Airbags have been designed for vehicle safety. However, several incidents wherein airbag deployment causes more harm than good. Airbag deployment can result in injuries such as facial fractures, chest trauma, and burns.
This article explains the common injuries from airbags, their symptoms, and prevention tips. We will also discuss your medical and legal rights after an airbag injury.
Understanding Airbag Deployment
Designed to act as lifesavers, airbags swiftly expand to provide vital support for occupants in a vehicle during an accident. These advanced protective systems utilize sensors that ascertain the impact intensity of a collision and prompt signals directing the inflator to rapidly fill up the airbag through either a chemical reaction or compressed gas. The inflation unfolds extraordinarily fast—taking merely 20-30 milliseconds—to offer instant safeguarding when an accident occurs.
A substantial force from a crash, typically between 8 and 14 miles per hour, is necessary to initiate the deployment of airbags. While frontal airbags are set off by direct head-on impacts, side airbags are specifically designed to inflate in response to lateral collisions. Despite their life-preserving capabilities, there’s still a chance for harm caused by deploying airbags if certain aspects aren’t considered properly.
Comprehending how these safety apparatuses function underscores their crucial role in saving lives while highlighting possible dangers associated with them. Being informed about how and under what conditions air birds deploy empowers us both to mitigate injury risks and heighten overall vehicular safety measures.
7 Common Injuries from Airbags
Injuries caused by airbag deployment can vary widely in severity, with the potential for both minor and significant harm. The typical injuries associated with airbags include:
- Injuries to the face
- Injuries to the chest
- Neck injuries and spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Hand and wrist trauma
- Internal organ damage
- Burn wounds
When factors such as defective airbags or failure to wear seatbelts come into play, these types of harm have a heightened risk of resulting in grave consequences, including fatalities.
The discussion will focus on each category of injury, starting from those affecting facial areas, moving through chest-related traumas up to neck and spine afflictions, followed by TBI, then covering hand plus wrist impacts before delving into internal complications and finally addressing burn-related damages. Gaining insights about these common forms of injuries allows for better recognition of hazards tied to airbag deployments as well as fostering proactive preventative strategies.
- Facial Injuries
Injuries to the face are frequently encountered following the deployment of airbags. The swift expansion of an airbag has the potential to inflict a range of facial traumas, such as contusions, lacerations, and even bone fractures. These injuries often encompass cuts and scrapes on the face or broken bones in that area and can be exceedingly sore necessitating professional medical care.
Airbags pose a risk for various eye-related injuries which may arise due to chemical exposure during deployment or from the impact pressure itself. These could lead to subsequent problems with eyesight. If one experiences swelling, redness, bruises, or scratches on their face post-airbag inflation, it might indicate they have sustained facial damage.
It is crucial for individuals who have suffered such traumas after an airbag inflates abruptly to seek immediate healthcare assistance. Timely treatment is essential in mitigating any severe long-standing effects these types of injuries could impose.
- Chest Injuries
During the deployment of an airbag, it’s not uncommon to sustain injuries to the chest. The impact from an airbag can lead to a range of physical damage, including soft tissue damage as well as fractures in bones. Commonly encountered chest-related afflictions resulting from this include ribs that are broken and bleeding internally. There may be instances where complications related to the heart arise.
Being situated close to the steering wheel markedly elevates one’s susceptibility to suffering chest injuries when an airbag deploys. Following such events, individuals might notice soreness around their chests along with pain or struggles while breathing. These symptoms indicate a need for prompt medical attention to avoid potentially grave health issues.
- Neck and Spinal Injuries
The forceful eruption of an airbag during a car accident can result in significant neck and spine injuries. One frequently encountered injury is whiplash, which arises from the abrupt jerking movement sustained in such incidents. This as well as other spine-related traumas may be inflicted by the intensity at which airbags deploy.
Indicators that one has suffered neck or spinal damage include persistent headaches, discomfort, and rigidity in the neck area, with extreme instances potentially leading to paralysis. Securing prompt medical attention after experiencing these symptoms is crucial for minimizing lasting harm and fostering effective recuperation from these types of injuries.
The impact of an airbag deployment can lead to various degrees of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), from mild concussions to severe brain damage. The severity depends on the strength and angle at which the head is struck.
Acknowledging the potential risks that come with airbag deployment underscores the critical nature of TBIs. Individuals may experience a range of symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, or even loss of consciousness. Those affected by such impacts need to seek prompt medical attention to mitigate any lasting effects.
- Hand and Wrist Injuries
During the rapid deployment of airbags, hand and wrist injuries are prevalent due to the intensity and velocity at which these safety devices expand. Burns, fractures, and dislocations may result as occupants instinctively prepare for impact by bracing themselves.
