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Injured Due to a Defective Airbag? Here Are Your Legal Options

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Every car has airbags installed in it. You trust the airbag of your car to protect you when you get involved in an accident, but suppose it does precisely the opposite and causes your injuries. What will you do in that situation? Defective or malfunctioning airbags have caused bad injuries across America by not inflating, inflating with too much force, or bursting.

What should be done if a safety tool turns into a danger? You should consult a knowledgeable defective airbags lawyer for legal guidance. Before that, we will explain how airbag defects occur, who is responsible for them, and what rights you could have as a victim if you become injured.

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Airbag Malfunctions: Common Failures and Their Risks

A well-working airbag inflates in less than one second and gives a protection layer between the inner space of the vehicle and the driver. Inefficient design or manufacturing faults may result in:

  • Non-deployment in a crash: The airbag does not deploy, and passengers are exposed.
  • Surprise deployment: The airbag deploys without a crash, resulting in unnecessary injury.
  • Exploding inflators: Certain faulty airbags explode when inflated, spewing metal particles and creating fatal injuries.
  • Toxic chemical burns: The chemicals used in airbag inflation can cause severe skin and eye irritation.

One of the most famous airbag defect cases involved Takata airbags, which resulted in widespread recalls and several lawsuits because of faulty inflators.

Who is Liable for a Defective Airbag?

When an airbag malfunctions, multiple parties may be responsible for the defect, including:

  • Airbag manufacturers: If a design flaw or production error caused the failure.
  • Car manufacturers: If they installed defective airbags or failed to recall unsafe vehicles in time.
  • Spare parts suppliers: If a third-party company provides faulty airbag components.

Determining liability requires an in-depth investigation; a legal professional can help gather evidence, analyze the cause of the defect, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Compensation You May Receive

Successful airbag defect claims typically yield compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage to your vehicle
  • Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Studies from the Journal of Safety Research showcase that victims of serious airbag injuries face average medical costs exceeding $25,000, not including long-term care requirements.

What to Do in Case of an Airbag Injury?

If a defective airbag has hurt you or someone you know, follow these steps to protect your rights:

  • Seek medical care: Even minor injuries may lead to long-term consequences, and lawsuits require medical records. So, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Collect evidence: Retain the destroyed airbag, photograph the injuries, and track medical records.
  • Check for recalls: The U.S. Department of Transportation has a recall database in which you can check whether a recall was issued for your specific vehicle model for airbag defects.
  • Consult an attorney: Complicated cases involving defective airbags are best explained by an attorney, who can assist you with your choices. So, consult an attorney.

Protection should never be compromised by a defective airbag. Seeking justice after an injury involves more than just getting paid; it also entails holding manufacturers responsible and ensuring everyone drives safely.

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