Airbags are critical safety features designed to save lives during car accidents by deploying rapidly to provide a protective cushion between the driver or passenger and the vehicle’s hard interior surfaces. They are engineered to reduce the impact force and prevent serious injuries by absorbing some of the crash energy. However, when airbags malfunction or deploy improperly, instead of offering protection, they can cause severe injuries such as fractures, burns, or even head trauma.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a defective airbag, you may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Timberlake, League & Brooks, our experienced airbag injury lawyers in Huntsville, Alabama, are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal process. We will stand by your side and seek the justice and compensation you deserve, ensuring your rights are protected while you focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Airbag Injuries
While airbags are an essential safety feature, several factors can lead to airbag-related injuries. These include:
1. Defective Airbags
Manufacturing defects can cause airbags to deploy too forcefully or fail to deploy at all during an accident, posing a significant safety risk to vehicle occupants. A well-known example of this issue is the Takata airbag recall, which affected millions of vehicles worldwide. The affected airbags were prone to explode upon deployment, sending metal shrapnel into the passenger compartment, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. This massive recall highlighted the critical importance of quality control in automotive manufacturing, as well as the need for rigorous safety testing to ensure that all vehicle components perform reliably in emergency situations.
2. Delayed Deployment
If an airbag deploys too late during a collision, it may not provide drivers with the necessary protection. This delay can result in severe injuries, such as head trauma, where the brain is shaken within the skull, potentially causing head injuries or more serious brain damage. Additionally, passengers may suffer broken bones due to the force of the impact not being cushioned adequately, leading to fractures in the ribs, arms, or legs. Internal injuries can also occur, as the delayed deployment fails to prevent the body from harshly contacting the interior of the vehicle, potentially causing damage to vital organs. Proper timing of car airbag deployment during crashes is crucial to minimize these risks and ensure passenger safety.
3. Overly Aggressive Deployment
In some cases, airbags deploy with excessive force, leading to a range of injuries for the driver, such as facial fractures, burns, or even traumatic brain injuries. These injuries occur because the airbag in vehicles inflates rapidly upon impact to cushion passengers, but the force can be overwhelming. Children and smaller adults are particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries due to their lower body mass and closer proximity to the dashboard. It’s crucial for vehicle manufacturers and safety regulators to continuously refine airbag technology to mitigate these risks while still providing effective protection in accidents.
4. Sensor Malfunctions
Faulty sensors can lead to airbags deploying unexpectedly or failing to deploy when needed. In the case of unexpected deployment, airbags may activate during normal driving conditions, potentially causing driver accidents or injuries. Conversely, if airbags are defective and fail to deploy during a collision, occupants are deprived of crucial protection, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury or fatality. In either scenario, the vehicle’s occupants are put at significant risk, underscoring the importance of ensuring that airbag systems are regularly inspected and maintained.
Types of Airbag Injuries
Airbag injuries can range from minor bruises to severe, life-altering trauma. Some of the most common injuries caused by airbags include:
- Facial Injuries: Airbags deploy at speeds of up to 200 mph, which can cause facial lacerations, fractures, and bruising.
- Burns: Chemical burns can occur when the airbag deploys, and the gas used in the inflation process comes into contact with the skin.
- Eye Injuries: The force of the airbag can damage the eyes, including corneal abrasions or retinal detachments.
- Neck and Spine Injuries: The sudden force from the airbag’s deployment can cause whiplash, cervical spine injuries, and nerve damage.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Impact with the airbag or other parts of the vehicle can cause concussions or more serious brain injuries.
- Internal Injuries: The force of deployment may damage internal organs, particularly in the chest and abdomen.
What to Do After an Airbag Injury
If you’ve been injured by an airbag, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to remember that some injuries may not be immediately evident, especially following accidents or physical activities. Symptoms might take hours or even days to manifest. Therefore, it’s crucial to get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can assess any hidden issues and recommend on the necessary steps to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery, including advice on insurance matters.
