Airbags are designed to save lives and reduce injury severity during car accidents. Positioned in the steering wheel, dashboard, and sometimes doors for side-impact protection, airbags deploy in the event of a severe crash. While they are crucial safety devices, airbags can also cause injuries, even when functioning correctly. For instance, the chemicals and dust from airbags can irritate the eyes and skin, and in some cases, they can cause more severe injuries if they malfunction.
Common Issues with Airbag Deployment
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that airbags are supposed to inflate within 0.05 seconds during a crash. However, deployment issues can arise if the crash sensor malfunctions. An airbag might fail to deploy during a serious collision or deploy too late, which can have catastrophic consequences. For example, if an airbag deploys after a driver’s head has already been thrust forward, the airbag could collide with their head, potentially leading to serious brain injuries.
In rare cases, airbags may deploy when there is no crash, putting occupants at risk of injury without any external impact. These malfunctions can lead to complex legal claims against manufacturers.
Injuries Caused by Airbags
Even when airbags work as intended, injuries can still occur. Common injuries include:
- Eye injuries
- Burns or abrasions
- Respiratory issues from airbag chemicals, particularly in individuals with pre-existing lung conditions
Passengers and drivers should ensure they sit at a safe distance from airbags and always wear seat belts to minimize the risk of injury during deployment.
Legal Options for Airbag-Related Injuries
If you’ve been injured due to an airbag malfunction, it’s essential to preserve evidence, including the airbag, crash sensor, and other vehicle components. Even if the car is deemed a total loss, having access to the vehicle’s computer and physical components is crucial to prove a malfunction occurred.
Most airbag injury cases fall under products liability claims, which differ from typical car accident lawsuits. These cases typically involve proving that the airbag suffered from one of the following:
- Manufacturing defect: The specific airbag or sensor in your vehicle was built incorrectly, making it more dangerous than it should be.
- Design defect: The airbag or sensor’s overall design was flawed, making the product unreasonably dangerous even when used as intended.
Proving these claims often requires expert testimony and technical evidence, making it important to hire an experienced attorney to handle the case. Potential defendants may include the car manufacturer, the airbag manufacturer, and any companies responsible for maintaining or repairing the airbag system.
Defenses Against Airbag Injury Claims
In response to an airbag injury claim, defendants may argue that the plaintiff’s negligence contributed to their injuries. For example, the NHTSA recommends the following precautions to minimize the risk of airbag injuries:
- Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard
- Always use seat belts
- Avoid placing rear-facing car seats in front of active airbags
- Seat children under 13 in the back seat
- Replace airbags immediately after a crash at an authorized repair center
Failure to follow these safety guidelines may weaken a plaintiff’s case, making it more challenging to claim compensation for injuries.
How LawyerUp.AI Can Help
If you’ve been injured by an airbag malfunction, LawyerUp.AI ensures you have the best possible legal strategy. Our AI-driven platform analyzes your case to build the strongest arguments and then connects you with a top attorney focused on securing the maximum compensation. By matching you with a lawyer who specializes in product liability, LawyerUp.AI helps you take the right steps toward getting the highest payout for your claim.