Many people assume that airbags will benefit them if they are in a car accident. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. While airbags are designed to help reduce the severity of injuries in a car crash, they can also cause severe injuries in some cases. If you were injured in a car accident, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your next steps.
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What Happens When an Airbag Deploys?
When an airbag deploys, the hope is that it will protect the individuals in the vehicle to mitigate injuries. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. A sensor is connected to the airbag. When the vehicle gets into a severe accident, the sensor deploys the airbags.
The airbags are typically located inside the dashboard and steering wheel of a vehicle, and as they deploy, they will likely be hot and covered in dust and other chemicals that aid the deployment. They deploy rapidly to prevent your body and head from hitting hard areas of the vehicle by creating a softer point of impact.
Common Types of Airbag Injuries
Does an airbag hurt, you might be wondering? It’s estimated that airbags deploy at almost 100 miles per hour, so it’s no surprise that despite the safety they provide, injuries can also occur. Additionally, if an airbag is defective and deploys improperly, this can cause even more damage. Some of the most common injuries and symptoms after airbag deployment include the following:
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries are very common when an airbag deploys. By design, your face is one of the first parts of your body that will come into contact with an airbag. This is to prevent your face and head from hitting the steering wheel, windshield, or other hard parts of the car. While the airbag might be successful in preventing this, you can end up with serious facial injuries from the airbag, such as severe bruises, a broken jaw or nose, and injury to your eyes.
Neck and Back Injuries
It’s common for airbags to cause injuries to an individual’s neck and back when deployed in an accident. The impact of the airbag can cause serious whiplash by forcing your head and neck to move back and forth too quickly.
Burns and Lacerations
When the airbag deploys at such a high speed, it can cause lacerations when it makes contact with your body. Burn injuries can also occur due to the chemicals used that cause the airbag to deploy. If an airbag is defective, it’s also possible for metal fragments or other objects to go through the airbag and cause serious injury.
What To Do After an Airbag Deployment
If you’re in an accident where the airbag deploys, there are certain steps you should always consider taking.
- Call 911. If you’re in a car accident and the airbag deploys, you should call 911 right away. An officer should arrive on the scene quickly and can help make sure you’re safe and out of harm’s way. Additionally, they will make observations, speak with parties involved in the accident, and speak with any eyewitnesses so they can create an accident report detailing what happened. Always request a copy of the accident report or ask how you can obtain one, as this will be helpful for any future claims.
- Seek Medical Attention. You should always seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel that injured. The force of the airbag is generally substantial and could cause internal injuries. You may not immediately feel the pain because your body is still in shock. It’s crucial to ensure that you are uninjured or that if you are hurt, you receive the care you need. Your medical records will also be helpful in any type of insurance or civil claim that you decide to file in the future.
- Take Photographs. If you’re not too injured, taking photos of the accident is incredibly important. Take pictures of the airbag, the damage to the car, damage to any other cars involved, and any visible injuries you sustained. Also, take photos of the scene around the accident.
Contact Gomez Trial Attorneys Today
If you were in a car accident and suffered the side effects of airbag deployment, Gomez Trial Attorneys can help. Our lawyers are experienced in handling these types of cases and are dedicated to aggressively helping people recover the compensation they’re entitled to. We pride ourselves on our expertise and compassion and fight to help all our clients get the justice they need.
Whether your airbag injury was the result of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence or the injury occurred because of a defective part or recall, Gomez Trial Attorneys can help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation by calling (619)-237-3490 or by contacting us online.