Ensuring that hands and wrists are positioned properly on the steering wheel is crucial in minimizing such risks.
- Internal Injuries
The deployment of airbags can lead to serious and potentially fatal internal injuries. These may include cuts on vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen, as well as bruises or hemorrhaging internally. Situations involving significant internal bleeding could necessitate surgery.
It is crucial to recognize indicators of such injuries promptly, which include intense pain and shock symptoms so that immediate medical attention can be sought.
- Burn Injuries
Abrasions and thermal burns are common types of burn injuries that can occur during the deployment of airbags, due to friction and the heat from the chemical reaction responsible for inflating airbags. Chemicals involved in this process can also cause burns.
Such injuries necessitate prompt medical attention as they not only cause discomfort but also carry a risk of infection if left untreated. Immediate care is crucial to aid recovery.
Factors Contributing to Airbag Injuries
Numerous elements contribute to an elevated risk of sustaining injuries from airbags in the event of a vehicular collision. An incorrect posture, such as sitting too close or leaning towards the steering wheel, can amplify the potential for harm. To reduce this risk, it is important to maintain an adequate distance from both the steering wheel and the dashboard.
Those who do not use seat belts are more likely to be injured when airbags deploy during a crash. Seat belts complement airbag function by holding occupants securely in their seats and thwarting forward propulsion upon impact. For safety’s sake, it is advised that children under 13 occupy the back seat where they’re less exposed to injuries associated with airbags.
Defective or faulty airbags represent a substantial danger since they might malfunction during deployment when needed most urgently in an accident scenario. Verifying that your vehicle’s system governing these devices operates correctly is essential for averting related injurious outcomes.
Preventing Airbag Injuries
To mitigate the chance of incurring injuries from airbags, it’s crucial to prioritize preventative measures. Ensuring that seat belts are correctly fastened is paramount for safeguarding oneself. These restraints effectively anchor you during a collision. Maintaining an adequate distance between oneself and the steering wheel can notably decrease injury risks.
Employing booster seats and child safety seats is particularly important for protecting smaller adults and children by positioning them safely away from active airbag deployment zones. Nowadays, new passenger vehicles typically feature cutting-edge airbag systems crafted with occupant protection as a priority.
Adherence to these precautions could significantly curtail potential hazards associated with airbags during vehicular incidents.
What to Do After Suffering an Airbag Injury?
Should you have concerns about an airbag injury following a car accident, it is imperative to immediately get medical attention. Immediate examination by healthcare providers not only guarantees that you get the appropriate treatment but also records your injuries for potential legal proceedings. Stay vigilant of any symptoms post-airbag deployment and seek advice from medical experts.
It’s essential to maintain the integrity of both the airbag components and the vehicle itself to support assertions related to the airbag injury. Reaching out for guidance through 1-800 Ask Gary can assist in maneuvering through medical procedures while clarifying your legal entitlements after experiencing an injury due to an airbag.
Legal Rights After an Airbag Injury
Persons who have suffered harm due to airbag deployment might be eligible for financial recompense through personal injury litigation. Launching a lawsuit against the responsible entity can aid in obtaining restitution for damages incurred as a result of an airbag that malfunctioned. Even if you are deemed at fault for the accident, you may still qualify to receive compensation for injuries caused by airbags.
In instances where an airbag is discovered to be faulty, claims based on product liability may be pursued. It’s critical to be aware of the time frame allowed by law within which one must file claims about injuries from defective airbags. This period spans two to four years and varies from state to state.
Contacting 1-800 Ask. Gary provides access to legal experts adept in managing cases associated with injuries resulting from the deployment of airbags.
Seeking Medical and Legal Help
It is imperative to seek specialized medical and legal support following an airbag injury for appropriate care and just compensation. Enlisting the services of a proficient personal injury attorney can greatly assist with managing legal proceedings and obtaining equitable restitution. Aaron Bensinger is a commendable advocate for individuals contending with cases involving airbag injuries.
The service 1-800 Ask Gary assists in linking individuals to expert physicians and seasoned car accident attorneys. This resource delivers essential aid, guaranteeing that those injured receive necessary medical attention as well as competent legal counsel.
How 1-800 Ask Gary Can Help?
1-800 Ask Gary provides round-the-clock support for those who have suffered in a car accident, aiding them in securing the right medical care and legal counsel. Upon contacting 1-800 Ask Gary, callers are met with prompt help tailored to their unique injury situations and legal issues.
The service acts as a liaison between individuals impacted by an incident and skilled healthcare providers alongside adept lawyers, guaranteeing top-tier assistance and guidance. Utilizing the offerings of 1-800 Ask Gary can greatly enhance one’s journey through recovery from an airbag injury.
