For a device meant for our safety, airbags are the culprit of many severe and debilitating injuries. Even though airbag injuries are rare, they are often serious, and suffering an airbag injury usually means you’ve experienced life-altering trauma.

You do not deserve to be injured by the very device meant to keep you safe. If an airbag worsened the injuries you sustained in a crash or harmed you because of accidental deployment, you may have a claim for compensation. Airbag injuries can cause life-altering trauma do not suffer without seeking justice for the damage that was done to you.

Whether you were in an automobile accident or a collision involving a large commercial truck, our experienced auto accident attorneys at The Edwards Law Firm can help determine if you have a valid case or not.

Contact our Tulsa car accident attorneys today by calling (918)-221-0516 or completing a free case evaluation form online.

Airbag Injury Types

Because so many different body parts are exposed to airbags, the types of injuries that occur can be varied. Some common reasons airbags can cause such trauma are the rapidity with which an airbag deploys, the substances used in the airbag, and whether or not persons in the vehicle were using their safety restraint (seatbelt). Different types of airbag designs can also impact the injuries a victim sustains.

Some types of injury that can be inflicted by an airbag:

  • Abrasion to the face, chest or upper extremities
  • Contusion of the face, chest, upper extremities, knees or internal organs
  • Strain, fracture or blunt trauma to the cervical spine
  • Burns on the chest, upper extremities or hands
  • Fracture or break in the face, upper extremities or wrists
  • Fracture in the skull or rib cage
  • Loss of consciousness or concussion injuries
  • Bruising or swelling of the brain
  • Laceration to the veins, arteries, heart, lungs or brain stem
  • Laceration to the liver or spleen
  • Compression of the brain or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Rupture inside the heart muscle
  • Eye injuries such as rupture to the globe, retinal tear, corneal abrasion or conjunctivitis
  • Hearing loss or ear trauma
  • Trauma to the fetus of a pregnant woman or puncture in the placenta
  • Internal bleeding
  • Wrist trauma and sprained fingers
  • Irritation of the throat, asthma attack or coughing
  • Irritation of the skin (also called airbag dermatitis)

The nature of these injuries can be very serious and lead to disability, chronic health issues or premature death. Sometimes there is no way to avoid an accident, but it is wise to stay safe by practicing defensive driving techniques and being aware of some tips to avoid injury in the face of airbag deployment.

If you’re suffering from an airbag injury, reach out to our team of Tulsa auto accident attorneys today.

Preventing Airbag Injuries

When you take into consideration how severely an airbag can affect one’s body, having some information about ways to prevent such dreadful consequences can bring comfort. You should also know that frontal airbags are 14 percent effective at saving your life in the event of a collision.

One of the first rules of the road is making sure you and your passengers wear your seat belt. Over 80 percent of individuals who have been killed by an airbag from 1990 to 2008 were not wearing a safety belt. We’ve listed several other tips below that can help lessen your likelihood of being severely injured.

  • Without exception, make all persons in your vehicle wear a safety belt.
  • Adjust your seat to be at least 10 inches from the area where your airbag deploys.
  • If you are short, elderly or have a very old vehicle, you can purchase an airbag on/off switch or pedal extensions.
  • Use the correct size safety seat for a child’s height and weight.
  • Do not allow children 12 and under to ride in the front seat.
  • If a child must ride in the front, place the eldest there and adjust the seat as far back as possible.
  • Do not allow children to wiggle out of their belts into odd positions or to sit on the edge of the seat.
  • Do not allow children to lean on the doors of the automobile (danger from side impact or side airbag deployment).
  • Do not place a rear-facing child safety seat (RFCSS) in a seat that has frontal airbags.
  • Pregnant women in later trimesters should avoid driving if possible as the steering column and airbags pose danger to the fetus; if she does drive, she should leave airbags on and wear her seatbelt.

Vehicle manufacturers continue to improve upon the already impressive technology used to avoid an accident, and with these tips, you can help to make airbag injuries a thing of the past.

Contact Our Oklahoma Auto Attorneys Today

An airbag injury case can be very complicated. Often, vehicle manufacturers may be involved, and due to the extensive testing performed on these safety devices, it is important to have a knowledgeable personal injury attorney fighting on your side. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an airbag being deployed, our legal team can help.

The lawyers at The Edwards Law Firm are proud to legally represent injury victims in the courtroom. We fight for the maximum compensation for the damages you have sustained and passionately pursue justice.

Find out more about our personal injury law firm and how we can help you in your pursuit of justice. Call us today at our toll-free number at (833) 387-5945 to speak with a legal professional from our intake team who will refer you to one of our attorneys for your 100 percent free consultation. You can also fill out our online form.