Waco Airbag Injuries
When functioning properly, airbags save lives in car accidents by preventing direct impact with hard surfaces like the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. However, airbags can also cause significant injuries, particularly when they malfunction or deploy incorrectly.
Common Causes of Airbag Injuries
Airbag injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Defective Airbags
Airbags that are improperly manufactured or designed can malfunction during deployment. This includes airbags that deploy too forcefully, fail to deploy in a timely manner, or deploy unnecessarily in minor collisions.
Premature or Late Deployment
Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe crashes, but in some cases, they may deploy too early or too late. Premature deployment during minor collisions or when no collision occurs can cause injuries, while late deployment may fail to protect passengers in time during a serious accident.
Improper Installation or Maintenance
Faulty installation, either by the manufacturer or during repairs, can lead to airbag failure. Inadequate maintenance or failure to replace recalled airbags can also contribute to injuries.
Passenger Positioning
Injuries can also occur if a passenger is sitting too close to the airbag, particularly children or shorter adults.
Types of Airbag Injuries
Some of the most common types of airbag injuries include:
- Facial Injuries: Airbags can cause cuts, bruising, and fractures to the face, as well as eye injuries such as retinal detachment.
- Chest and Rib Injuries: The force of deployment can lead to bruising, fractured ribs, or damage to the chest, especially in smaller or elderly individuals.
- Burns: Friction burns to the face, arms, and chest may occur from the heat and speed of deployment.
- Internal Injuries: Rapid inflation can sometimes cause internal damage, such as bruising or injury to organs like the heart or lungs.
- Hearing Damage: The loud sound of airbag deployment may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Additionally, frontal airbags inflating in low-speed crashes have caused over 290 deaths, according to the NHTSA.
Who is Liable for Airbag Injuries?
Liability for airbag injuries can fall on several parties, depending on the cause of the malfunction:
Vehicle Manufacturer
If the airbag’s failure is due to a design or manufacturing flaw, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable. This can include cases where the airbag deploys improperly or fails to deploy altogether.
Airbag Manufacturer
In some cases, the defect lies with the airbag itself. Airbag manufacturers can be responsible if the issue stems from poor design, defective materials, or faulty production.
Repair Shops or Mechanics
If a mechanic improperly installs or repairs the airbag system, they may be liable for injuries caused by the malfunction. Faulty repair work could prevent the airbag from functioning correctly in a crash.
Negligence by Vehicle Owners
If a vehicle owner ignores airbag recalls or fails to maintain the system, they may share liability under Texas’s comparative fault rules.
Other Drivers
The driver who caused the crash resulting in your airbag injury may be partially or entirely responsible.
Seeking Compensation for Airbag Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury caused by an airbag, you may be entitled to compensation. Victims of airbag injuries can pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with the injury. An experienced Waco car accident lawyer can help evaluate your case, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Craft Law Firm at (713) 225-0500 or reach us online to arrange a free consultation today.