Common Airbag Injuries in Car Accidents

Legally Reviewed by

Allan Siegel

Airbags, while generally providing life-saving benefits during car accidents, can also lead to certain injuries due to their forceful deployment. They function as crash safety devices designed to protect passengers in high-impact collisions. However, in a split second, it takes an airbag to inflate and deflate, there exists the potential for inadvertent harm. While airbags reduce driver fatalities, they can also can cause injuries to those involved in the accident.

Injured By an Airbag in a Car Accident?

If you were injured by an airbag in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

airbag deployed after a crash, crash sensor deployed

Types of Airbag Deployment Injuries 

While frontal airbags are designed to protect vehicle occupants during a car accident, the force of their deployment can cause a variety of injuries. These injuries range in severity and can have long-term effects on the victim. Here, we outline some common types of airbag injuries:

Brain Injuries

The airbag deployment can apply significant forces to the head and, therefore, can cause brain injuries, including brain bleeds, hematomas, or concussions. The impact itself could cause damage where the airbag struck the head, or one could suffer a coup-contrecoup injury.  A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the force of the impact causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull because of the head being thrown back and forth because of the force of the collision, or in the case of an airbag deployment, because of the force of the airbag on the human body. 

Abrasions or Burns 

Airbags deploy with extreme speed, often causing abrasions or burns on the skin. These injuries typically occur on the face, chest, and upper extremities. The heat generated by the airbag can also lead to thermal burns.

Eye Injuries 

Physical contact with the deploying airbag can cause serious eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions, retinal detachment, or traumatic cataracts. In some severe cases, these injuries can lead to partial or total loss of vision.

Facial Injuries 

The face is the most commonly injured area in airbag deployment incidents. The impact of the airbag on the face can cause injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, and fractures.

Chest Injuries 

Chest injuries from airbag deployment can range from mild bruising to more severe injuries like rib fractures and cardiac contusions. These injuries are particularly common among drivers who are sitting very close to the airbag.

Head or Neck Injuries 

The forceful impact of an airbag can also cause significant head and neck injuries. These can include headaches, concussions, whiplash, and, in severe cases, traumatic brain injuries.

Broken Bones

In more severe accidents, the force exerted by an airbag can be enough to break bones, particularly in the face and upper body. Common fractures include those of the nose, skull, ribs, and arms.

Internal Bleeding 

Perhaps the most serious potential injury from an airbag is internal bleeding. This can occur when the force of the airbag’s deployment causes the body to move suddenly and violently, potentially damaging internal organs. If not immediately identified and treated, internal bleeding can have fatal consequences.

front end damage where an airbag deployed

How Does an Airbag Injure Someone? 

In the event of a car accident, airbags deploy from the steering wheel, dashboard, and side panels of the car. The airbag is triggered by sensors that detect a sudden deceleration or impact. When an airbag deploys, it inflates at an extremely high speed (up to 200 mph) in less than 1/20th of a second. This rapid inflation and deflation can cause an airbag injury due to the force exerted on the passenger’s body.

Severity and Impact of Airbag Injuries

Airbag injuries can be classified into two major categories based on their severity: minor injuries and serious injuries.

Minor Injuries

Minor injuries could include conditions such as minor burns, abrasions, or minor fractures. These injuries are usually not life-threatening and require less intensive treatment. However, they can still have a significant impact on a person’s day-to-day life. For example, minor burns or abrasions can be painful and may restrict movement while healing. Similarly, a minor fracture can temporarily limit mobility and may require rehabilitation.

Serious Injuries

Serious injuries from airbag deployment involve a higher degree of trauma and include injuries such as serious burns, severe fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or internal bleeding. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and, potentially, long-term or even life-long treatment. For instance, traumatic brain injuries could cause cognitive impairment, affecting a person’s memory, concentration, and overall mental function. Similarly, severe fractures may need surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Furthermore, internal bleeding, if not treated promptly, can lead to life-threatening complications, and survivors might face a lengthy recovery period. Such serious injuries can dramatically affect an individual’s quality of life and may result in permanent disabilities.  

