Airbags are designed to reduce the severity of injuries and fatalities during a crash. However, a malfunctioning or improperly deploying airbag can cause injuries that would not have occurred otherwise.
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How Do Airbag Injuries Happen?
Airbag injuries can occur in several different ways during a collision:
- Airbags deploying with excessive force.
- Failure to deploy during a serious collision.
- Unexpected deployment without a crash.
- Defective sensors or electrical components.
- Delayed deployment during impact.
- Deployment that causes occupants to strike interior vehicle surfaces.
Because airbags inflate extremely quickly, even a properly functioning system can cause injuries under certain conditions.
Common Injuries Caused by Airbags
Airbag injuries can range from temporary irritation to severe physical trauma. Common ones include:
- Facial fractures and eye injuries.
- Burns or abrasions caused by deployment chemicals or friction.
- Wrist, arm, or hand injuries from impact with the airbag.
- Neck and back injuries from the force of deployment.
- Head injuries or concussions.
- Hearing damage caused by the explosive deployment sound.
The location and severity of the injury often depend on seating position, crash force, and how the airbag deployed. Some injuries appear immediately, while others may worsen over time.
When Does an Airbag Injury Become a Legal Claim?
Some airbag injuries are tied to the severity of the crash itself. In others, the airbag system may become part of the claim when:
- The airbag failed to deploy during a crash where deployment was expected.
- The airbag deployed unexpectedly or without impact.
- The deployment force caused unusual or excessive injuries.
- A recalled airbag or defective component was involved.
- Evidence suggests the airbag system malfunctioned.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Airbag Injuries?
Airbag injury claims can involve several parties, depending on why the airbag failed, deployed incorrectly, or caused harm. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The at-fault driver if their negligence caused the collision that triggered the airbag injury.
- The vehicle manufacturer if a defect in the airbag system, sensors, wiring, control module, steering wheel, or dashboard contributed to the injury.
- The airbag or parts manufacturer if a defective inflator, module, sensor, or replacement component failed.
- A dealership or repair facility if improper repairs, unsafe replacement work, or failure to address a recall contributed to the problem.
- A prior owner or seller if unsafe modifications or replacement parts affected how the airbag system worked.
Some airbag cases also involve recalled parts. If the vehicle had a known safety issue, recall history can help show whether the problem should have been repaired before the crash.
Types of Evidence Matters in an Airbag Injury Case
A successful airbag injury claim often depends on technical evidence related to the vehicle and the crash itself. For example:
- Airbag control module information.
- Vehicle inspection records and recall notices.
- Photos of the interior and deployed airbags.
- Medical records documenting the injuries.
- Expert analysis regarding vehicle safety systems.
Preserving the vehicle after the crash is critical because the airbag system will likely need to be inspected directly.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered After an Airbag Injury?
Airbag injuries can require extensive medical treatment and create complications that continue long after the crash. Compensation may be available for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization.
- Follow-up care, therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income during recovery.
- Reduced ability to work due to ongoing symptoms.
- Physical pain and permanent scarring.
- Emotional distress related to the injuries.
Cases involving defective airbags may also support claims for punitive damages in situations involving serious safety violations or evidence that a manufacturer ignored known risks related to the airbag system. This type of compensation is awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter other companies from the same conduct.
How a Lawyer Can Help With an Airbag Injury Claim
Airbag injury cases can become more complicated than standard car accident claims. An injury lawyer in Chicago can:
- Preserve the vehicle and airbag system for inspection.
- Obtain recall records and manufacturing information.
- Work with experts to evaluate how the airbag functioned during the crash.
- Identify whether the claim involves a defect, deployment issue, or crash-related injury.
- Handle communication with insurers and opposing parties.
- Assess the claim’s value for both the collision and airbag-related injuries.
- Negotiate a fair settlement, or represent you at trial if necessary.
Handling an airbag injury claim can become overwhelming when vehicle inspections, technical evidence, insurance issues, and medical treatment are all happening at the same time. Having a lawyer manage the legal process can reduce the pressure on you while the case is being investigated and developed.
Get Help After an Airbag Injury in Chicago
Call (224) 481-1926 or contact Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC online to discuss the accident and learn what options may be available for your claim.