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Airbags are an important safety feature in cars and other motor vehicles— they can help protect passengers from severe injuries in an accident. However, there is still a risk of injury associated with airbag deployment. To better understand the risks of an airbag deployment, let’s look at how common airbag injuries are, what potential airbag injuries may look like, and who may be at fault should an airbag prematurely deploy.
Frequency of Airbag Injuries
Airbags have been required in all cars sold in North America since 1998, so they are a common feature nowadays. However, the frequency of airbag-related injuries is relatively low; according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 284 people died due to airbag-related injuries between 1990 and 2007. That being said, when airbags cause injury, it is usually quite severe, as they can deploy with tremendous force.
What Do Airbag Injuries Look Like?
The most common type of airbag-related injury is blunt trauma from the force generated by the bag on deployment. This can include:
- Cuts or burns from contact with the bag fabric or hardware,
- Broken bones from contact with hard surfaces such as steering wheels or dashboards,
- Internal organ damage due to rapid deceleration caused by the bag opening too quickly or forcefully.
It is also important to note that people who sit too close to their vehicle’s dashboard are more likely to be injured by their airbags than those sitting further away.
Defective Airbags
Defective airbags pose a serious threat to drivers and passengers. Automobile manufacturers are responsible for the engineering, design, and installation of automobile components such as airbags. The manufacturer can be held liable per applicable legal statutes when these components prove faulty or otherwise dangerous.
Injuries that result from defective airbags can range from minor bruises to broken bones and concussions; in some cases, they may even lead to death. It is, therefore, essential to thoroughly inspect all automobile parts and ensure they meet the standards established by both law and industry practice before putting them on the road. Failing to do so could result in potentially catastrophic consequences.
St. Louis, MO Car Accident Attorneys Ready to Help
If you have been injured in a car accident (whether the airbag was properly or prematurely deployed), you must seek legal representation immediately so you can get fair compensation for your damages incurred and justice for the suffering caused by the manufacturer’s negligence or carelessness.
If you were injured in an accident due to someone’s negligence, call Kolker Law Firm today at (314) 684-8285 for a free initial consultation.