Prevention of Airbag Injuries

While some airbag injuries are unavoidable in high-impact collisions, there are measures that can be taken to prevent or reduce the severity of these injuries. These include:

Seatbelt Usage 

Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most effective ways to minimize airbag injuries. Seat belts, when properly worn, hold the passenger in place during a collision, allowing the airbag to deploy in a controlled manner.

Proper Seating Position

Sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases the risk of injury from an airbag. It is recommended to have at least 10 inches between your chest and the airbag module.

Children in Rear Seats 

Children under 12 years old should always ride in the back seat of a car. This reduces their risk of injury from an airbag deployment, as the force is lessened in the rear seats.

Proper Airbag Maintenance 

Regular maintenance of your car’s airbags is crucial to ensuring they function properly. Make sure to have them checked and replaced, if necessary, at least once every ten years.

What Should You Do After An Airbag Deploys? 

If you find yourself involved in a collision where an airbag deploys, it’s crucial to remain calm. Resist the urge to remove the airbag yourself, as this action could potentially lead to more harm than good. Instead, await instructions from emergency personnel who are trained to handle such situations safely and efficiently. They will guide you on the appropriate steps to take following the incident.

What Should You Do If You Sustained an Airbag Injury?

Seek Medical Attention: The first and foremost step is to seek immediate medical attention. It’s crucial not only for your health but also for your legal case, as the medical records serve as evidence of your injury.

Document Everything: Keep a record of all medical treatment and costs associated with your injury. This includes hospital bills, medication receipts, and any costs related to rehabilitation or therapy.

Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They need to be aware of the incident and your injuries.

Keep a Personal Account: Write down your own account of the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind. This will help you remember important details that might be required later.

Hire a Lawyer: Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in airbag injury cases. They can guide you through the legal process and help you protect your rights.

Avoid Statements: Avoid making any formal statements about the accident, especially to an insurance company, before consulting with your lawyer. Your statements could potentially be used against you in the future. 

airbag deployed from a steering wheel

The Effects Of Airbag Use On Children

Children, especially infants and toddlers, are more vulnerable to airbag injuries in passenger vehicles. In the event of a crash, an airbag can deploy at a force enough to cause serious injury or even death to a child. To avoid such risks, it is highly recommended for parents to follow these guidelines:

Use Child Safety Seats: Children under four years old should always be placed in a properly installed child safety seat in the back seat of a car.

Turn off Passenger-Side Airbags: If you must place a rear-facing infant or toddler in the front seat, make sure to turn off the passenger-side airbag. This can usually be done by using a key or switch located on the dashboard.

Keep Older Children in Back Seats: Children aged 12 and under should always ride in the back seat of a car to avoid the impact of an airbag deployment.

Can I Sue For Airbag Injuries?

If you have sustained injuries due to an airbag deployment during a car accident, you may be wondering if you have grounds to sue for damages. The law allows you to seek compensation for your injuries from the party responsible for the accident or for the malfunctioning of the airbag. This could be the manufacturer, the dealer, or an at-fault driver.

Suing The Manufacturer: If the airbag malfunctioned due to faulty airbags caused by a design or manufacturing defect, you may have a product liability claim against the airbag manufacturer. In such cases, you must be able to demonstrate that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injuries. It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer who specializes in product liability cases to understand your legal rights and the process involved.

Suing The Dealer: If the dealer sold you a vehicle with defective airbags, you might have a claim against the dealer. This could be the case if they knew about the defect but failed to inform you or if they failed to perform necessary checks and repairs before selling the car. As with all legal proceedings, proving the dealer’s liability can be complex and often requires legal expertise.

Suing An At-Fault Driver: If your airbag injuries were exacerbated by another driver’s negligence in causing the accident, you may be entitled to sue that driver. In such instances, you need to prove the other driver’s fault in causing the accident and your subsequent injuries. Again, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected and to help you navigate the personal injury claim process.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to an airbag deployment in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Contact our experienced car accident attorneys today. We’re committed to working diligently, using our extensive knowledge and resources, to safeguard your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Whether the fault lies with the manufacturer, the dealer, or another driver, we’re ready to advocate for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and start to pursue the justice you deserve. 

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