Airbags are designed to keep drivers and passengers safe in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, frontal airbags alone saved over 50,000 lives from 1987 to 2017. Despite being created to protect lives, an airbag injury can still happen to anyone and sometimes cause severe injuries.
About Airbags
Airbags are cushions located in multiple areas of a vehicle, including the steering wheel and the dash in front of the passenger seat. They inflate very quickly in order to restrain the passenger if impact is detected. An airbag injury is not only possible if the airbag is defective; it can also occur even if the airbag works as it’s supposed to. The resulting injury, however, is minor compared to what could happen if there wasn’t an airbag, or if it didn’t inflate at all.
Defective Airbags
There is the possibility of a defective airbag, but this is rare. A defective airbag, however, could cause more severe injuries to the passenger. If you or someone you know has been injured by a faulty airbag, you may be able to seek legal action. Specific cases include if there’s an issue with the airbag design or manufacturing process, or if the airbags don’t meet standard requirements.
Airbag Injuries
A driver or passenger can sustain many types of injuries as a result of an airbag. Some of the most common injuries include the 5 below:
- Burns on various parts of the body
- Neck and back injuries such as injuries to the spinal cord or whiplash
- Facial injuries such as a broken nose, black eye, or concussion
- Chest injuries such as punctured lungs or broken ribs
- Internal organ injuries
While a properly functioning airbag can cause these injuries, a defective airbag can result in injuries that are more severe. If you have been injured by a faulty airbag or aren’t sure, our experts in automotive accidents are here to assist you.
