While airbags are designed to provide a protective cushion during a vehicle accident and reduce the risk of severe injuries, they can, in some cases, cause injuries of their own. Find out how you can be compensated when your injuries are caused by an airbag.

Impact Injuries

Airbags deploy with significant force to protect occupants during a crash. The force of the airbag deploying can cause impact injuries such as bruises, abrasions, and fractures, particularly in the head, face, arms, and chest areas. 

Chemical Irritation

Airbags are inflated rapidly using a chemical reaction that produces gas to fill the airbag. This gas can cause chemical irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Some individuals may experience temporary or long-term effects, such as eye irritation, breathing difficulties, or skin reactions.

Deployment-related Injuries

In rare cases, airbags may malfunction and cause injuries during deployment. This can include airbags deploying unexpectedly, deploying with excessive force, or failing to deploy at all when they should have.

Who is Liable for Your Damages?

Liability for injuries caused by airbags depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident and the cause of the injury:

Vehicle Manufacturer

If the injuries resulted from a defect in the airbag's design, manufacturing, or warnings, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable. This could include cases where the airbag failed to deploy or deployed with excessive force, causing injuries that would not have occurred under normal circumstances.

Airbag Manufacturer

In situations where the airbag itself was defective or malfunctioned, the manufacturer of the airbag may bear liability. This could include cases where the airbag deployed unexpectedly, failed to deploy when needed, or caused chemical irritation due to a manufacturing or design defect.

Negligent Drivers

In some cases, the actions or negligence of another driver involved in the accident may have contributed to the injuries caused by the airbag. For example, if the other driver was at fault for causing the collision, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries, including those related to airbag deployment.

Determining liability in airbag-related injuries can be complex and requires a thorough investigation of the specific circumstances. It's crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help determine who may be held accountable for your injuries.

The laws and regulations regarding liability can vary between states, so it's advisable to seek legal advice from a professional with expertise in personal injury law in your specific area.

Contact a car accident lawyer near you to learn more.