Vehicle Airbag Injuries Are On the Rise Due to Defects

Airbags are safety devices in vehicles that are designed to keep drivers and passengers safe in accidents. However, problems with defective airbags have caused many vehicle airbag injuries and deaths. Recently, there have been vehicle recalls by various manufacturers due to faulty airbags. There are a number of concerns with defective airbags in vehicles. If you or someone you love were injured due to an airbag that malfunctioned, you may be entitled to compensation.

Types of Airbag Defects

Airbags may have one of several types of defects. Some airbags fail to deploy in an accident, which is likely caused by a faulty airbag switch. Airbags may deploy when the vehicle is not involved in an accident, injuring the driver or passengers and causing an accident. The most recent airbag recall is because of airbags that contain shrapnel. The small pieces of metal are extruded from the airbag at a high rate of speed when the airbag deploys and the shrapnel forcefully enters the persons face and body. These types of defects have caused thousands of injuries and some deaths.

Injuries Caused by Faulty Airbags

Many types of injuries have occurred because of faulty airbags. A person could sustain serious wounds, including head trauma due to metal pieces hitting the body on deployment. If the airbag fails to deploy, the person could suffer broken bones, back injuries, and head injuries if the head hits the windshield. When an airbag deploys when it shouldn’t it will probably cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and a severe accident may occur.

Manufacturer Responsibilities

The manufacturer of the airbags as well as the vehicle manufacturer may both hold some responsibility for injuries caused by airbag malfunctions. The airbag manufacturer must have known that there was a potential risk for serious danger but did not take the steps necessary to prevent problems. According to some reports, airbag manufacturers have known for years that their airbags were defective but continued to sell them and did not notify the public.

What to Do If You Were Injured

If you suffered an injury because of a defective airbag, it is best to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Your attorney will examine your case to determine liability and negligence. You may be able to make a claim against the responsible party. You should seek payment for all damages caused by the injury including medical expenses, lost wages, and money for pain and suffering.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding Vehicle Airbag Injuries, or any other personal injury, please feel free to contact Brian T. Allen at  480.461.5335,  log on to udallshumway.com,  or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.