Airbags, first conceptualized in the 1950s, became a mandatory safety feature in all vehicles to enhance passenger protection. The invention of the airbag is credited to John H. Hetrick, who designed it after he, his wife, and their young daughter were involved in a car accident in 1953. Hetrick’s “inflatable safety cushion” was created to reduce injuries during crashes and has since become a cornerstone of modern vehicle safety.
Airbags are essential safety features designed to protect passengers in a car accident. They deploy in a second to cushion the impact and reduce the risk of severe injury or fatality. While airbags are engineered to save lives, they can also cause injury, especially when deployed under certain conditions or improperly. Understanding the potential consequences of airbag deployment is essential for accident victims when pursuing compensation for an airbag injury.
Car Manufacturer Responsibility and Liability
Car manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the airbag systems in their vehicles are designed, tested, and built to meet strict safety standards. This includes careful testing to ensure the airbags work correctly in different types of crashes, whether they happen at high or low speeds. Manufacturers must also act if there are any defects or recalls, as these problems can create serious safety risks. If someone gets hurt because of a problem with the airbag, the car manufacturer can be held responsible for any mistakes in the design or manufacturing. This can lead to lawsuits, where the company may be required to pay for the harm caused.
For example, in 2019, Takata airbags were recalled in tens of millions of vehicles because extended exposure to heat and humidity caused them to explode when deployed. These explosions led to serious injuries and even deaths for the people in those cars.
Airbag Deployment in an Accident
Airbags deploy when a vehicle’s sensors detect a sudden deceleration or impact force that exceeds a predetermined threshold. They are designed to deploy during moderate to severe collisions. However, most are set to deploy when the impact speed is about eight to fourteen miles per hour.
Airbags are typically located:
- Frontal: Deploy in head-on or near front collisions
- Side: Deploy during side impacts to protect against intrusion into the passenger compartment
- Curtain: Protect against head injuries during a rollover accident
Common Airbag Injuries and Treatment
These are the most common injuries sustained by an airbag:
Facial Injuries: The force of airbag deployment can cause significant facial injuries, including cuts, bruising, and fractures, particularly around the nose, eyes, and cheeks. In some cases, airbag deployment can result in serious eye injuries, which may lead to permanent vision loss or even the removal of an eye.
- Severe fractures may require surgical intervention, including realignment of bones and, in some cases, the use of plates or screws to stabilize fractures.
- Eye injuries from airbags, such as corneal abrasions or more severe damage, require prompt medical attention, potentially involving antibiotic eye drops and, in extreme cases, surgical repair or removal of the eye.
- Victims may also need long-term rehabilitative care, including therapy to address scarring, activities of daily living (use of face), or vision loss.
Neck and Spine Injuries: The sudden inflation of an airbag can cause whiplash, neck strains, and more severe spinal injuries, such as cervical spine fractures. These injuries can sometimes lead to long-term complications, including chronic pain or, in extreme cases, paralysis.
- Severe injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, may require immobilization with a neck brace or a spinal fusion surgery in extreme cases.
- Rehabilitation therapy, including physical therapy and chiropractic care, is often essential for restoring movement and strength. In cases of paralysis or permanent damage to the spine, patients may need long-term care, including occupational therapy and assistive devices.
Chest Injuries: The forceful deployment of an airbag can cause fractures or bruising to the ribs, sternum, and clavicle. In addition to these bone injuries, the intense pressure can also damage internal organs, such as the heart or lungs, which can be life-threatening.
- Surgical intervention may be needed for more severe fractures or internal organ damage. In cases of severe internal injuries, like a ruptured spleen or lung contusions, patients may require surgical repair and intensive care. Recovery may also involve physical therapy to regain strength and mobility after chest injuries.
Burns: The chemicals used in the airbag’s inflation process, like sodium azide, can cause severe burns, particularly to the face, arms, and upper body. These burns result from the hot, exothermic reaction that occurs when the airbag rapidly inflates, potentially leaving permanent scarring.
- Minor burns may be managed with topical ointments, bandages, and pain relievers.
- For more severe burns, such as second or third-degree burns, treatment may include debridement (removal of dead skin), antibiotics to prevent infection, and skin grafting to repair the damaged tissue.
- Scar management is crucial, and patients may require physical therapy to improve the mobility of burned areas, especially if joints or tendons are involved. Ongoing psychological support may also be necessary for those with visible scarring or disfigurement.
Hand and Arm Injuries: When airbags deploy, they release with tremendous force, which can result in broken bones, deep cuts, or nerve damage, especially if the driver or passenger’s hands and arms are positioned incorrectly. These injuries can lead to long-term disability or loss of function in the affected limbs.
- Fractures often require splinting or casting, and more severe breaks may need surgical repair with plates, screws, or rods to stabilize bones.
- Nerve damage may require nerve grafting surgery or other specialized interventions. Stitches or skin grafts might be necessary for severe cuts to repair the tissue. Following the initial treatment, patients typically need rehabilitative therapy, including physical and occupational therapy, to regain function and mobility in the affected limbs.
What Should I Do Next?
Whether it’s immediate care for facial fractures, long-term therapy for neck and spine injuries, or the extensive rehabilitation needed for severe burns, Ghuneim Law is committed to helping our clients recover after an accident. We will ensure you or your loved one receives the full compensation they need to move forward after an airbag injury.
Contact Ghuneim Law Firm at 833-GHU-NEIM or 281-487-8929 to schedule your free consultation.