Can Airbags Hurt You in a Car Accident? Your Legal Options.

Airbags are designed to save lives in car accidents. In most cases, they do. However, there are instances where airbags can cause serious injuries to the very people they are meant to protect. This can be due to a manufacturer’s error or an issue that occurs during an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured by an airbag during a car accident, it’s important to understand your legal options. How do airbag injuries occur, do you have legal recourse if you are injured, and what steps should you take after such an incident? 

How Airbags Can Injure a Person 

How can airbags injure a person if they are designed to save lives? Airbags may cushion the impact during a car crash, but they are deployed at high speeds and with significant force. While they are intended to prevent more severe injuries, the rapid deployment and force can sometimes cause harm. This can cause minor to severe injuries to a person, especially if they are smaller or a child. There are also times where an airbag may fail to deploy, which can cause severe injuries to a person involved in a crash.  

Some of the ways airbags can injure a person include: 

Facial Injuries

When an airbag deploys, it can strike a person’s face with considerable force. This impact can cause injuries such as broken noses, fractured facial bones, and even eye injuries. These facial injuries can lead to long-term physical and emotional scarring and, in some cases, may require reconstructive surgery. 

Chest and Rib Injuries

Airbags deploy from the steering wheel or dashboard, directly impacting the chest area. The deployment’s force can result in bruised or fractured ribs, sternum injuries, and even heart injuries. These injuries can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and may lead to complications such as punctured lungs or internal bleeding. 

Neck and Spinal Injuries

The sudden force of an airbag can cause whiplash, where the neck is violently whipped back and forth. This can lead to neck strain, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries. In severe cases, spinal injuries can result in long-term disability, chronic pain, and the need for ongoing medical treatment. 

Burns and Abrasions

Airbags are often deployed with the help of chemical propellants (high-temperature gasses like sodium hydroxide, carbon dioxide, and other metallic oxides), which can cause burns or abrasions on the skin. These injuries can be minor but can also lead to more serious complications, particularly if the burns are severe or become infected. 

Fractures and Broken Bones

In some cases, the force of the airbag can cause fractures in the arms, wrists, or hands, especially if the person is holding the steering wheel at the time of deployment. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy. 

Hearing Damage

The deployment of an airbag is often accompanied by a loud noise, which can cause hearing damage. This is rare, but it can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. 

Many of these injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages. 

Who Can You Sue If You’re Injured in a Car Accident? 

If you are injured in a car accident, even if an airbag deploys, you may have legal recourse against several parties. These include: 

The Other Driver

If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. This is true even if your injuries were exacerbated by the airbag. The other driver’s insurance company (or company, if they drive a commercial vehicle) can be held responsible for covering your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

The Vehicle Manufacturer

In some cases, the airbag itself may be defective. If the airbag failed to deploy when it should have, or if it deployed improperly and caused injuries, you might have a product liability claim against your vehicle’s manufacturer. Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe for use, and if a defect in the airbag design or manufacturing process caused your injuries, they may be held liable. 

The Airbag Manufacturer

If the airbag was manufactured by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer, you might also have a claim against the airbag manufacturer. This is often the case when a defect in the airbag’s design or production process leads to injuries. 

Mechanics or Repair Shops 

If the airbag system or your vehicle was improperly repaired or maintained, and this contributed to your injuries, you might have a claim against the mechanic or repair shop. For example, if a repair shop failed to replace a recalled airbag or installed it incorrectly, they could be held liable for your injuries. 

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident 

If you are injured in a car accident, whether due to an airbag or other factors, it’s important to document the accident scene, including your vehicle, the other vehicle, and your injuries. This evidence can be crucial in establishing what happened and who was at fault. Try to get specific photos of the airbags and how (or if) they were deployed. Even if you have to leave the scene immediately to receive medical attention (and you should), you should still be able to access your vehicle after the incident. 

Consulting with a car accident attorney as soon as possible will give you the best chance of winning a case. Proving negligence in a car accident case, especially when an airbag injury is involved, can be complex. An experienced personal injury attorney can help by gathering evidence, consulting with expert witnesses, and building a strong case on your behalf. 

At Morelli Law, we work with victims of car accidents and their families, guiding them through the legal process, helping them understand their rights, and fighting for them to receive the compensation you deserve. 

If your airbag was defective, we’ll work to prove that the manufacturer was negligent in designing, producing, or distributing it. This may involve reviewing recall notices, safety reports, and other documentation related to the airbag’s performance. 

Contact Our Attorneys Today 

Airbags are an essential safety feature, but they can also cause injuries in certain situations. If you or a loved one has been injured by an airbag during a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact Morelli Law today. We’ve helped our clients recover billions, and we’re ready to review your case.