Airbags are among the most valuable safety features in modern vehicles. They cushion occupants during a sudden impact and help limit the severity of a crash.
Even so, injuries from airbags happen more often than most drivers expect. Knowing how these systems work, and when they cause harm, can help crash victims understand their rights.
How Airbags Work
Airbags depend on crash sensors that detect sudden, severe deceleration. When the sensors trigger, an igniter inflates the bag with gas in a fraction of a second. The bag forms a barrier between the occupant and the hard surfaces inside the vehicle.
The bag then deflates almost immediately after absorbing the impact. The whole process is faster than any driver can react. That speed is also why the force can sometimes hurt the people the bag is meant to protect.
Some vehicles also use seat belt sensors to adjust how forcefully an airbag deploys. An unbelted occupant may trigger a different deployment response than a properly restrained one.
Where Airbags Are Placed
Front airbags are housed in the steering wheel and dashboard. They protect the driver and front passenger from forward impacts.
Side airbags are usually built into the seat or the roof rail. They shield the head and torso when the vehicle is struck from the side.
In some crashes, side airbags may also deploy during a significant frontal or rear-end collision. This layered design is meant to protect occupants in many different crash types.
Why Airbags Can Cause Injuries
Airbags save lives, but the force that protects an occupant in a serious crash can also cause harm. An airbag that deploys with excessive force can injure someone. So can sitting too close to the airbag housing when it fires.
The gases released during inflation can also irritate the lungs and airways in some people.
Common Airbag-Related Injuries
The severity of an injury depends on the deployment force and where the occupant is seated. Injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. Common examples include:
- Facial injuries, including bruising and damage to the eyes, nose, or jaw
- Chest injuries and fractured ribs
- Neck and back injuries
- Burns and scrapes from airbag fabric
- Broken wrists and arms
- Head trauma and brain injuries
- Hearing damage from the force and noise of deployment
- Internal bleeding
- Breathing problems from inhaled gases
- Harm to an unborn child when the occupant is pregnant
In the most serious cases, airbag injuries can be fatal. Even a crash at moderate speed can produce enough force to cause lasting damage.
Ways to Lower Your Risk
No driver can remove every danger of a collision. A few simple habits can reduce the chance of being hurt by a deploying airbag.
Buckle Up Every Time
Airbags are built to work with seat belts, not replace them. Without a belt, an occupant is more likely to hit the wheel or dashboard before the bag is fully inflated. That raises the risk of serious injury.
Keep Your Distance
The closer you sit to the steering wheel or dashboard, the more force you absorb when the bag opens. Safety experts generally advise leaving at least ten inches between your chest and the airbag cover.
Hold the Wheel Correctly
Place your hands at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. Gripping the wheel higher can send your arms or hands into your face or the rear-view mirror when the bag deploys.
Do Not Lean Against the Door
Resting against the door is unsafe even in normal driving. If your vehicle has side airbags, a deployment while you are leaning there can add to your injuries.
What to Do After an Airbag Injury
If an airbag injured you, document the harm as soon as possible. Medical attention protects your health and also creates a record that can support a future claim.
Take photos of the vehicle interior, the deployed airbag, and any visible injuries. Keep records of your treatment, missed work, and related expenses. Together, these show the full extent of what the crash cost you.
How an Attorney Can Help
Airbag injuries are often more serious than they first appear. Insurance companies do not always offer fair compensation for them, and adjusters frequently work to reduce payouts.
An experienced car accident attorney can investigate the crash and determine whether the airbag worked as intended. Your lawyer can also identify every party who may be responsible. That could include a driver, a manufacturer, or others.
Your attorney can gather medical records, accident reports, and expert opinions to build a strong case. They can also handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company, so you can focus on healing.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries from airbags in a crash, legal help can mean the difference between a low settlement and full compensation. A dedicated legal team will work to make sure your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully accounted for as your case moves forward.