Airbags are one of the most critical safety features in modern vehicles. Designed to deploy in milliseconds during a crash, they save thousands of lives each year by cushioning impact and preventing severe head, neck, and chest injuries. But while airbags are meant to protect you, they can also cause significant harm when they malfunction or deploy improperly.
In some cases, an airbag itself may be the reason a driver or passenger suffers severe injuries in a crash. Read on to learn more about these injuries, what to do in the aftermath, and how an attorney can help you recover compensation.
How Airbags Are Supposed to Work
Airbags are part of a vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). When a collision occurs, sensors detect the rapid deceleration and signal the airbag’s inflator to deploy. A chemical reaction inflates the airbag within approximately 20 to 30 milliseconds, creating a cushion that reduces the force of impact on occupants.
Ideally, airbags should deploy only during moderate to severe crashes, at the correct speed, and with enough distance between the occupant and the device. However, if any part of this process malfunctions, it can lead to unnecessary or dangerous deployments and serious injuries.
Common Causes of Airbag-Related Injuries
While airbags are designed to save lives, several factors can contribute to injuries during deployment.
These include:
- Defective airbags: Manufacturing flaws, faulty sensors, or poor design can cause airbags to deploy too forcefully or fail to deploy altogether.
- Accidental deployment: Airbags may deploy without a collision, leading to injuries during normal driving.
- Improper installation or maintenance: Repairs or replacements done incorrectly can result in unsafe deployments.
- Excessive force: Even properly functioning airbags deploy with tremendous force, which can injure occupants who are sitting too close or are not wearing a seatbelt.
- Counterfeit or recalled airbags: Some vehicles contain counterfeit parts or airbags under manufacturer recall due to safety issues.
These scenarios can all result in injuries ranging from mild bruises to life-altering trauma.
Types of Airbag Injuries
Airbag injuries can vary widely depending on the severity of the crash, the position of the occupant, and the nature of the defect.
Some of the most common types include:
- Facial and eye injuries: Airbags can cause bruising, burns, broken facial bones, or eye trauma. Chemical residues from the inflator can also lead to temporary or permanent vision problems.
- Head and brain injuries: If the airbag deploys too forcefully or unexpectedly, it can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures.
- Neck and spinal injuries: The force of deployment can whip the head backward or forward, resulting in whiplash or spinal cord damage.
- Chest and rib injuries: Airbags can cause fractured ribs, sternum injuries, or even cardiac trauma, especially in older passengers.
- Burns and abrasions: The hot gases and chemicals used to inflate the airbag can cause thermal or chemical burns on the skin.
- Internal injuries: In severe cases, the impact of an airbag can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or long-term complications.
While some of these injuries heal with proper medical care, others can lead to lifelong disabilities and significant financial burdens.
Liability for Airbag Injuries in Georgia
If you suffer injuries caused by an airbag, determining who is legally responsible is essential for pursuing compensation.
Several parties may be held liable depending on the circumstances:
- Vehicle manufacturers: If the airbag was defectively designed, manufactured, or installed, the automaker may be held liable under product liability law.
- Airbag manufacturers: Companies that produce faulty airbags can also face liability claims.
- Automotive repair shops: If negligent repairs or improper installation caused the malfunction, the shop may be responsible.
- Other drivers: If another driver’s negligence led to the accident in which the airbag deployed, they may still be held accountable for resulting injuries.
Ultimately, identifying the correct party—or parties—responsible is key to building a successful claim and recovering the compensation you deserve.
Negligence and Comparative Fault in Georgia
In cases where another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as your share of responsibility is less than 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault for the accident, your recovery will be reduced to $80,000. This rule makes it essential to work with an experienced attorney who can build a strong case to minimize any claims of shared fault.
Steps to Take After an Airbag Injury
If you suspect that an airbag caused or worsened your injuries, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can significantly strengthen your legal claim.
Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor to document them properly.
- Preserve evidence: Keep the vehicle in its post-crash condition if possible, and do not attempt to repair or replace the airbag until it has been inspected by an expert.
- Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the airbag deployment, and the crash scene. Collect medical records, police reports, and witness information.
- Check for recalls: Research whether your vehicle or airbag has been subject to a recall. This can strengthen your product liability claim.
Airbag injury cases can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. A skilled lawyer can investigate the cause, identify liable parties, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you are injured by a defective or improperly deployed airbag, you may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
Pursuing all available compensation ensures you’re fully supported in your recovery and not left bearing the costs of someone else’s wrongdoing.
Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Airbags are meant to save lives, but when they malfunction or deploy incorrectly, they can become dangerous sources of injury. Victims often face steep medical bills, lost income, and long-term health challenges. Fortunately, Georgia law offers strong legal protections for those injured by defective products or negligent drivers.
If you’ve been injured, contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm at (706) 940-4030 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
