One of the most dangerous types of car accidents is a head-on collision. These accidents often result in serious injuries and death. This is because at least one – if not both – vehicles that are involved in the crash are traveling at a higher speed, causing a severe impact when the crash occurs.
Over the past several decades, vehicle manufacturers have developed and equipped new models with different safety systems that can help protect vehicle occupants from serious injury in the event of an accident. One of the most common of these safety systems is the airbag. When there is an impact of the vehicle being hit or hitting another vehicle or object, the airbag automatically deploys in order to protect the person from serious injuries, such as smashing into the steering wheel or dashboard. Unfortunately, the airbag deploying can also cause serious injury to the occupant because of the force expelled when it opens up.
How Airbags Work
Airbags are comprised of lightweight fabric. The bags are packed into different areas of the vehicle. They are released when the sensors in the airbag unit are triggered, such as the impact from another vehicle in a head-on crash. When the sensor is triggered, the bag is inflated with gas and deploys. These actions take just seconds.
While the airbag does protect a vehicle occupant from the crash, the deployment of the airbag can cause them to suffer injury. For example, a front airbag will stop the driver from hitting the dashboard, but the force of the bag hitting their head or face can cause them to suffer brain injuries, headaches, back pain, neck pain, and chest pain. A victim who has been in an accident where their airbag has deployed should seek out medical attention immediately, even if they do not think they have been injured. The airbag may have done its job in protecting you, but you may have a dangerous injury with delayed symptoms that you are unaware of.
Defective Airbags
Another major issue with airbags over the past several years involves defective airbags. Tens of millions of vehicles have been recalled because long-term exposure to high heat and humidity can cause these airbags to explode when deployed. These airbags have sharp metal objects which are like shrapnel inside of them. When the airbags explode, the vehicle is sprayed with this shrapnel, severely and fatally injuring victims caught in the vehicle.
Let Our Firm Help
A car accident can have long-lasting effects on a victim, both physical and emotional. As a result, these injuries can also have a devastating impact on a victim’s financial health, as well, if they are unable to work while they recover. Seatbelts and airbags are designed to protect vehicle occupants in the event of a crash, but if these safety systems are defective, victims can suffer even more harm than the actual crash has caused.
If you have been injured from airbags in a crash, contact a Virginia product liability attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out what legal recourse you may have. Our personal injury firm has more than three decades of experience fighting for injured victims and getting them the financial justice they deserve. Call our office today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
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