South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Car accidents can be a harrowing experience, leaving drivers and passengers shaken and uncertain of what to do next. While airbags are designed to protect you in the event of an accident, they often have consequences that go beyond just physical injuries.
If you got hurt in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, our car accident lawyers serving Pembroke Pines can help you recover compensation for your damages.
This article explores the effects of airbag deployment on car accident claims and how it impacts everything from insurance settlements to personal injury lawsuits. So fasten your seatbelt, and let’s delve into how airbag deployment affects car accident claims.
Airbag Deployment in Car Accidents
When most people think of car accidents, they picture a violent collision where the vehicles get damaged and passengers are injured. However, all accidents are different. Many minor fender benders result in very little damage and no injuries.
One major factor determining the severity of injuries after an accident is whether or not the airbags deploy.
Airbags protect passengers in case of a severe collision accident. When an accident occurs, sensors within the vehicle detect the impact and trigger the deployment of the airbags. The airbags inflate quickly, cushioning the passengers from the impact of the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces.
While airbags can be incredibly effective at preventing serious injuries, they also come with some risks. Airbags deploy with a lot of force and can cause injuries if they come into contact with a passenger’s head or neck.
Airbag inflation can cause debris to fly inside the vehicle, leading to cuts and bruises. Because airbags deploy so quickly, there is always a risk that they will fail to deploy correctly.
What Happens When An Airbag Deploys?
When an airbag is deployed in a car accident, the process is fairly straightforward. The bag deploys when a sensor detects the impact of a crash, and it does so with a small explosive charge. This charge ignites a chemical mixture that quickly generates gas.
That gas fills the airbag very rapidly, forcing the metal canister that houses the airbag outward into the steering wheel or dashboard. The sudden airbag deployment causes it to make a loud noise and can sometimes cause minor burns to drivers or passengers if they are close enough to the deployment.
The Dangers of Not Wearing a Seatbelt with an Airbag Deployment
When an airbag is deployed in a car accident, the force can be enough to cause serious injuries or even death if the occupants are not wearing seatbelts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 2,700 deaths caused by airbag deployments in 2016 alone.
Most of these fatalities could have been prevented if the occupants wore seatbelts. The NHTSA estimates that over two-thirds of all fatalities caused by airbag deployments could have been avoided if everyone had been wearing seatbelts.
But, why do people still fail to wear seatbelts when they know that it could save their lives? There are many reasons, but often it boils down to a simple lack of understanding about the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt during airbag deployment.
Some people may believe that they are safe as long as they are sitting in the backseat. However, this is not the case. While it is true that front passenger airbags deploy with more force than those in the backseat, rear passengers are still at risk of injury or death if they do not wear seatbelts during an accident.
Others may think they do not need to wear a seatbelt because they have an airbag in their car. However, this is also false. Airbags are designed to supplement seatbelts, not replace them.
What Kind of Damages May be Awarded in a Florida Accident Involving Airbag Deployment?
When an airbag deploys in a car accident, it can cause severe damage to the vehicle. This damage can be cosmetic, such as dents and scratches, or more serious, such as broken windows and bent metal. In some cases, the airbag may even cause the engine to catch fire.
Airbag deployment is a major factor in many car accident claims. In most cases, airbags will save lives and reduce the severity of injuries. However, there are some instances where airbags can cause serious injuries or even death.
If you have been involved in a car accident where the airbags deployed, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The amount of damages you may be awarded will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
Some of the damages that may be available in a Florida car accident claim involving airbag deployment include:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Property damage.
The extent of the damage will vary depending on the severity of the accident, but it is not uncommon for an accident involving airbag deployment to result in several thousand dollars worth of damage to the vehicle. You may be able to recover these damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
If you have been in an accident where your airbag was deployed, you may be wondering if you need to hire a personal injury attorney. While airbags are designed to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a collision, they can also cause serious injuries. A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Airbags deploy at a high rate of speed and with great force. While this is necessary to protect occupants from the impact of a collision, it can also cause serious injuries. Common injuries from airbag deployment include burns, broken bones, and internal organ damage. In some cases, airbag deployment can be fatal.
If you have been injured in an accident where your airbag deployed, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help you determine if you have a claim and how much your claim is worth.
Call a Seasoned Car Accident Attorney in Pembroke Pines, Florida
Airbags are designed to protect occupants in a collision, but they can also cause serious injuries. If you’ve been in an accident where an airbag deployed, you may be facing costly medical bills and time off work. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay for all of this – that’s where a Pembroke Pines car accident attorney comes in.
After an accident, it’s vital to talk to a car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. Airbag deployment is just one factor that can affect your claim, and an experienced attorney will know how to handle all the details of your case.
Your attorney will work with you to build a strong case and get the maximum compensation possible. They’ll handle all the paperwork and dealing with insurance companies, so you can focus on getting better. Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers at (561) 800-8000 or fill in our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options.