Airbag Injuries in Car Accidents & Legal Options
Airbags function as rapid-inflation cushions designed to protect vehicle occupants by working in conjunction with seat belts. A car’s electronic control unit and an array of sensors measure forces indicative of a collision and, when appropriate, direct an igniter to trigger a chemical reaction. This process inflates a nylon bag in fractions of a second. Airbags are placed in steering wheels, dashboards, seats, and sometimes side-curtain and knee positions to reduce the impact on various parts of the body.
Common Injuries Caused by Airbags
Airbags can prevent life-threatening harm, yet the speed and force of deployment present specific dangers. Rapid inflation may cause fractures if a driver’s arms or face are positioned too closely to the steering wheel or dashboard at the moment of impact. The chemicals and dust released during inflation may lead to abrasions or respiratory irritation, which can be more severe for individuals with conditions such as asthma. Impact with an inflating airbag sometimes causes serious eye injuries or burns. Additionally, the loud noise can result in hearing damage. In some cases, traumatic brain injuries and back injuries can be exacerbated by the forceful movement of the head and torso. The emotional aftermath of a violent deployment or collision may also include anxiety or other psychological effects.
Preventative Steps and Vehicle Safety Systems
Many vehicles incorporate occupant detection systems and seat belt pretensioners. These technologies, in combination with airbags, are intended to reduce injuries by controlling the occupant’s position and optimizing airbag activation. In newer vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking or lane-departure warnings, can potentially diminish the likelihood of high-speed impacts. Regular vehicle servicing and awareness of recall notices may help ensure that airbags and other safety features function properly.
When Airbag Deployment Goes Wrong
In some instances, an airbag may fail to deploy when it should or deploy unintendedly. A late-deploying airbag may collide with an occupant who has already moved forward, creating an increased risk of trauma to the face, neck, or spine. Excessive force during inflation can also heighten the likelihood of severe injuries. Defects in the wiring, sensors, or inflator modules are among the primary causes of these failures. Historical cases include situations in which chemical inflators became unstable and discharged metal shards instead of simply releasing gas.
Negligence and Product Liability Claims
An injured driver or passenger may pursue a negligence claim against the driver who caused a crash. If the airbag’s flawed design, manufacture, or warnings contributed to an injury, it may provide the basis for a separate product liability claim against the vehicle or airbag manufacturer. Both types of claims can sometimes be filed in the same lawsuit, particularly when the negligence of a driver and the defective nature of an airbag jointly caused or worsened the harm.
Types of Airbag Defects
In a product liability lawsuit, manufacturing defects arise when a specific unit deviates from its intended blueprint, rendering it unreasonably dangerous compared to similar products. A design defect concerns an inherent engineering flaw affecting an entire line of products, even when assembled as intended. Failure-to-warn claims focus on inadequate instructions about the product’s proper use and potential hazards. Different parties, including the automaker, the airbag component maker, or the entity responsible for installation, may share liability. Many jurisdictions apply strict liability, under which a plaintiff who proves a defect and resulting injury need not show that a manufacturer acted carelessly.
Preserving Evidence After a Crash
A vehicle suspected to contain a defective airbag must be retained in its post-accident condition. Its event data recorder, also known as a black box, may reveal the angles and forces of impact as well as the exact timing of airbag deployment. Physical inspection of the sensors, inflator module, and wiring can expose flaws that led to a harmful malfunction. Vehicle maintenance records and official recall notices can also help determine whether an automaker or another party knew of a potential defect and whether corrective measures were taken. Expert engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical professionals frequently examine the vehicle and related materials to determine whether a defect played a role.
Potential Defenses in an Airbag Injury Case
A product manufacturer or other defendant might argue that an occupant’s own actions contributed to the airbag-related injury. Sitting too close to the steering wheel or failing to use a seat belt can significantly affect the impact of a rapidly deploying bag. Evidence that a plaintiff ignored recall notices and continued using the vehicle without repairs may be cited in defense. A defendant may also allege that the nature of the collision, rather than the airbag’s defect, was the primary cause of the injuries.
Statutes of Limitations
Each state prescribes a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. These time limits differ by state, and they also may differ for product liability and standard negligence claims. A failure to bring legal proceedings before the expiration of the appropriate statute of limitations generally precludes recovery.
