Experienced Portland Oregon Airbag Injury Lawyer
Portland Airbag Injury Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Portland Oregon Airbag Injury Attorneys
What Is an Airbag Injury?
An airbag injury is any harm caused to a person due to the deployment of an airbag during a car accident. While airbags are designed to prevent injuries by providing a cushioning effect, they can also cause harm due to their rapid speed and force upon deployment.
Types of Airbag Injuries
Airbags are designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision, but they can also cause some common injuries themselves. The impact of an airbag deployment can result in various types of injuries, ranging from minor to severe.
An airbag is an effective safety device that can save lives when they deploy correctly. According to the United States Department of Transportation, airbags saved 2,790 lives in 2017. However, fatal injuries can occur when airbags do not deploy or do not deploy properly. [1]
Facial and Neck Injuries
In car accidents, airbags are designed to deploy rapidly and provide protection to the occupants of the vehicle. While airbags are successful in preventing severe injuries and saving lives, they can also cause facial and neck injuries upon deployment.
Facial injuries resulting from airbag deployment can vary in severity. Minor injuries include bruises, abrasions, and cuts caused by the force of impact against the airbag or other objects within the vehicle. More serious injuries can include fractures and dislocations of the facial bones, such as the nose, jaw, or cheekbones.
Neck injuries can also occur as a result of airbag deployment during a car accident. The rapid inflation of the airbag can cause the head and neck to jerk violently, leading to whiplash injuries. Whiplash can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. In severe cases, cervical spine injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can occur.
It is essential to seek medical attention immediately following a car accident, even if facial and neck injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical evaluation can lead to complications or a worsened condition.
Psychological Trauma
Experiencing an airbag injury can have not only visible injuries but also psychological consequences. The emotional impact of such an event can be significant and may lead to psychological trauma that affects an individual’s mental well-being.
One potential long-term effect of airbag injury trauma is the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can occur when a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, leading to persistent distressing memories, flashbacks, and nightmares. In the case of airbag injuries, individuals may experience intense fear and anxiety related to the accident and its aftermath.
In addition to PTSD, individuals may also experience other symptoms of psychological trauma. These can include heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, irritability, and mood changes. Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts of the accident may disrupt daily life and trigger intense emotional reactions.
Coping mechanisms and treatment options are available to help individuals who have experienced psychological trauma after an airbag injury. Seeking support from mental health professionals trained in trauma therapy can be beneficial. Therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can help individuals process and overcome traumatic experiences.
Burns
Airbags, although designed to protect occupants during a traffic accident, can also cause burns. These burns can occur on various parts of the body, including the face, arms, hands, and chest. When the airbag rapidly deploys, the fabric covering the airbag can rub against the skin, leading to friction burns. These burns can range from minor abrasions to more severe second-degree burns.
In addition to friction burns, the chemical reactions that take place during the release of the airbag can cause burns to the eyes. The forceful deployment of the airbag can cause the eyes to come into contact with the irritant, causing chemical burns and potential eye damage.
Defective airbags can exacerbate the risk of chemical burns. If a defect in the design or manufacturing of the airbag causes it to fail or malfunction, the potential for burns and other injuries increases.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common and often overlooked consequence of airbag injuries. When an airbag forcefully deploys, it can generate an intense sound wave that can potentially damage the delicate structures within the ear. This can result in temporary or permanent organ damage.
Temporary hearing loss is characterized by a temporary decrease in hearing sensitivity that usually resolves on its own within a few hours or days. The loud noise produced by the airbag can cause a temporary disruption in the inner ear, leading to this type of hearing loss.
On the other hand, permanent hearing loss can occur if the forceful impact of the airbag causes severe damage to the structures of the ear, such as the cochlea or the auditory nerve. This damage can be irreversible, resulting in partial or complete deafness.
In addition to hearing loss, individuals may also experience symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), dizziness, or ear pain following an airbag injury. These symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life and overall well-being.
