Airbags can hurt when they deploy. They often cause abrasions, contusions, and other injuries. This is a normal consequence of how they work and how quickly they inflate. However, the injuries caused by a deploying airbag are generally minor. Since airbags save lives, they are worth the risk of cuts, bruises, or even broken bones.
Whether your lacerations, bruises, or fractures occurred as a direct result of a collision or from airbag deployment, an auto accident lawyer in Boca Raton can ensure you understand your legal options. They will handle your case from start to finish. Most provide free initial case consultations.
What Types of Injuries Do Airbags Cause When They Deploy?
When airbags deploy correctly and the vehicle occupant is wearing a seatbelt, they usually only cause minor pain and superficial injuries. However, they could cause a wide range of injuries depending on the specific details of the collision, such as:
- Facial Injuries: Airbags prevent your head from hitting the windshield, steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects. However, this means your face and head generally take the brunt of the airbag deployment. This can cause contusions and lacerations to your face, nose, jaw, ears, and other areas.
- Eye Injuries: Eye injuries are among the most common airbag injuries. Most are minor and could occur because of the airbag or the victim wearing glasses.
- Chest Injuries: A deploying airbag could cause bruising, broken ribs, and other injuries when it impacts the chest.
- Burns: An airbag deployment could cause chemical burns or burn-like abrasions on the body parts they hit, such as the face and arms.
- Broken Bones: The hands and wrists are at an increased risk of fracture when an airbag deploys because of their proximity. This is less likely if the driver has their hands at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4.
When an airbag is defective, it is much more likely to cause serious injuries. In the most well-known cases, metal fragments fly from the airbag during deployment and can strike vehicle occupants. This was the basis of the Takata airbag safety recall. People suffered catastrophic and deadly injuries from these dangerous airbags.
How Can I Reduce the Pain and Injury Caused When an Airbag Deploys?
Airbags can cause bruising and injuries when they deploy, but this is an acceptable risk because they are generally highly effective at preventing more serious injuries. However, there are still steps you can take to reduce your risk of airbag injuries in a crash. These include:
- Always wearing a seat belt. Airbags work best in conjunction with seat belts. The seat belt ensures you remain in your seat and allows the airbags to cushion any movements your body makes toward the window, door, steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects.
- Sitting as far from the airbag as possible. You are more likely to suffer injuries if you are closer to the airbag when it deploys. If you can drive safely with your seat further back, you should do this. Also, move the passenger side front seat back if the back seat occupant does not need extra foot room.
- Always putting children under age 13 in the back seat. Airbags can be especially dangerous for those with small, growing bodies. Ensure your children always use their seat belts properly or are in the proper car seat or booster for their height and weight.
How Can I Recover Compensation for My Airbag Injuries After a Crash?
In general, insurance covers airbag injuries in an auto accident case. Whether you file a personal injury protection (PIP) no-fault claim or pursue a negligence-based case, it should include the minor or moderate injuries caused by a deploying airbag. This is a normal, accepted part of being in a car accident.
Car accident compensation could include medical treatment for your injuries, lost income, and other related expenses. In a fault-based case, you may also recover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.
However, there might be some circumstances where the airbag did not act as expected. It might have caused more serious injuries, deployed at the wrong time, or failed to deploy. Any of these could signal a dangerous or faulty airbag. This situation may support a claim or lawsuit against the car or part manufacturer.
What Should I Do If I Suffered Serious Injuries in a Crash With Airbag Deployment?
A personal injury lawyer will be your best resource to assess your legal options and determine what route you should take to recover fair compensation for your injuries. The legal process could include:
- Filing a no-fault claim if you live in a state that requires this coverage
- Seeking a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier
- Suing the responsible party
- Pursuing a case against the vehicle or airbag manufacturer
In Florida, you have two years to begin a lawsuit against the liable party, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a). However, getting started quickly after an accident is always a good idea.
When your personal injury attorney starts investigating a crash quickly, they can often uncover evidence that may not be available later. This could significantly affect the outcome of some cases. For this reason, we recommend all crash victims with serious injuries speak to a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
If your loved one died from their injuries, a wrongful death lawyer can handle your case. They can determine your options and explain how these cases work based on the applicable laws.
Discuss Your Car Accident Airbag Injury Case With Our Team for Free
Ged Lawyers provides free consultations for victims hurt in a crash, especially if the airbags deployed. We want to speak to you about your next steps and how we will fight for the money you need and deserve. Contact us today to get started with your complimentary case assessment.
