Airbags are critical vehicle safety features that have saved countless lives in auto accidents. However, they also pose a risk of injury due to the force of airbag deployment and the chemicals used. As a victim of an automobile accident in Albuquerque, you may be able to recover financial compensation for any airbag injuries that you suffered.
Facial Injuries
An airbag works by rapidly inflating a bag with air in an automobile accident to help prevent vehicle occupants from striking the hard surfaces of the vehicle. Unfortunately, an airbag can deploy with enough force to cause injuries, even if it prevents more severe damage.
An airbag striking an occupant’s face at high velocity, for example, could cause facial injuries such as a broken nose, facial fractures, bruising, small cuts, eye injuries, orbital fractures and ear injuries such as burst eardrums.
Head and Brain Injuries
The deployment of an airbag could knock a vehicle occupant’s head back with enough force to inflict a head or brain injury. The brain is a sensitive organ that can sustain injuries such as concussions, contusions, bleeding or swelling from contact with an airbag or the headrest of the seat in an auto accident.
Neck and Chest Injuries
If contact with an airbag sends the head and neck rapidly backward, this can cause neck injuries such as whiplash. This describes a type of injury to the soft tissues of the neck, such as overstretched, strained or torn muscles, tendons and ligaments. Chest injuries, including possible rib fractures and lung injuries, can also arise from the upper body’s impact with an airbag.
Internal Injuries
Abdominal trauma and internal injuries can occur from the force of an airbag, especially side airbags. The force of the airbag against the abdomen or midsection could potentially cause organ damage – such as to the liver or spleen – and internal bleeding. Internal injuries may not be noticed right away, making it important for a car accident victim to seek medical care immediately.
Chemical Injuries
The rapid deployment of an airbag is made possible through a chemical reaction. The release of chemicals such as sodium hydroxide can lead to injuries such as chemical burns on the skin or eyes if they come into direct contact. Thermal burns may also occur due to the rapid release of heat that accompanies airbag deployment. Finally, breathing in the chemicals or substances released into the car could cause respiratory issues and asthma.
How to Claim Airbag Injuries in a Car Accident Case in Albuquerque
Airbag injuries can lead to physical pain, emotional distress, lost wages and medical bills for a victim. To receive financial compensation for these losses, a victim can include airbag injuries on a car insurance claim. In New Mexico, the at-fault party’s insurance provider is responsible for paying for a victim’s losses. This can include any injuries inflicted by an airbag.
A product liability claim could also pay a victim for injuries caused by a faulty or defective airbag. Even if you were at fault for a car accident, you could receive financial compensation for a defective airbag, such as one that deploys without reason, explodes upon deployment or fails to deploy in a serious car accident.
To discuss a specific airbag injury case with an experienced car accident lawyer in Albuquerque, contact The Fine Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. We can help you seek fair financial compensation for all of your car accident injuries, including any that were caused by an airbag.