Comprehending the Risks of Airbag Injuries

Designed to prevent serious injuries in the event of a car crash, airbags have saved many lives. But while these important vehicle safety tools often achieve their intended purpose, they can sometimes cause injuries themselves.

Legal professionals who understand safety feature injuries can guide you to monetary relief if you have sustained an airbag injury. After a Clearwater, Hudson, and Tampa car accident, talk to an attorney about legal remedies.

Possible Injuries Caused by Airbags

When airbags deploy, the rapid inflation and force can lead to various injuries, including the following.

• Facial injuries. The impact of the airbag can cause bruises, lacerations, and fractures to the face.
• Eye harm. Chemicals released during deployment or the force of the airbag can result in eye injuries, including retinal detachment or corneal abrasions.
• Hearing damage. Loud sounds of an airbag deployment can damage hearing, potentially leading to tinnitus or permanent hearing loss.
• The substances used to deploy airbags can cause burns on the skin, especially on the face, arms, and hands.
• Chest injuries. Rib fractures, sternum injuries, or internal injuries are possible from an airbag’s force.
• Neck and spine harm. The sudden jolt from an airbag can cause whiplash or more severe spinal injuries.

Airbags deploy to cushion occupants from the impact of a crash. This rapid deployment is necessary to provide protection but can lead to injuries when occupants are sitting too close to the steering wheel, are sitting in an improper position, or there are manufacturing defects that lead to an airbag deploying with too much force or at the wrong time.

What to Do if You or Someone You Care about is Hurt by an Airbag

If you were injured by an airbag, take specific steps to protect your health and legal rights. First, even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation to document your injuries and receive appropriate treatment. You also want to keep records of your medical treatment, take photographs of your injuries, and gather any evidence related to the accident.

Once you have a treatment plan in place, you can look into ways to cover your airbag injury expenses. In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is mandatory and provides benefits regardless of who was at fault. PIP relief will cover a percentage of medical bills related to the injury and up to 60% of lost wages should a vehicular accident injury prevent you from working for a period of time.

While less common than the protection they provide, airbag injuries are a serious concern. In situations where an airbag deployed incorrectly or was defective, you might have grounds to hold the manufacturer accountable. A Florida personal injury lawyer can look over your case and advise you on if it’s possible to file a claim against an airbag manufacturer.

Are you recovering from an airbag injury? Consult with the attorneys at Roman & Roman. With over 100 years of combined experience, our lawyers can connect you with a full and fair settlement. To achieve the best possible outcome, schedule a confidential consultation today.

Although the law firm of Roman & Roman has offices in Clearwater, Hudson and Tampa, we handle cases and claims throughout  Florida. We also meet personally with our clients if at all possible, rather than impersonally over the phone or on the Internet.