Head-on collisions can result in serious injuries and fatalities, and cars are equipped with various safety devices, such as airbags, to help protect the occupants from these injuries in the event of a crash. The impact of a head-on collision, whether a car is speeding or not, often causes cars that are equipped with airbags to automatically deploy them to attempt to keep the car’s occupants safe. Unfortunately, the airbags can also cause serious injuries due to the manner and force with which they deploy.
What Is an Airbag?
Airbags are made of a lightweight fabric that is packed into different parts of a car and is released when sensors are triggered through an airbag control unit. When the airbag sensors are triggered, the airbag is filled with a gas that causes it to inflate in a matter of seconds and deploy. This gas and other dust particles released when the airbag is inflated can cause irritation to the driver’s and passengers’ skin and eyes.
In addition, the front airbags often hit the car’s occupants in the face or head with great force, which can result in serious headaches, brain injuries, chest pains, and continued neck and back pains. It is important to seek medical attention after being involved in a car accident in which airbags are deployed because there are some injuries where symptoms are delayed and by the time the person realizes they have been injured, they could be facing a serious health crisis.
Defective Airbags
Sometimes, a car manufacturer will recall certain cars because of airbag defects that cause more serious injuries. Over the past several years, millions of vehicles have been recalled because of defects in the Takata airbags. The airbags contained sharp objects that flew into the passenger compartment of the cars when the airbags were released, resulting in serious injury and even death for some victims.
If your car is included in a recall because of similarly defective airbags, it is important to ensure it is checked for issues and repaired as soon as possible.
Staying Safe
Airbags do still save lives, and proper precautions can limit the risk of injury from airbags. For most airbags, ensuring that front-seat passengers wear their seatbelts can reduce the impact of the airbag deployment. In addition, children should use appropriate car seats and ride in the back seats, which are usually equipped with side airbags.
Let Us Assist You
Airbag injuries as a result of a head-on collision or as a result of a defective product can result in medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. In addition to the personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused your head-on collision, you may be able to recover compensation from the car’s manufacturer for a malfunctioning airbag. If you have suffered
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, contact a Virginia car accident attorney to discuss what type of damages you may be entitled to. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have successfully obtained compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses our clients have suffered. Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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