Airbag Injuries in Kentucky Car Accidents

Airbags are supposed to protect you from serious injuries, but there are many times when airbag injuries in Kentucky car accidents cause more loss than the accident itself.

Airbags are a crucial, life-saving safety device in your car, and most of the time, they operate as intended. However, defective design and use can lead to dangerous outcomes.

If you believe you were hurt due to an airbag malfunction, seek legal action from a Lexington car accident attorney right away. Do not settle your car accident claim until you gather a few more details.

Why Airbag Accidents Happen

There are numerous incidents in which airbag injuries in Kentucky car accidents happen because the airbag explodes without warning and inappropriately. This can kill a driver or passenger.

Other times, the airbag deploys when it should, but does so improperly, leading to additional injuries.

This can happen for various reasons. In some cases, a sensor located at the front of the vehicle, which detects frontal impacts, triggers inappropriately. That causes the airbag to deploy when it should not.

These sensors trigger an inflator containing chemicals that produce a large volume of gas quickly, creating the expected protection. If that does not happen properly, injuries are common.

Types of Injuries Caused by Airbags

Various injuries can happen when an airbag deploys inappropriately. As noted, if this happens suddenly and without warning, it can lead to the death of the driver or the passenger.

Some of the most common serious injuries a person may experience include:

• Facial trauma often causes serious traumatic head injuries
• Chest injuries, including broken ribs that slice into the heart, lungs, or other organs
• Eye injuries that may lead to loss of vision
• Internal organ damage from the impact
• Fractures of any of the bones of the upper body
• Neck and spine injuries from the impact of the airbag against the spinal cord
• Soft tissue injuries and lacerations
• Burns from the chemical exposure

In some situations, these injuries can lead to catastrophic losses. A person may become paralyzed, suffer cognitive function changes from a brain injury, or lose vision in one or both eyes.

Who Is Most at Risk for Airbag Injuries?

Airbag injuries can impact anyone, but some people are more likely to suffer serious injuries even when the airbag deploys properly.

This includes:

• Those who are smaller in size may mean that their head may snap back and forward improperly, causing a severe spinal cord injury. This can also lead to broken ribs and damage to the heart and lungs.
• Children in car seats, even if they are properly positioned, are more likely to suffer serious injuries, especially when a child rides in a rear-facing car seat. The airbag can flip over the car seat, causing the child to be ejected.
• Those who ride without a seatbelt are also likely to suffer injuries beyond what is expected, as the seatbelt can cause the airbag to deflate prematurely.

In each situation, the risks you face are serious. Always seek immediate help from an attorney.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

At Gary C. Johnson P.S.C., your rights to fair compensation are our priority. If you’ve been injured in a Kentucky car accident involving airbags, we’re here to help you navigate your rights.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation so that our team can help you start the claim process.