Imagine you’re cruising down the highway, the sun warm on your face, when suddenly another car veers into your lane. You brace for impact, trusting the safety features in your vehicle to protect you. But then, a malfunction occurs. The airbags, designed to be your shield, deploy with such force they cause serious injuries.
This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario. Faulty airbags are a genuine danger on the road, and the consequences can be devastating when they fail.
The different faces of airbag failure
While airbags are a crucial safety element in modern vehicles, their effectiveness hinges entirely on proper functioning. Unfortunately, defective airbags can malfunction in several ways, leaving drivers and passengers vulnerable to serious injuries.
Airbag malfunction can take a few different forms, including:
- Non-deployment: In a collision where an airbag should deploy, it remains stubbornly inert. This leaves occupants exposed to the full brunt of the impact, increasing the risk of head-on injuries, broken bones and internal bleeding.
- Delayed deployment: Precious milliseconds can mean the difference between a minor bump and a life-threatening injury. When airbags deploy too late, they offer little to no protection.
- Aggressive deployment: Airbags inflate with incredible force, a fact that’s usually beneficial. However, a malfunctioning airbag can deploy with excessive force, causing facial fractures, eye injuries and even internal organ damage.
- Shrapnel deployment: In the most horrifying cases, faulty manufacturing can lead to metal fragments or other debris being ejected from the airbag compartment during deployment, inflicting additional injuries.
These malfunctions can have life-altering consequences. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) keeps a record of airbag recalls, and staying informed can be a matter of life and safety.
Why legal action matters
When a malfunctioning airbag causes serious injury, the burden shouldn’t fall solely on the victim. Taking legal action against negligent manufacturers sends a powerful message. It holds them accountable for their mistakes and ensures they prioritize safety in their designs and manufacturing processes.
A personal injury lawyer who focuses on product liability can help navigate the legal complexities of an airbag failure case. Here’s what you can expect:
- Investigating the cause: Your lawyer will meticulously investigate the accident, analyze the airbag system and work with experts to determine the cause of the malfunction.
- Building a solid case: Evidence will be gathered, including police reports, medical records and data on the specific airbag model.
- Seeking compensation: You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence.
Taking legal action isn’t just about financial compensation; it’s about making our roads safer for everyone. By holding manufacturers accountable, we encourage them to prioritize safety and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.