Common Airbag Accident Injuries

Airbags are critical safety features in vehicles, but when they cause injury—especially due to defects—you have legal options.

How Airbags Work

Airbags deploy in less than a second during moderate to severe collisions. Sensors in the vehicle detect rapid deceleration or impact, triggering an explosive reaction that inflates the bag with gas. This deployment reduces the chance of the occupant hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield. Front airbags have been required in passenger vehicles since 1999, and many cars now include side and curtain airbags for additional protection.

Common Airbag Injuries

Although airbags save lives, the speed and force of deployment can cause a range of injuries, especially when occupants are sitting too close, not wearing seat belts, or when the airbag is defective. Common airbag-related injuries include:

• Facial Injuries: The face is often the first area to make contact with the airbag. Injuries may include cuts, bruises, broken noses, or damage to the jaw or teeth.
• Eye Injuries: Airbag chemicals and impact can cause eye trauma, burns, or even temporary or permanent vision loss.
• Chest Injuries: The chest absorbs much of the airbag’s force. Injuries may include broken ribs, sternum fractures, and internal bruising. People with heart conditions may face additional risks.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Rapid airbag deployment can jerk the head and neck backward, leading to whiplash, cervical spine injuries, or back strain.
• Burns and Abrasions: Airbags often cause chemical or friction burns, especially on the face, arms, and chest. The heat and powder released during deployment can irritate or damage the skin.
• Hearing Damage: The sound of deployment can exceed 150 decibels. This sudden loud noise may cause ringing in the ears or hearing loss.
• Hand and Arm Injuries: Drivers may suffer wrist, hand, or forearm injuries if their limbs are near or on the steering wheel during deployment.
• Pregnancy-Related Injuries: Pregnant individuals may face specific risks, including trauma to the abdomen, which could endanger the unborn child.

When Airbags Cause Preventable Harm

In some cases, airbag injuries are caused by a defect in the airbag system. Common problems include:

• Failure to deploy during a severe crash
• Deployment without a collision
• Exploding or overpowered airbags
• Metal fragments from faulty inflators (such as in Takata airbag recalls)
• Delayed deployment

When an airbag malfunctions, the manufacturer or vehicle maker may be liable.

Seeking Compensation for Airbag Injuries

If you were injured by an airbag during a crash, you may be entitled to compensation through:

Personal Injury Claim Against Another Driver

If a negligent driver caused the collision, you may file a claim against their insurance policy. Even if the airbag caused your injuries, the at-fault driver’s actions set the events in motion.

Product Liability Claim

If the airbag malfunctioned you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the airbag manufacturer, vehicle manufacturer, or supplier. These claims focus on whether the product was defective in design, manufacturing, or warning labels.

Claim Against Your Own Insurance Policy

In some cases, especially under Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance laws, you may first turn to your own insurance for medical benefits regardless of fault.

Third-Party Negligence

Some accidents involve third parties such as vehicle maintenance shops or parts suppliers. If a mechanic improperly installed or failed to service the airbag system, they could share liability for the resulting injuries.

Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.