Airbags inflate in a fraction of a second with tremendous force, and that force can cause injuries even when the airbag works correctly. The most common airbag injuries are facial and eye injuries, burns and abrasions, broken noses, wrist and arm fractures, and chest injuries such as rib fractures and bruising. Defective airbags that deploy too forcefully, at the wrong time, or not at all can cause far more serious harm.

Airbags are designed to save lives, but they can also cause unexpected injuries during a collision. At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, we understand the complexities of airbag-related injury cases and how they intersect with personal injury law. Recognized by Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms, we are committed to helping you navigate these challenging situations and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Can Airbags Cause Injuries?

We often think of airbags as protectors-small devices that we rarely see but that we trust will keep us safe in case of a car accident. But in some unfortunate cases, the airbags themselves and the materials they are made of could be the ones causing injury. Often, airbags are recalled from car manufacturers because they are “defective” and could cause harm to passengers, such as through flying materials and harsh impact. In such cases, individuals may file legal claims against the airbag manufacturer due to injuries caused by defective airbags.

Types of Airbags

Side airbags are meant to protect passengers during side impact crashes that normally occur at intersections or when a car crashes into an object off the road, such as a tree or lamp post. Frontal airbags deploy to protect front seat occupants during car accidents, but they can cause severe injuries, particularly to unbelted passengers and children. They can also protect passengers in rollover accidents or when two cars crash at an adjacent angle.

What is an Airbag Injury?

An airbag injury occurs when an airbag deploys during a car accident, causing harm to the vehicle occupants it is meant to protect. While airbags are designed to cushion the impact and prevent more severe injuries, the force and speed at which an airbag deploys can sometimes result in injuries themselves. These injuries can range from minor bruises and cuts to more serious conditions such as broken bones, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Understanding the potential for airbag injuries is crucial for car accident victims seeking to navigate the aftermath of a crash.

What Are the Most Common Airbag Injuries?

Some of the most common airbag injuries include:

  • Facial injuries: Airbags can cause facial injuries, including lacerations, abrasions, and fractures. The rapid deployment can lead to a significant impact on the face, resulting in cuts and bruises.
  • Chest injuries: The force of the airbag can cause chest injuries, including broken ribs and internal injuries. The impact can be particularly severe for individuals sitting close to the steering wheel.
  • Head injuries: Airbags can cause head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries. The sudden force can lead to serious head trauma, especially if the head is thrown forward into the airbag.
  • Neck and spine injuries: The rapid inflation of an airbag can cause neck and spine injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs. The sudden jolt can strain the neck and back, leading to long-term pain and discomfort.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Airbags can cause soft tissue injuries, including bruises, cuts, and sprains. These injuries, while often less severe, can still be painful and require medical attention.

While airbags are essential for protecting lives, the injuries they can cause should not be overlooked. Recognizing these common injuries and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for recovery and overall well-being.

Chest Injuries From Airbags

The chest takes the brunt of a frontal airbag, especially for drivers sitting close to the steering wheel. Common chest injuries include:

  • Bruised or fractured ribs and sternum
  • Bruising of the heart or lungs (cardiac or pulmonary contusion)
  • Collarbone (clavicle) fractures
  • In severe cases, internal bleeding or injury to the aorta

Chest pain after a crash should always be checked by a doctor, even if it seems minor, because some internal injuries do not cause obvious symptoms right away. Safety experts recommend keeping at least 10 inches between your breastbone and the center of the steering wheel to reduce the risk of airbag injuries.

How Do Airbags Cause Injuries?

Airbag deployment can cause injuries in several ways:

  • The force of the airbag: The rapid inflation of an airbag can cause injuries, especially if the occupant is too close to the airbag. The force can break bones and cause other serious injuries.
  • The chemicals used: The chemicals used to inflate the airbag can cause burns and other injuries. These chemicals, while necessary for rapid deployment, can be harmful upon contact with skin.
  • The design of the airbag: The design of the airbag can also contribute to injuries, especially if it is not designed to deploy properly. Poor design can lead to improper inflation, increasing the risk of injury.

While airbags are essential for saving lives, their deployment can sometimes result in severe injuries due to their force, chemical components, or design flaws. Recognizing these risks can help drivers take necessary precautions and address potential safety concerns.

Causes of Airbag Injuries

Airbags are designed to protect drivers and passengers, but when something goes wrong, they can become a source of harm. From defective manufacturing to improper installation, several factors can contribute to airbag-related injuries.

