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Even properly working airbags can cause serious injuries

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

You were in a serious car crash caused by another driver. You feel lucky to be alive. Your airbags deployed, so you escaped serious injuries. At least you thought so. Now you’re starting to notice some troubling symptoms.

Airbags can and do save lives. They keep people from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield and other parts of the car. However, they can also cause injuries due to the sheer speed and force of their deployment. Airbags can deploy at more than 200 mph.

Airbag-related injuries

Some airbag injuries are noticeable immediately. Others may take some time to recognize. Let’s look at some of them.

  • Head injuries: The force of the airbag can cause swelling of the brain or even a concussion.
  • Cervical spine injuries: When an airbag hits you, it can damage the top (cervical) portion of the spine, causing a strain or even a fracture. This can cause loss of sensation or movement.
  • Ear trauma: If you’re hit by a side airbag or if your head is turned when an airbag strikes your head, you could suffer ear trauma. In severe cases, this can cause hearing loss.
  • Internal lacerations: An airbag impact can lacerate the liver, heart, spleen and/or lungs. These injuries can be fatal if not treated promptly.
  • Bone fractures: The most common types of fractures related to airbag deployment are to the face, skull, wrists, fingers, arms and ribs

Factor in treatment for these injuries as you seek compensation

Make no mistake: Airbags, like seatbelts, are essential life-saving features in any vehicle. However, as you’re undergoing medical examinations and treatment after a crash, it’s important to make your physicians aware of any discomfort or other symptoms you’re feeling that may have been caused by the airbag. They could go well beyond the bruises you might expect.

As you seek compensation from the at-fault driver for medical treatment and other expenses and damages, you and your attorney will want to factor in treatment for any injuries caused by the airbag deployment caused by the  crash.