In a car accident, one of the injuries you might suffer from comes from the impact against the airbag. Airbag injuries can cause serious injuries, which is why you should always sit as far back from the airbag as possible when you drive. If an airbag doesn’t work as intended, you could end up with serious injuries or be killed.
When an accident is significant enough to trigger the airbag, a chemical reaction occurs. This causes the airbag to inflate quickly. The airbag’s job is to catch you as you are thrown forward and then to deflate, which helps prevent whiplash as well as head injuries from impacting the steering wheel or dashboard.
Unfortunately, airbag injuries can and do occur. They are often caused by exposure to the airbag chemicals or from the failure of the bag to deflate. The improper positioning of the occupant or the malfunction of sensors can also lead to premature or late inflation. For example, if you’re driving and the sensors malfunction, the airbag could suddenly go off and cause an accident due to you being unable to see or being impacted by the bag.
After a car accident, you may have many injuries including those caused by your airbag. Remember that the person responsible for the crash should also be held liable for your injuries, no matter how you got them in the accident. It’s important for you to get the medical care you need, but it’s also vital to start planning for your claim. Your attorney can take over the legal side of the case while you focus on your health and recovery.
Source: FindLaw, “Car Accident Airbag Injuries,” accessed Nov. 16, 2017