Although airbags are supposed to protect passengers and drivers from injuries during car accidents, they can cause some as well. In fact, sometimes airbags can inflict some of the worst injuries. When an airbag is designed defectively or inflates incorrectly, it can cause harm during a crash. There have been various car brands whose incorrect deployment of airbags has caused issues.
You deserve compensation if you were injured in a car accident due to incorrect deployment of airbags or other reasons related to airbags. You may be entitled to receive compensation from another driver involved in the crash or the airbag company for designing defective products. Whatever you do, make sure to consult with a Boston personal injury lawyer first.
List of injuries caused by defective airbags
Lacerations.
One of the worst injuries caused by defective airbags is lacerations. The debris is ejected from the airbag so quickly that it can cause deep and even fatal cuts and lacerations over your body and face. Sometimes the debris may even get inside your eye and cause permanent injuries. Such injuries are extremely severe and cannot be treated unless the paramedics arrive.
Burns.
The speed of the deployment of the airbags is often so much that it can cause friction with the skin and cause severe burns. Your face and arms are most likely to be harmed when this happens. Think of it like a rug burn, but airbags are ten times worse.
Breathing difficulties.
Airbags contain chemicals inside the balloon that help them blow up in a fraction of a second. When these chemicals come out of the airbags after they burst, they can create smoke and cause breathing difficulties. The airbags also contain fine particles, which, when breathed by humans, can be harmful, especially for people with asthma.
How do airbag defects occur?
Airbag defects can occur for a number of reasons. A few years back, the car company Toyota was in troubled waters because their airbags began deploying when exposed to heat or humidity. These explosions resulted in the injuries of many people, who then filed a case against the company. Some common reasons for airbag malfunction include:
- Faulty wiring;
- Improper venting;
- Overworked inflators;
- Problems with the software;
- Faulty sensors
When these kinds of issues and problems with design, production, or manufacture result in injuries, the victim could be entitled to compensation.
If you suffer injuries due to defective airbags, you could file a claim to hold the liable parties accountable. Work with a lawyer to get assistance with filing your claim and gathering evidence.
