Understanding Airbag Injuries
An airbag injury occurs when an airbag malfunctions during a car accident, causing harm instead of providing protection. Common types of airbag injuries include:
- Burns and abrasions from the chemicals or the friction of a deploying airbag
- Facial and head injuries, such as concussions or fractures, due to excessive force
- Chest or rib injuries from improper deployment
- Eye damage or vision loss from debris or impact
- Internal injuries caused by shrapnel from defective airbag components
High-profile cases, like the Takata airbag recalls affecting millions of vehicles, have highlighted the dangers of faulty airbags. If you’ve suffered an airbag injury, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury or product liability lawsuit.
Steps to Take After an Airbag Injury
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
2. Document the Accident and Your Injuries
Gather evidence to support your case. This includes:
- Photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and the deployed (or undeployed) airbag
- Pictures of your injuries
- A written account of the accident and how the airbag contributed to your injuries
- Witness contact information
- The police report, if available
This documentation can help your attorney build a strong case for your airbag injury claim.
3. Report the Defective Airbag
4. Consult a Phoenix Personal Injury Attorney
5. Check the Statute of Limitations
Why Airbag Injuries Are a Product Liability Issue
Airbag injuries often fall under product liability law because they result from defective design, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings. For example:
- Design defects: The airbag’s design may be inherently unsafe, causing it to deploy with excessive force.
- Manufacturing defects: A flaw during production, like faulty inflators, can lead to dangerous malfunctions.
- Failure to warn: Manufacturers may fail to provide adequate instructions or warnings about airbag risks.
Proving product liability requires demonstrating that the airbag was defective and directly caused your injuries. An experienced attorney can work with experts to investigate the airbag’s failure and hold the responsible parties—such as the manufacturer or supplier—accountable.
Compensation for Airbag Injuries
If you’ve suffered an airbag injury, you may be eligible for compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage (e.g., to your vehicle)
In Arizona, there are no damage caps for most personal injury claims, meaning you can pursue full compensation for your losses. Our attorneys can help you understand how much your case may be worth. Explore Arizona’s damage caps and compensation rules.
How Begam Marks & Traulsen Can Help
At Begam Marks & Traulsen, our Phoenix personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of airbag injuries seek justice. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take. Our team will:
- Investigate the cause of the airbag malfunction
- Gather evidence, including expert testimony
- Negotiate with insurance companies or manufacturers
- Fight for maximum compensation in court, if necessary
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide personalized guidance. Contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys today to get started.
Preventing Future Airbag Injuries
To reduce your risk of an airbag injury:
- Check if your vehicle is part of an airbag recall by visiting www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering your vehicle’s VIN.
- Ensure your vehicle undergoes regular maintenance and any recall-related repairs.
- Follow airbag safety guidelines, such as sitting at least 10 inches from the steering wheel or dashboard.