Common Airbag Injury Scenarios in Portland, Oregon
When it comes to airbag injuries in Portland, Oregon, there are several common scenarios where the assistance of an airbag injury lawyer may be necessary.
Rear-end Collision
Rear-end collisions can result in significant airbag injuries due to the sudden impact and force involved in these accidents. The causes of rear-end collisions vary but often involve factors such as distracted driving, tailgating, driver fatigue, or sudden stops by the vehicle in front.
Airbags deploy very quickly after a collision. An airbag deploys within an astonishingly fast timeframe of 30 to 40 milliseconds following a collision at speeds surpassing 15 mph. This is less than the blink of an eye. [2]
When a rear-end collision occurs, the airbags in the vehicle can deploy, aiming to protect the occupants. However, the deployment itself can cause injuries to the driver and passengers.
Rollover Crash
Rollover crashes are often the result of reckless and dangerous driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding, aggressive maneuvering, and failure to follow traffic laws. In this case, the deployment of airbags plays a valuable role in protecting occupants. However, if the airbags malfunction or deploy too forcefully due to a manufacturing error or design defect, they can cause additional injuries.
Alcohol consumption can also impair a driver’s ability to maintain control of the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a rollover crash. Loss of vehicle control, whether due to mechanical failure or adverse road conditions, can also lead to these types of injuries.
Who Is Responsible for Airbag Injuries?
Airbag injuries can be devastating and understanding who may be held responsible is essential for victims seeking compensation. There can be several liable parties in cases involving airbag injuries.
One party that may be responsible is the manufacturer of the airbag itself. Defective airbags can malfunction during deployment, causing serious harm to occupants. Manufacturing errors or design defects can contribute to these malfunctions, making the manufacturer liable for any resulting injuries.
Another party that can be held responsible is the negligent driver. In some cases, airbag injuries occur due to the reckless or careless actions of another driver. For example, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle at high speed, causing the airbags to deploy forcefully, the negligent driver can be held liable by the injured party.
In certain instances, the responsibility may lie with both the manufacturer and the negligent driver. If a faulty airbag deployment is caused by a manufacturing error, but is further exacerbated by a negligent driver’s actions, both parties may share liability.
Steps to Take After an Airbag Injury
If you have been involved in an accident and experienced an airbag injury, it is necessary to take the following steps to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation:
- Seek immediate medical attention:
Your health and well-being should be the top priority. Even if you don't feel seriously injured, it's essential to get checked by a medical professional to determine the extent of your injuries. - Document the incident and injuries:
Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle. Also, document your injuries, including cuts, bruises, or any visible signs of trauma. These records will be valuable evidence later on. - Preserve evidence:
Do not repair defective seat belts or dispose of your vehicle until you have consulted with an airbag injury lawyer. Your attorney may need to examine the vehicle and its airbag system as part of their investigation. - Contact your insurance company:
Notify your insurance provider about the accident and your injuries. Be cautious about discussing the details of the incident or accepting any settlements without consulting your attorney.
Remember, time is of the essence in personal injury claims, so don’t delay in taking these steps after an airbag injury.
Finding the Right Airbag Injury Lawyer in Portland, Oregon
When you’ve been injured due to a faulty airbag, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced Portland, Oregon, airbag injury lawyer. This is where we come in at Goldberg & Loren. With our expertise, we will guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Our team of dedicated attorneys specializes in personal injury law and is knowledgeable about the laws and regulations in Portland. We understand the complexities involved in these cases and will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf.
If you’re seeking justice and compensation for your airbag injury, we have the expertise and experience you need.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that airbag injuries can have on your life. Our compassionate team will work tirelessly using accident laws to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure maximum compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Contact our Portland, Oregon, personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
Sources:
[1] Air Bags | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/air-bags.
[2] Everything You Need to Know About Airbags. (2022, December 27). WhichCar? https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-advice/everything-you-need-to-know-about-airbags.
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave Suite 300
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you were injured by an airbag in a car accident we want to hear from you. You maybe entitled to compensation for your injuries.
We Represent Those Injured by Air-bags in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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