Preserve Evidence
If possible, take clear photos of the scene of the accident, ensuring you capture multiple angles of both the location and the vehicles involved. Don’t forget to document your injuries as well, as these images can be crucial for insurance claims or legal proceedings. Additionally, it’s important to keep all documents related to the accident organized and accessible. This includes police reports, medical records detailing any treatments or examinations you received, and repair invoices that outline the costs of vehicle repairs and any other damages incurred. Collecting this information thoroughly can be vital in supporting your case or claim.
Contact an Airbag Injury Lawyer
Airbag injury claims can be complex, often requiring individuals to go up against large corporations like automakers or airbag manufacturers. These cases can involve intricate legal procedures, detailed technical analyses of vehicle safety systems, and comprehensive case review. Navigating such a legal landscape without professional guidance can be daunting. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, as they can provide valuable expertise, negotiate with powerful corporate legal teams, and help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
How Our Huntsville Alabama Airbag Injury Attorneys Can Help
At Timberlake, League & Brooks, we have extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including those involving defective airbags. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Insurance Company Pushback: Even if you have UM or UIM coverage, your own insurance company may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. Insurers often look for ways to reduce payouts, and without experienced legal representation, you may be left with a settlement far below what you deserve.
- Identifying Responsible Parties: Airbag injury claims can involve multiple parties, including the vehicle manufacturer, the airbag manufacturer, and potentially even the dealership where the car was sold or serviced. We will work to identify all liable parties to ensure you have the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
- Building a Strong Case With An Accident Lawyer: Once we have gathered the necessary evidence, we, as your accident lawyer, will build a strong case to support your claim. This may include expert testimony, witness statements, medical records, and other critical documentation that proves the airbag’s defect and the extent of your car accident injuries.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they have to pay in airbag injury cases. Our accident lawyers are skilled negotiators in insurance disputes who will work to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Pursuing Litigation if Necessary: If the responsible parties are unwilling to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our accident attorneys have extensive trial experience and will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To From Being Injured
Victims of airbag injuries may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Comprehensive coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy, along with other related medical expenses. This includes costs such as diagnostic tests, follow-up appointments, and any necessary medical equipment required for your recovery.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries, including wages lost during your recovery period, as well as loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, affecting your ability to perform your previous job duties or to work at all in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain endured and the emotional distress experienced as a result of your injuries from the accident, acknowledging the impact these have had on your daily life and overall well-being.
- Property Damage: Compensation for any damage sustained to your vehicle or other personal property as a result of the accident, ensuring that you are reimbursed for repairs or replacements necessary to restore your belongings to their original condition.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the manufacturer acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may be entitled to punitive damages aimed at punishing the responsible party and deterring future wrongdoing.
Why Choose Timberlake, League & Brooks?
Choosing the right attorney for your airbag injury case is critical to securing the compensation you deserve. At Timberlake, League & Brooks, we offer:
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Experience
Our team brings years of experience in handling product liability and personal injury cases, particularly those involving airbag injuries and insurance. We have developed the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle even the most complex claims in this area. Our seasoned attorneys understand the nuances of these cases and are adept at navigating the legal challenges they present.
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Personalized Attention
We recognize that every case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. That’s why we invest the time to thoroughly understand your specific needs and concerns. You’ll receive one-on-one attention from our dedicated attorneys, who will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that your voice is heard and your interests are represented.
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Proven Results
Our firm has a strong track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We are committed to tirelessly seeking justice on your behalf, leveraging our expertise and resources to achieve the best possible results. Our dedication to our clients is reflected in the positive outcomes we consistently deliver.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered an airbag injury in Huntsville, AL, it is crucial to seek legal assistance without delay. Such injuries can have lasting impacts, both physically and financially, making it essential to understand your rights and options.
The experienced team at Timberlake, League & Brooks is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of personal injury law. We will work closely with you to explore your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering endured.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t incur any fees unless we successfully win your case. Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on recovery.
