Common Airbag Deployment Injuries
Airbags have become a standard safety feature in modern vehicles, designed to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a car accident. It has been proven that airbags reduce driver fatalities by 30% and front-seat passenger fatalities by 27%. However, when airbags deploy, they can also cause injuries to the occupants in the vehicle. The force of an airbag deployment can cause various types of injuries, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
The law firm of Doehrman Buba Ring has handled numerous cases of airbag deployment injuries and is ready to fight for you. Our Indiana car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
How Does an Airbag Injure Someone?
When your car is hit, the crash sensor sends a signal to the airbag inflator, which then fills the airbag with nitrogen gas. Airbags then deploy rapidly upon impact, inflating with a powerful force to cushion occupants. However, this force can cause serious injury such as bruises, burns, fractures, and even internal trauma due to the sudden deployment speed and impact with the body. Frontal airbags, which are designed to protect drivers and front-seat passengers, can cause injuries to the head, neck, chest, arms, and legs. Side airbags can also cause similar injuries depending on their location and the angle at which they deploy.
Common Airbag Injuries in Car Accidents
Head and Neck Injuries
One of the most common injuries from airbag deployment involves the head and neck. The sudden and forceful expansion of the airbag can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), whiplash, and even fractures in the cervical spine. These injuries can result from both frontal and side airbag deployments. A traumatic brain injury is a serious condition that can cause long-term cognitive impairment and disability.
Facial Trauma
Facial injuries are also prevalent, with the airbag’s impact causing lacerations, bruising, and fractures to the nose, cheekbones, and jaw. In some severe cases, the force of the airbag can also lead to vision and hearing damage.
Eye Injuries
A frontal airbag can cause eye injuries due to the deployment’s sudden outburst of particles and chemicals. These particles can irritate or even damage the eyes, causing redness, swelling, and, in extreme cases, blindness.
Abdominal and Chest Injuries
The torso is especially vulnerable in car accidents, and the deployment of airbags can cause rib fractures, lung contusions, and cardiac injuries. Abdominal trauma, such as internal bleeding and organ damage, can also occur, particularly in high-impact collisions where the body is thrust forward against the inflating airbag.
Limb Injuries
Arms and legs can also be injured by the force of airbag deployment. Common limb injuries include fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue damage such as bruises and lacerations. These injuries often occur when the arms or legs are flung against the dashboard or side structure of the vehicle upon impact.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The powerful force of airbag deployment can also cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and spine. These injuries can be severe and may require surgery or extended physical therapy for recovery.
What Should You Do After An Airbag Deploys?
After an airbag deploys, check for injuries and assist others if needed.
Move to a safe area, exchange information with other drivers, and report the accident to the authorities.
What Should You Do If You Sustained an Airbag Injury?
Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor symptoms.
Document injuries, seek legal advice, and preserve evidence like the vehicle and medical records.
Contact an Indiana car accident attorney at Doehrman Buba Ring to understand your rights.
Safety Tips for Children and Airbags
It’s essential to understand that airbags, while crucial for adult safety, can pose risks to younger passengers. To ensure the safety of children in a vehicle, it’s important to remember that airbags are designed to work together with seat belts, not as a replacement. Children under the age of 13 are safest when seated in the back seat of a vehicle. This position keeps them at a safer distance from the intense force of an airbag deployment, which could cause injury to a small body. Always use the appropriate child car seat or booster seat, and make sure it is installed correctly according to the child’s weight, height, and age. Keeping these practices in mind can greatly reduce the risk of injury from airbag deployment in an accident.
Seeking Compensation for Airbag Injuries
If you have sustained airbag injuries, seeking compensation becomes crucial. In cases where faulty airbags or negligent deployment have caused harm, pursuing legal action might be necessary. The complexities of such cases often require expertise in personal injury law to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with our experienced attorneys skilled in handling airbag injury claims can help you navigate the legal process effectively, securing the compensation you deserve.
Who Can You Sue For Your Airbag Injuries?
In case of airbag injuries, you can sue various parties such as the car manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or negligent drivers. Determining liability is crucial in seeking compensation for your injuries. Seeking legal advice promptly is recommended. Our team at Doehrman Buba Ring can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to pursue your airbag injury case.
Types of Damages Available to Victims in Indiana
In Indiana, victims of airbag injuries can seek various types of damages. These may include compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, punitive damages. In situations where airbag injuries result in long-term disabilities or significant financial burdens, victims may be entitled to substantial compensation. The legal system in Indiana allows for comprehensive measures to address the diverse impacts of airbag injuries on individuals, providing essential support for those affected.
How Doehrman Buba Ring Can Assist in Your Claim
Doehrman Buba Ring provides expert legal assistance to navigate airbag injury claims with precision. Our experienced team is well-versed in handling complex cases, ensuring thorough support throughout the process. We meticulously investigate liability, evaluate negligence, and strategize the best course of action to secure rightful compensation for our clients. With a focus on professionalism and a commitment to excellence, we guide individuals in Indiana through the legal complexities of airbag injury claims, advocating tirelessly for their rights.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for an Airbag Injury in Indiana?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a claim for an airbag injury is typically two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to act promptly within this time frame to protect your legal rights and seek compensation.
Preventative Measures and Safety Tips
Taking preventative measures and following safety tips can help reduce the risk of airbag injuries in car accidents. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
Adjusting Seating Position and Steering Wheel Orientation
Proper seating position and steering wheel orientation are important factors in reducing the risk of airbag injuries in car accidents. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Adjust seating position: Sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel to minimize the risk of injury from airbag deployment. This distance allows the airbag to deploy with enough space for cushioning without causing harm.
Passenger side: If you are sitting in the front seat, adjust your seat to a comfortable position while maintaining a 10-inch distance from the dashboard.
Steering wheel orientation: Hold the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o’clock or 8 and 4 o’clock positions to prevent wrist or arm injuries from the airbag impact. This position allows for better control and reduces the risk of injury in the event of airbag deployment.
Proper seating position and steering wheel orientation are simple yet effective ways to reduce the risk of airbag injuries and ensure the maximum benefit of airbag protection during a car accident. It is important to adjust these factors according to your height and body proportions for optimal safety.
Contact Doehrman Buba Ring; Let Our Indiana Car Accident Lawyers Fight For You
If you sustained serious injuries caused by an airbag in a car accident, it is important to seek legal representation from experienced car accident lawyers. At Doehrman Buba Ring, our legal team specializes in personal injury cases, including airbag injury claims. Here’s how we can assist you:
Legal expertise: Our Indiana car accident lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in handling airbag injury cases. We understand the complexities of these cases and can provide expert guidance throughout the legal process.
Building a strong claim: We will work tirelessly to build a strong car accident claim on your behalf, seeking maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Trial representation: If necessary, our car accident lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for your rights in the courtroom. We have a proven track record of success in obtaining favorable verdicts for our clients.
Client advocacy: At Doehrman Buba Ring, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our clients. We provide personalized attention and support, keeping you informed and involved in every step of the legal process.
By choosing Doehrman Buba Ring as your legal representation, you can rest assured that your airbag injury claim will be handled with the utmost care and dedication. Contact our offices today for a free consultation. Let our experienced car accident lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve.
