag can lead to bruising, lacerations, or even fractures of the facial bones. The chest area can absorb significant force from an airbag, leading to bruises, fractures, or in severe cases, cardiac injuries.
The chemicals released during airbag deployment can cause burns on exposed skin, typically on the hands, arms, and face. Additionally, the head being thrown against an inflating airbag can result in concussions or more severe brain injuries. The force from an airbag can cause internal organs to be bruised or damaged, leading to internal bleeding.
People with asthma or other respiratory conditions can have their symptoms exacerbated due to the chemicals released. Additionally, pregnant women are advised to sit as far back from the airbag as possible to reduce the risk to the fetus.
What Rights Do You Have After Suffering an Airbag Injury?
If you’ve suffered an injury due to an airbag, you may have the right to seek compensation. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their devices are safe; when they fail to do so, they deserve to be held accountable.
You can file a claim against airbag manufacturers for defects in the airbag itself, automobile manufacturers if the car’s design contributed to the injury, or even service providers if improper maintenance or repair contributed to the malfunction. Your settlement can help you pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages associated with the airbag injury.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Airbag Injury Attorney
Airbag injuries can complicate the trauma of a car crash. If you’ve suffered harm due to an airbag deployment, trust Monge & Associates to guide you through the legal process. Our airbag injury lawyers can work to help you recover the damages that you deserve and hold the manufacturer accountable. Contact us at (888) 477-0597 today and begin your journey to fair and full compensation.