Airbags can often mitigate chances of severe or deadly injuries to the driver and other passengers. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, airbags have saved more than 50,000 lives in the United States alone. In some cases, however, an airbag can malfunction during a collision or can be deployed improperly during a non-accident, leading to additional injuries. In many of the car or truck accident cases that we handle, our clients sustain injuries from the airbag. Because airbags were designed to operate instantaneously by using a range of sensors and an internal explosion, even the tiniest malfunction within its system can create devastating effects.
Causes of Malfunctioning Airbags and Resulting Circumstances
Common reasons airbags malfunction may include:
- Nonactivated sensors;
- Defective airbag sensors;
- Faulty electrical components; and
- Defective crash sensors;
If the airbag malfunctions for any of these reasons, it may result in a variety of problematic circumstances:
- The airbag may be deployed during a non-accident;
- The airbag may fail to deploy during a collision;
- The airbag may deploy in the wrong area of the vehicle; or
- The airbag may deploy too late (after the accident has already occurred)
Common Injuries Related to Airbags
Airbag injuries can occur even if the airbag functions properly during a collision. Airbags may lead to a range of injuries to various parts of the body. The force of the airbag, which is estimated to deploy at 100 to 220 mph, along with the chemicals used within the device, may create significant trauma to the body. Common injuries include:
- Abrasions;
- Burns;
- Broken bones;
- Eye injuries;
- Brain injury;
- Internal bleeding; and
- Broken ribs
What Are Your Options and Solutions if You are Injured by an Airbag in Texas?
If you experienced airbag-related injuries due to the negligence of another driver in an automobile accident, you may be entitled to recovery. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain after an airbag related injury, it is important to seek medical attention. We do not charge a fee on injury cases unless we collect damages for you. Call us today at (817) 993-9249 or contact us online.
