Have You or a Loved One Been Injured by an Airbag?
Our Fort Lauderdale airbag injury lawyers will fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. You don't have to face this battle alone - let us guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the financial support necessary for your recovery.
Contact Goldberg & Loren now by calling us at (954) 758-4553 for a free consultation to discuss your airbag injury case. Don't wait another day to protect your rights - we are here to fight for you.
What is an Airbag Injury?
An airbag injury refers to a scenario where an individual sustains injuries due to the malfunction or deployment of an airbag during a car crash.
This is one of the most dangerous product liability cases. Airbags are designed to provide an additional layer of protection to drivers and passengers in the event of an accident. In some cases, airbags may fail to function correctly, leading to severe injuries or even death.
Frontal airbags have saved more than 50,000 lives over a 30-year period. [1]
Common Causes of Airbag Injuries
Defective Airbag Systems:
One of the primary causes of airbag injuries is a defective airbag system. Some airbags are manufactured with defects or design flaws that can hinder their ability to deploy properly. In such cases, the airbag may not inflate upon impact or may deploy with excessive force, causing severe injuries to the occupants.
Takata faced a widespread airbag recall in 2013 after it was discovered that their airbags were prone to fatal defects. The defect involved the inflator, which could rupture upon deployment, sending shrapnel flying into the vehicle's occupants. The defect has been linked to numerous injuries and deaths worldwide, leading to one of the largest automotive recalls in history.
Improper Installation or Maintenance:
Another common cause of airbag injuries is improper installation. If the airbag is not fitted correctly or if there are issues with the sensors or wiring, it can lead to a failure in deployment when needed.
Faulty Sensors or Deployment Systems:
Airbags rely on sensors to detect the severity of an impact and deploy accordingly. However, if the sensors are faulty or the deployment system is not calibrated correctly, it can lead to premature or delayed deployment. Airbags that deploy unnecessarily in minor collisions can also result in injuries.
Seat Position:
The position of the occupant in relation to the airbag can also play a role in causing injuries.
Shorter individuals or those who are not properly seated and positioned within the vehicle may be at a higher risk of sustaining airbag-related injuries, particularly to the face, neck, or chest.
Because airbags deploy with such force, there is a safe distance between an individual and the steering wheel of 10 inches. The first 2-3 inches next to the steering wheel are the most dangerous. [2]
Excessive Speed or Force:
Airbags are designed to provide protection during moderate to severe collisions. In accidents involving excessive speed or force, the deployment of the airbag may cause injuries. The impact of inflation can be quite powerful, leading to bruises, fractures, or even internal injuries.
Potential Injuries From Defective Airbags
Injuries from airbags can be extremely serious and these injuries may include:
- Facial Injuries: The forceful deployment of an airbag can cause facial injuries such as lacerations, bruises, and even fractures. These injuries often occur when the airbag strikes the face at high speed. The impact can lead to cuts and contusions, which may require stitches or other medical interventions.
- Chest Injuries: While the airbag is designed to absorb the impact and prevent the occupants from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard, it can still cause injuries. Severe bruising and fractures to the ribs are common in airbag-related accidents. In some cases, the force of the airbag deployment can even cause sternum fractures.
- Head and Neck Injuries: Whiplash, concussion, and neck strains are common injuries that can occur when the head is forcefully jerked forward or backward. The impact can be severe enough to lead to traumatic brain injuries.
- Arm and Hand Injuries: The force of the airbag can result in fractures, dislocations, or even damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the arms and hands.
- Knee and Leg Injuries: The force exerted by the airbag may cause the knees to hit the dashboard or the legs to hit the steering column. This can result in fractures, dislocations, sprains, or other injuries to the knee and leg area.
Airbags usually deploy within 300 to 400 milliseconds during a crash. [2]
Compensation For a Fort Lauderdale Airbag Injury Claim
Compensation for a Fort Lauderdale airbag injury claim may include:
- Medical Expenses: The injuries sustained in an airbag accident may require extensive medical treatment, such as surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation. Compensation can help cover these expenses, ensuring that you receive the necessary medical care without incurring financial burdens.
- Property Damage: In addition to personal injuries, airbag accidents can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Compensation can help you repair or replace your damaged vehicle, allowing you to get back on the road as soon as possible.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries from the airbag accident prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you have lost. This includes both past and future lost earnings due to the accident-related injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Airbag accidents can result in physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation can provide financial relief for the pain, suffering, and emotional trauma you have endured as a result of the accident.
- Other Damages: Depending on the circumstances of the airbag accident, you may also be eligible for additional compensation for factors such as punitive damages, loss of consortium, or loss of enjoyment of life.
Defective Airbags and Property Damage Claims in Fort Lauderdale
If you have been injured in an airbag injury due to a defective airbag in in Fort Lauderdale, you may be able to file a personal injury claim that addresses:
- Negligence or Liability: This may involve proving that the manufacturer failed to adequately test the product, ignored safety regulations, or withheld crucial information about the airbag's potential risks.
- Losses and Compensation: Our airbag injury lawyers will calculate the value of your property damage, taking into account repair costs, diminished value of your vehicle, and any other related expenses. We will then pursue compensation on your behalf, negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court if necessary.
Statute of Limitations for Airbag Injury Claims in Florida
Generally, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims, including those related to airbag injuries, is two years from the date of the accident or injury. Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a)
If you miss the deadline, you may be barred from pursuing legal action and seeking compensation for your injuries. It is important to act promptly and consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the legal process.
Get a Free Consultation From An Airbag Injury Lawyer Today
Have You Been Injured in an Airbag Accident? Don’t Suffer in Silence; Get the Help You Deserve.Goldberg & Loren, the leading Fort Lauderdale airbag injury lawyers, are here to fight for your rights. With years of experience and a track record of success, we are ready to take on your case and get you the compensation you need.
You deserve justice for your pain and suffering, and we are here to make sure you get it. Our airbag injury attorneys will work tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable and secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Don't wait another day to seek justice.
Contact Goldberg & Loren's experienced personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale now for a free consultation by calling us at (754) 399-1202 and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Sources:
[1] Air Bags | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/air-bags
[2] Houston, N. A. C. O. (2019, February 6). 5 Things to Know About Airbags - Northwest Auto Center of Houston. Northwest Auto Center of Houston. https://northwestautohouston.com/things-know-about-airbags/
