Airbag Failure

Although seatbelts have been used to save lives and prevent injuries for a century, airbags are more recent invention. They were created to supplement the protection of seatbelts by preventing drivers and passengers from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or other parts of the car. When airbags fail, however, they can cause serious injuries.

Even after seatbelts became standard, was still common for drivers and passengers to be severely injured by contact with the steering wheel and dash. Airbags were created to reduce the chance of injuries of that type by deploying cushioning at the moment of impact.

In order to inflate at the moment of impact, in the fraction of a second before the vehicle’s occupants strike the inside of the automobile, airbags must utilize extremely high pressure. This can mean a tiny explosive device that inflates the bag with heated gas. If the airbag ruptures or otherwise leaks gas, it can cause severe burns. In addition, a failed airbag also fails to protect occupants from impact.

Some newer airbag designs do not use hot gas, but they still must deploy rapidly. The force of a deploying airbag can cause broken noses and bruising, and the burst of sound created by the explosion can cause hearing damage. Automakers have worked to reduce these and other risks, but that is no guarantee. Faulty airbag design, regardless of the age of the vehicle, is dangerous.

Contact Us

Airbags save lives, but they can also cause serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured by a failed airbag, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, losses, and suffering. To discuss your case with an experienced Queens car defect lawyer, contact the law office of Parker Waichman LLP today by calling 888-244-2273.