Common Injuries From Airbags
Airbags are great safety features in vehicles — until they’re not. Airbags are meant to save lives, and they do most of the time. But there are situations in which they cause more harm than good.
Like any product, airbags can malfunction, and when they do, they can cause serious injuries or even fatalities. Airbags can malfunction in several ways. The airbag sensor can malfunction, causing the airbag to deploy at the wrong time. Even when it does deploy at the right time, it can cause eye injuries. The airbag may also release gasses, which can cause respiratory issues. Also, shrapnel from the propellant canister can hit vehicle occupants.
So it’s possible that an airbag can be harmful. Here’s a look at common injuries and what you should do next.
Common Injuries
Common airbag injuries include:
- Facial injuries. These include bruises and fractures to the face due to the impact of the airbag.
- Eye injuries. A person may suffer injuries to the eyes due to chemical irritation or pressure from the airbag.
- Ear trauma, including hearing loss
- Chest injuries. The heart could be affected due to the impact of the airbag against the chest.
- A person could suffer burns on their hands, arms, chest, or face when the airbag moves along the skin.
- A person may suffer broken bones to the skull, ribs, and wrist bones.
- Traumatic brain injuries. A deployed airbag may impact the head, causing traumatic brain injuries.
- Internal bleeding. The impact of airbag deployment could damage organs.
- Respiratory issues. The chemicals involved in airbag deployment could cause asthma and other respiratory issues.
- Injury to pregnant women. If an airbag deploys and hits a pregnant woman in the stomach, it could injure the fetus or cause other damage.
What Happens Next?
If you were injured by an airbag, you will need to prove it. You should preserve all the evidence. A lawyer can help you understand what evidence you will need.
To successfully sue for damages, you must be able to prove that the airbag was defective. You must also show that the airbag defect directly caused your injuries. You could sue the airbag manufacturer, the automobile manufacturer, or anyone who maintained or replaced the airbag after purchase.
However, you need to file a lawsuit in a timely manner. In Texas, you have just two years from the date of injury to file a claim against the liable party. If you are just one day late, you will lose out on compensation. Your lawyer can assist you with this process.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Airbags can deploy and protect you in the event of a crash. They can also malfunction and cause serious injuries or even fatalities.
What are your legal rights in this situation? Learn more by contacting a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We’ll help you understand your rights to compensation. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online form or call 281-347-3247.
Source:
forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/airbag-injuries/
