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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in this country. The results of these crashes are often injuries to those unfortunate enough to be involved. Vehicles manufactured today have much better safety features compared to vehicles manufactured in the past. In addition to seat belts, today’s vehicles also have airbag restraint systems, which place airbags throughout the vehicle. The airbags act as a cushion in the event of an accident.
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Common Injuries of Crash Victims
A person can suffer victims in any type of crash, whether it is a high- or low-speed accident. A victim’s head can be slammed into the dashboard, windshield, or steering wheel. If there are objects in the vehicle which are loose, they can become airborne and hit the driver or passengers, causing injury. Some of the most common injuries that crash victims can sustain include:
- Brain injury
- Fractured bones
- Head injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
Seat Belts
Even though seat belts have been around for decades, they are still one of the most important safety features a vehicle has. Originally, seat belts only went across the wearer’s lap. Today’s seat belts, however, have two parts. The belt that goes across the lap and the shoulder belt extending over one shoulder and across the chest.
The purpose of two belts is to keep the wearer in a more stationary position no matter what type of change in momentum or sudden stops the vehicle makes. When seat belts are worn correctly, they stop the force of vehicle impact at the two belt locations. This helps minimize the effect the crash will have on the victim’s body and helps keep the victim from being thrown from the vehicle upon crash impact.
Air Bags
Airbag systems have a couple of different names. They may be referred to as supplemental inflatable restraints (SIR) or supplemental (or secondary) restraint system (SRS). The reason why airbags are referred to as “supplemental” is that a seat belt should always be worn whenever in the vehicle. Airbags are not a replacement for seat belts.
When the vehicle is involved in a crash or collision, the impact will cause the airbag to inflate. Airbags are made up of a cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor.
There are several types of airbags:
- Frontal Airbags: These airbags are installed in the vehicle’s first row, typically in the steering wheel and the glove compartment. They are meant to protect the driver and front-seat passenger.
- Side Airbags: These airbags are installed in the seat or in the door. They are meant to protect the occupant’s head and neck.
- Curtain Airbags: These airbags are installed in the roof of the vehicle. They are meant to protect the occupants’ heads and to cushion anyone in the vehicle in the event of a rollover crash.
Contact a Carolinas Car Crash Lawyer
If you have been injured in a crash, contact a North Carolina car accident attorney to see what type of financial damages you may be entitled to. The legal team from Shapiro & Appleton have been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled North Carolina car accident attorneys to find out how we can help, call us today at (833) 997-1774 or a free case evaluation.