How Can an Air Bag Defect Cause Serious Injury in a Car Accident?

• November 28, 2023
• Strong Law
• Car Accidents

Airbags serve a crucial purpose: saving lives. Designed to minimize the impact of car accidents, they have been instrumental in countless instances where individuals owe their presence today to a timely airbag deployment.

Nevertheless, there have been numerous instances in which airbags have done more harm than good. If an airbag is defective, it will fail to function as intended. In certain scenarios, manufacturers have concealed the flaws in their airbags.

Manufacturers must be held responsible and accountable for their actions and negligence when they put people at risk. In cases where individuals have suffered injuries in car accidents caused by defective airbags, many choose to seek the assistance of a car accident attorney. These legal professionals help ensure that justice is served and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you care about has suffered injuries in a car accident due to the failure of your vehicle’s airbags to deploy, you may be eligible for a settlement to compensate for your medical expenses and lost income. Seeking the guidance of a skilled car accident attorney can help you maximize your potential settlement.

Common Examples of Airbag Failure

Failure to Deploy

Side and front airbags are engineered to activate immediately upon impact during a collision. Nonetheless, there are instances where the deployment of the airbag may be unsuccessful. If the airbag fails to deploy, the victim may sustain severe injuries, colliding with the windshield, steering wheel, or other components of the vehicle.

Late Deployment

If the airbag deploys with a delay, it can result in serious injuries to individuals. There are a number of indicators that suggest a late deployment of the airbag. Bent steering wheels can be a sign that the airbag has been deployed. Additionally, there may be visible contact marks on the steering wheel.

Overpowering Deployment

Early airbags were notorious for deploying with excessive force, posing a significant risk of catastrophic injuries to individuals. Tragically, some have even succumbed to fatal injuries as a result.

Inadvertent Deployment

An airbag has the potential to deploy during a minor impact or even when there is no accident at all. However, if the airbag deploys at an inappropriate time, it can result in injuries. It is crucial to ensure the proper timing of airbag deployment to prevent any harm.

What Are Some Examples of Safety Defects in An Airbag?

• Faulty crash sensors- A faulty crash sensor can cause the airbag to inflate at an inappropriate time. The airbag may also not inflate at all.

• Improper inflation path

• Overly powerful inflators

• Failure to crash test dummies-Many manufactures do not use crash dummies to test airbags.

• No internal tethers

Common Injuries Due to Defective Air Bags: 

• Severe head trauma

• Blindness

• Paralysis

• Traumatic brain injury

• Quadriplegia

• Paraplegia

• Amputation

• Broken bones

• Death

If you have been injured as a result of a malfunctioning airbag, it is highly advisable to seek the assistance of a car accident attorney. You are entitled to receive compensation for your damages, and we are here to ensure that you receive the rightful funds you deserve. It is worth noting that the auto industry issues numerous warnings and recalls each year due to defective airbags.

While the auto industry effectively recalls thousands of airbags each year, unfortunately, for some individuals, it comes too late. This highlights the importance of reaching out to a lawyer. By doing so, you can not only seek compensation for your own injuries but also initiate legal action against the airbag manufacturer. Rest assured that professional legal assistance will help you navigate this complex situation and pursue the justice you deserve.

Injured by a Defective Air Bag? Contact Strong Law Today!

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident because an air bag did not deploy, it is important that you contact an experienced car accident attorney at Strong Law.