Airbag Injuries in San Diego

Airbag injuries refer to the physical injuries that can occur to drivers and passengers when an airbag deploys during a car accident. Airbags are designed to deploy rapidly and forcefully to provide a cushion between the occupants of a vehicle and the hard surfaces inside the car, such as the steering wheel or dashboard, to prevent or mitigate injuries during a crash.

However, the force of the airbag deployment can also cause injuries, particularly if the airbag deploys too forcefully or at the wrong angle. Airbag injuries can include burns, cuts, bruises, abrasions, broken bones, and head and neck injuries. In rare cases, airbag deployment can cause serious or life-threatening injuries, such as internal bleeding or brain injury.

It is important to note that while airbag injuries can occur, the benefits of airbags in preventing serious injuries and fatalities during car accidents far outweigh the risks.

Statistics About Airbag Injuries 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), airbags have been estimated to have saved more than 50,000 lives in the United States from 1987 to 2017. However, airbags can also cause injuries, and the severity and frequency of these injuries depend on factors such as the speed of the collision, the angle of impact, and the age and size of the occupants.

Here are some statistics on airbag injuries:

• From 1990 to 2008, NHTSA estimated that airbags were involved in 290 deaths and over 18,000 injuries in the United States.
• The most common airbag-related injuries are abrasions, contusions, and burns on the face, arms, and chest.
• Studies have found that children and smaller adults are at greater risk of airbag injuries, particularly if they are sitting too close to the airbag or are not wearing seat belts.
• The risk of airbag injury has decreased over time due to advances in airbag technology, such as the use of dual-stage and side-impact airbags.
• In rare cases, airbag deployment can cause serious or life-threatening injuries, such as internal bleeding, head and neck injuries, and eye injuries.

How Can an Airbag be the Cause of an Injury?

Airbags are designed to provide a cushion between the occupants of a vehicle and the hard surfaces inside the car, such as the steering wheel or dashboard, during a crash. However, the force of the airbag deployment can also cause injuries, particularly if the airbag deploys too forcefully or at the wrong angle. Here are some ways an airbag can be the cause of an injury:

• Forceful deployment: Airbags are designed to deploy rapidly and forcefully to provide protection during a crash. However, if the airbag deploys too forcefully, it can cause injuries such as burns, cuts, bruises, abrasions, and broken bones.
• Improper placement: Airbags are designed to deploy at a specific angle and distance to provide maximum protection. If the airbag deploys at the wrong angle or too close to the occupant, it can cause injuries to the face, eyes, or neck.
• Occupant position: If the occupant is sitting too close to the airbag or is not wearing a seat belt, the airbag can cause injuries when it deploys.
• Defective airbag: In rare cases, airbags can be defective and fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly, causing serious injuries or even fatalities.

Examples of Car Accidents That May Cause Airbag Injuries 

Any type of car accident has the potential to cause airbag injuries, but certain types of accidents are more likely to result in airbag-related injuries. Here are some examples:

• Frontal collisions: In a frontal collision, the airbag deploys from the steering wheel and dashboard to protect the driver and front passenger. However, if the airbag deploys too forcefully or at the wrong angle, it can cause injuries such as burns, cuts, and broken bones.
• Side collisions: In a side collision, the side airbags and curtain airbags deploy to protect the occupants from hitting the doors or windows. However, if the airbags deploy too forcefully or at the wrong angle, they can cause injuries such as head and neck injuries.
• Rollover accidents: In a rollover accident, the airbags deploy from various locations in the vehicle to protect the occupants from hitting the roof or other hard surfaces. However, if the airbags deploy too forcefully or at the wrong angle, they can cause injuries such as burns, cuts, and head injuries.
• Low-speed collisions: Even in low-speed collisions, the airbags can deploy and cause injuries if they deploy too forcefully or at the wrong angle. This is why it is important to always wear a seat belt, as it can help prevent airbag-related injuries.

It is important to note that while airbag injuries can occur, the benefits of airbags in preventing serious injuries and fatalities during car accidents far outweigh the risks.

Compensation You Can Receive from an Airbag Injury 

If you have been injured from an airbag during a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The specific compensation you can receive will depend on the circumstances of your case, but here are some common types of compensation for airbag injuries:

• Medical expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses related to your airbag injuries, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost wages: If your airbag injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and income.
• Pain and suffering: Airbag injuries can cause physical and emotional pain and suffering. You may be entitled to compensation for these damages, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Disability and disfigurement: If your airbag injuries result in a permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for these damages.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages if the car manufacturer or airbag manufacturer acted with gross negligence or recklessness.

It is important to note that the amount of compensation you can receive for your airbag injuries will depend on the specific facts of your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney If You Have Been Injured from an Airbag 

If you have been injured from an airbag during a car accident, it may be beneficial to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases. Here are some reasons why:

• Determining liability: If you have been injured from an airbag, an attorney can help you determine who is liable for your injuries. This may include the car manufacturer, the airbag manufacturer, or other parties.
• Maximizing compensation: An attorney can help you maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay for airbag injuries. An attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
• Understanding your legal rights: An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, including whether you have a viable personal injury claim, what damages you may be entitled to, and the statute of limitations for filing a claim.
• Providing legal representation: If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, an attorney can provide legal representation and advocate for your interests throughout the legal process.

Overall, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights if you have been injured from an airbag during a car accident.

Related Links 

• Head-On Collisions 
• Rear-End Collisions 
• Side-impact collisions (also known as T-bone accidents)
• Single-vehicle accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Hit and run accidents
• Intersection accidents