Common Airbag Injuries
Airbags are such underrated lifesavers that it’s easy to forget that they’re a relatively recent vehicle safety addition. In the last few decades, airbags have evolved and enhanced, but they can still cause injuries of their own when deployed due to a collision. Additionally, sometimes faulty airbags can cause an injury or even death. If you’ve sustained an injury caused by an airbag, you may be able to recover compensation. However, doing so can be challenging and we suggest reaching out to an attorney first.
Common Causes of Airbag Injuries
Airbag injuries can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding the cause of an airbag injury can help determine whether you have a valid claim for Nashville injury compensation. Some of the most common causes of vehicle airbag injuries include:
1. Deployment force
Airbags deploy with a significant amount of force to cushion passengers during a collision. This rapid deployment can cause injuries, especially if the occupant is seated too close to the airbag or if they are a child or elderly person. The force of the airbag hitting the body can lead to broken bones, bruising, and even internal injuries.
2. Improper positioning
If a driver or passenger is sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, the airbag may deploy directly into their face, head, or chest, increasing the risk of injury. Passengers who are not wearing seatbelts or are in an unusual position during the crash (such as leaning forward) are also at higher risk of injury when the airbag deploys.
3. Defective airbags
Faulty airbags can cause serious injuries or fail to deploy altogether. In recent years, defective airbags made by Takata have been linked to a significant amount injuries and deaths. These airbags were found to explode upon deployment, sending metal shrapnel flying into the vehicle cabin. Defective airbag claims have led to massive recalls and lawsuits, highlighting the dangers posed by malfunctioning airbag systems.
4. Late or early deployment
Airbags are designed to deploy at the exact moment of impact, but sometimes they may deploy too early or too late. In either case, the occupant may not receive the intended protection, resulting in a higher risk of injury. Early deployment can startle drivers, leading to loss of control, while late deployment may occur after the primary impact, offering little protection.
Common Airbag Injuries
When airbags deploy during a car accident, the injuries that occur can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common airbag injuries include:
1. Facial injuries
The impact of an airbag deploying at high speed can cause facial injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and fractures. The face may strike the airbag with significant force, which can lead to broken noses, jaw injuries, or dental damage.
2. Chest injuries
Drivers and front-seat passengers often experience chest injuries from the force of the airbag hitting the upper body. These injuries can include fractured ribs, bruising, or damage to internal organs like the lungs, intestines, or heart. Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, may be more vulnerable to these types of injuries.
3. Eye injuries
The force of the airbag deployment can result in eye injuries, ranging from minor irritation to more serious conditions like retinal detachment or vision loss. The chemicals used to rapidly inflate the airbag can also cause irritation or burns to the eyes, which may require medical attention.
4. Burns
Airbags are inflated using chemicals that can cause burns upon deployment. These burns are often the result of direct contact with the hot airbag surface or the chemicals used in the inflation process. Airbag burns are commonly seen on the face, arms, and chest.
5. Whiplash
Although airbags are meant to prevent severe head and neck injuries, they can still contribute to whiplash. When an airbag deploys, it can forcefully jerk the head forward or sideways, damaging the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck.
6. Hearing damage
The noise of an airbag deployment can be extremely loud, often exceeding 150 decibels. This sudden, intense sound can cause hearing loss or tinnitus (a ringing in the ears), especially if the occupant’s head is close to the airbag at the time of deployment.
In What Type of Accidents Can Airbag Injuries Occur?
Airbags are designed to deploy during specific types of accidents, but injuries can occur in various crash scenarios. Some common types of accidents where airbag injuries may happen include:
1. Frontal collisions
In head-on collisions, airbags are crucial in preventing severe injuries by cushioning the driver and front passenger from the force of the impact. However, the force of deployment in these situations can still cause injuries, especially if the crash occurs at high speed.
2. Side-impact collisions
Many modern vehicles come equipped with side airbags, designed to protect occupants in the event of a T-bone or side-impact collision. While these airbags can reduce the risk of serious injury, they can also cause harm to the torso, ribs, and arms, depending on the speed and angle of the crash.
3. Rollover accidents
In rollover accidents, side airbags and curtain airbags deploy to help prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle. Although these airbags can be lifesaving, they can also cause injuries due to the multiple impacts and the violent nature of rollover accidents.
4. Rear-end collisions
While airbags are not typically designed to deploy in rear-end collisions, they may still activate if the crash involves multiple vehicles or if the impact is severe enough to trigger the airbag sensors. In these cases, airbag deployment may lead to unintended injuries.
Seatbelt and Airbag Interaction
It is important to note that airbags are designed to work in tandem with seatbelts. When worn correctly, seatbelts help keep occupants in the proper position for the airbag to provide the most effective protection. However, if a seatbelt is not worn or is improperly used, the risk of airbag-related injuries increases. For example, a person not wearing a seatbelt may be thrown forward during a crash, causing the airbag to strike them with greater force.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
If you have been injured by an airbag in a car accident, seeking Nashville car accident legal representation can significantly improve your chances of recovering compensation. Here are a few ways a car accident lawyer can assist with your claim:
1. Investigating the cause of the injury
Your lawyer will investigate the details of the accident to determine whether the airbag deployed properly and whether any defects were involved. They may work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
2. Identifying liable parties
If the airbag malfunctioned or caused an injury, your attorney will help identify who may be held responsible. This could include the car manufacturer, the airbag manufacturer, or the dealership that sold or maintained the vehicle.
3. Gathering evidence
A successful claim requires strong evidence, such as medical records, expert testimony, and vehicle inspection reports. Your lawyer will gather this evidence to build a solid case on your behalf.
4. Negotiating with insurance companies
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim or deny liability. An experienced attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
5. Filing a lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. A skilled attorney, one with experience handling tough injury claims in Tennessee, will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.