Can Airbags Cause Injury in a Car Crash?

Airbags were intended to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in automobile collisions, but under certain circumstances, they can actually cause injury. While airbags are essential safety devices in modern vehicles, their deployment involves rapid expansion and high levels of force that can lead to bodily injury. If you’ve been injured by an airbag in a car crash, you might wonder if you can pursue compensation for your injuries. Below we discuss how airbags work, the types of injuries they can cause, and when you may have a legal case for airbag-related injuries. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash in Southeast Texas or statewide caused by a negligent driver or automotive defect, contact Gilbert Adams Law Offices in Beaumont to discuss your potential claims with a skilled and experienced Texas personal injury lawyer.

How Airbags Work in Car Crashes

Depending on the location of impact to your car, airbags deploy in a fraction of a second during moderate to severe motor vehicle crashes. Sensors in the vehicle detect the force of the impact and signal the airbags to inflate. In most vehicles, this inflation happens within about 20 to 30 milliseconds after an impact, which is faster than the blink of an eye. The rapid expansion helps cushion occupants and prevent their bodies from striking hard surfaces like the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.

Although airbags are crucial in preventing severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, their rapid deployment can also cause harm, especially in specific situations or if there is a malfunction.

Types of Injuries Caused by Airbags

Despite their lifesaving potential, airbags can lead to a variety of injuries, especially when occupants are sitting too close to the airbag or not wearing seat belts. Common airbag-related injuries include:

1. Facial and Eye Injuries:

The high-speed inflation can cause bruises, abrasions, or fractures to the face. Eye injuries, including corneal abrasions or retinal detachments, can also occur when the airbag impacts the face.

2. Burns and Abrasions:

Airbags deploy using a chemical reaction that produces heat. Contact with the hot fabric or the explosion can lead to burns, particularly on the arms, hands, or face.

3. Chest Injuries:

The force of the airbag deployment can cause rib fractures or bruising to the chest. In some cases, individuals may experience damage to internal organs due to the pressure exerted by the airbag.

4. Wrist and Hand Injuries:

Drivers often have their hands positioned on the steering wheel at the time of deployment. The force of the airbag expanding can result in wrist fractures, dislocations, or injuries to tendons and muscles.

5. Hearing Loss:

The explosive sound of the airbag deploying can lead to temporary or permanent hearing damage. The rapid deployment generates significant noise, and in enclosed spaces, such as the interior of a car, this can harm the ears.

When Airbags Malfunction

Airbags are typically reliable, but malfunctions can and do occur. Some scenarios where airbags might cause harm include:

1. Late or Early Deployment:

If an airbag deploys too early or too late, it may fail to provide the necessary protection during the crash or cause additional injury of its own making.

2. Failure to Deploy:

In some cases, an airbag may fail to deploy at all during a collision. This could result in more severe injuries than if the airbag had functioned properly.

3. Overly Forceful Deployment:

Defective airbags may deploy with more force than necessary, increasing the risk of injury. In recent years, there have been widespread recalls related to defective airbags that caused serious injuries and fatalities.

Legal Options for Airbag-Related Injuries

If you’ve suffered an injury due to an airbag in a car crash, you might be wondering if you have a legal claim. In Texas, you may be able to pursue compensation under the following circumstances:

1. Product Liability Claims:

If the airbag malfunctioned due to a manufacturing defect, design flaw, or inadequate warnings, you might have a case against the manufacturer. Product liability claims hold manufacturers accountable for selling defective products that cause harm to consumers.

2. Negligence Claims:

In some cases, the negligence of a third party—such as a mechanic who improperly installed or serviced an airbag—could lead to injury. If this negligence contributed to your harm, you might have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

3. Comparative Fault in Texas:

If a negligent driver caused the crash, in some cases the insurance company might argue you’re your injuries were caused by the airbag based on your seat position and therefore they aren’t responsible for your injuries. Texas operates under a “modified comparative fault” rule. This means that if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you would not be able to recover any damages. It is therefore critical to work with an experienced attorney who knows how to prove the other party’s liability and push back against comparative fault arguments from the insurance company that aren’t supported by the facts.

Seeking Legal Help After an Airbag Injury

Navigating the legal process after an airbag injury can be complicated, as there may be more than one at-fault party, or different parties may be blaming each other while delaying or denying your claim. At Gilbert Adams Law Offices, we represent injury victims in Beaumont and across Texas, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by an airbag in a car crash, it’s important to consult with a skilled attorney who understands Texas personal injury law and defective product claims.

Our firm has extensive experience in handling complex injury cases, including the full range of motor vehicle accidents and defective/dangerous product cases. We can evaluate your claim, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact Gilbert Adams Law Offices After a Car Crash Injury in Texas

While airbags are essential safety devices, they are not without risk. Injuries from airbag deployment can be severe, and if a malfunction is involved, victims may be entitled to compensation. If you’ve been injured by an airbag or any type of crash in Beaumont, Southeast Texas, or statewide, call Gilbert Adams Law Offices at 409.835-3000 to discuss your case. Let our experienced personal injury attorneys help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.