Common Airbag Injuries After a Car Accident

Airbags are designed to save lives – and they do. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags saved over 50,000 lives from 1987 to 2017. But despite their life-saving capabilities, airbags can also cause injuries during deployment. In the event of a collision, the rapid inflation of an airbag can lead to various injuries, some of which may require medical treatment or long-term care.

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to an airbag in a car crash. Call the Olympia car accident attorneys at Brumley Law Firm now at (833) 832-2727. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.

How Airbags Work

Airbags deploy within milliseconds of a crash to provide a cushion between the occupant and the hard surfaces inside the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. While they’re incredibly effective at reducing fatal injuries, the speed and force of their deployment can cause harm – especially when combined with the impact of the crash itself.

Common Airbag-Related Injuries

Here are some of the most frequently reported injuries associated with airbag deployment:

Facial Injuries

Because airbags deploy directly in front of the driver and passenger, the face is especially vulnerable. Common facial injuries include:

• Bruising or swelling
• Fractured cheekbones or nose
• Eye trauma (such as corneal abrasions or retinal detachment)
• Burns from the heat or chemicals used in airbag deployment

While many of these injuries are minor, others – especially those involving the eyes – can lead to lasting damage or require surgery.

Neck and Spine Injuries

The sudden forward motion followed by rapid contact with the airbag can lead to whiplash or spinal misalignment. In some cases, herniated discs or nerve damage may result, particularly if the occupant’s posture was poor at the time of the crash or if they weren’t wearing a seatbelt properly.

Chest and Rib Injuries

The force of an airbag can cause bruising, fractures, or even internal injuries in the chest area. This is especially true for older adults or individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Common injuries include:

• Bruised or broken ribs
• Sternum fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Heart or lung trauma in severe cases

Burns and Abrasions

Chemical burns are common due to the small explosion that triggers airbag inflation. Additionally, friction burns can occur when the skin rubs against the fabric of the airbag at high speed. These burns typically affect the arms, face, and chest.

Hearing Damage

The sound of an airbag deploying can be as loud as a gunshot – up to 170 decibels. This sudden noise can lead to temporary or even permanent hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or eardrum damage.

Psychological Trauma

Physical injuries aren’t the only harm caused by airbags. The shock of a crash and sudden deployment can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some cases, victims may develop a fear of driving or riding in cars.

What to Do If You’re Injured by an Airbag

If you’ve been injured in a car accident – whether by the crash itself or the airbag – it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Once your immediate health is taken care of, consider speaking with an Olympia personal injury attorney who can help you determine whether a defective airbag, negligent driver, or vehicle manufacturer may be liable.

At Brumley Law Firm, we’re committed to helping accident victims across Washington State get the compensation they deserve. Don’t wait – call us today at (833) 832-2727 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.