Defective Airbags

Defective airbags are a common cause of airbag injuries. These airbags can fail to deploy properly, deploy too late, or deploy with too much force, leading to serious injuries. Defective airbags can also cause harm due to the chemicals used to inflate them, which can result in burns and other injuries.

Other causes of airbag injuries include:

  • Improper installation: Airbags that are not installed properly can cause injuries. Incorrect installation can lead to malfunction during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
  • Sensor failures: The sensors that detect crashes and deploy the airbag can fail, causing the airbag to deploy too late or not at all. This failure can leave vehicle occupants unprotected during a collision.
  • Counterfeit airbags: Counterfeit airbags can cause injuries due to their poor design and construction. These substandard airbags may not deploy correctly, if at all, posing a significant risk to car accident victims.

It’s essential to note that airbag injuries can be prevented by wearing a seatbelt and ensuring that the airbag is functioning correctly. If you or a loved one has suffered an airbag injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your options for compensation.

Three Ways Airbags Cause Harm

Critical airbag accidents can cause damage to the eyes, neck, head, brain, and spine. There are three major ways that airbags can cause harm to passengers:

  • Manufacturers fail to install airbags (very, very rare)
  • Airbag malfunctions (fails to open during accident)
  • Airbags open in a low-impact crash and cause severe injuries (the most common cause of airbag lawsuits)

These types of injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on those affected. Understanding the risks associated with airbags and knowing your legal options can be crucial in holding manufacturers accountable.

Major Recall History of Defective Airbags

Airbag recalls have played a significant role in addressing safety concerns and preventing further injuries. Over the years, several major recalls have highlighted the potential dangers posed by defective airbags, from unexpected deployments to dangerous design flaws.

  • 2004 – Over 1.4M recalls due to safety problems. Mostly because of wiring problems that resulted in deployment for no reason.
  • 2008 – Honda recalled some of its units because airbags opened so forcefully that metal parts could have blasted through the airbags, causing serious injuries to the eyes and face.
  • 2011 – Honda recalls over 800,000 airbags to ensure that faulty airbags are not still out there.
  • 2014 – Manufacturer Takata recalled millions of airbags due to inflator problems and is now under investigation. Frontal airbag recalls have significantly impacted passenger safety by addressing issues that could lead to severe injuries during frontal crashes.

Airbag recalls are ongoing. To check whether your vehicle has an open airbag recall, enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) on NHTSA’s recall lookup.

Several ongoing investigations have been conducted to assess whether airbags are ready for crashes. The following conclusions were made:

Frontal airbags can seriously injure or even kill young children seated in the front seat. This is why NHTSA recommends that children 12 and under ride in the back seat.

Airbags are being styled and installed because of certification testing requirements, mainly to protect unbelted passengers instead of belted vehicle occupants, even if they are being advertised as supplemental restraint systems and most passengers use seatbelts.

When Is an Airbag Injury Someone Else’s Fault?

If airbags fail and cause serious injury, claims based on strict liability, negligence, and contract law can be made against the manufacturer. However, many lawsuits can be complicated and require heavy analysis from experts and often additional studies of similar car models. Our Austin car accident attorneys can assist with witness testimonials, determining whether the airbag has malfunctioned, checking automotive data, etc. The team is ready to fight for your injuries and losses, especially against large car companies that may not look out for your best interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbag Injuries

Can an airbag injure you even if it works properly?

Yes. Airbags deploy with enough force to cause burns, fractures, and eye and facial injuries even when they work as designed. Sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases the risk.

What chest injuries can airbags cause?

Airbags can cause rib and sternum fractures, collarbone fractures, bruising of the heart or lungs, and, rarely, internal bleeding. Seek medical care for any chest pain after a collision.

Who is responsible for an airbag injury?

If the injury came from the crash itself, the at-fault driver is usually responsible. If a defective airbag caused or worsened the injury, the manufacturer or parts supplier may also be responsible under Texas product liability law.

How do I know if my airbag was defective?

Warning signs include an airbag that failed to deploy in a serious frontal crash, deployed in a minor bump, or sprayed metal fragments. Check your vehicle for open recalls on NHTSA’s website, and keep the vehicle and airbag unchanged as evidence.

We Can Help With Airbag-Related Injury Cases

At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, we understand how airbag-related injuries can complicate an already difficult situation. Serving injured Texans since 1959, we have the knowledge and dedication to hold manufacturers accountable when their products fail. Recognized by Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms, we aim to provide tailored, effective legal representation to protect your rights.

Airbag injury cases often involve complex legal and technical challenges, including expert analysis and navigating claims against large corporations. We’re here to guide you through this process, helping you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Call us today at (512) 454-3751 or use our contact form to get started.