DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS LAWYER
Airbags are an essential part of driving safety. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags saved an estimated 50,457 people’s lives from 1987 to 2017 (including 2,790 lives in 2017 alone). Both front and side airbags, along with the use of seat belts, are meant to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a car accident. But unfortunately, airbags sometimes do not work the way they are intended.
Airbags are one of the most important safety features a vehicle can have, and when they are faulty or ineffective, they can pose a major risk. Defective airbags have caused serious injuries and fatalities throughout the years.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a faulty airbag, don’t wait to find legal representation. Call William Mattar today to speak with one of our attorneys, so they can examine your case to see if you have a product liability case. We can protect your best interests and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 844-noswap444-4444
WHAT IS A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG?
A vehicle manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or another party involved in making an airbag can be responsible for a defective product. When an airbag is faulty, it does not properly fulfill its safety function and can cause severe harm to drivers.
A malfunctioning airbag can explode, fail to deploy, deploy at the wrong time, or deploy with too much force. Damaged airbags can also deploy during a low-speed car accident where airbag protection is not always activated, injuring the driver. Common defects include ruptures in the airbag inflator (in the case of the Takata airbags) and insufficient airbag systems.
“Fake” airbags, though uncommon, are also a safety concern. Counterfeit airbags can fail in a variety of different ways and have been found in less than 0.1 percent of vehicles in the U.S.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF AN AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE?
One worry regarding defective airbags is that many motorists do not know that their vehicle’s airbags are defective until a car accident occurs. Sadly, it’s often not until an individual is harmed or otherwise unprotected by the product that the defect becomes apparent.
In a “moderate to severe” accident, the frontal and side airbag should inflate to protect your upper body and head from injury. One sign that an airbag is flawed is if it does not deploy during impact. If you’ve suffered head trauma or a localized injury (such as an injury to the face) after your airbag deployed or did not deploy, your airbag may be defective.
DEFECTIVE AIRBAG ACCIDENT INJURIES
During a car accident, depending on certain factors, your head and body may jerk forward due to the force of the collision. Airbags are designed to work in conjunction with seatbelts to protect your body and head from striking the inside of the vehicle (such as the steering wheel or dashboard) and sustaining an injury. When an airbag explodes, it can cause serious and even fatal injuries. Similarly, when an airbag fails to deploy, it can leave you vulnerable to a violent impact.
Some common injuries suffered in car crashes involving malfunctioning airbags include:
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Compound fractures
- Facial injuries
- Fractures to the rib, sternum, and/or clavicle
- Lacerations
- Spinal injuries, such as spinal fractures
- Disfigurement
If you’ve been seriously injured by your airbag, contact a car accident attorney at William Mattar. Our legal team is available 24/7 to get started on your case.
AIRBAG RECALLS
An airbag recall, like all product recalls, is an action taken by a manufacturer to recover defective airbag systems that may cause injury or put consumers at risk. Typically, an airbag recall will happen because of a manufacturing defect that involves the same type of airbag. When a recall notice is issued, the public is alerted and urged to return, replace, or repair the product.
If a manufacturer fails to issue a recall on vehicles that are affected by faulty airbags, they may be held legally responsible. You can check to see if you may be affected by a safety recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website.
TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL
One of the largest airbag recalls in recent years is the Takata airbag recall, which affected over 63 million vehicles. These defective airbags (produced by the Takata Corporation, a Japanese automotive company) were installed in motor vehicles from nearly every leading car manufacturer. When deployed, Takata airbags exploded or ruptured, potentially causing severe injury and death.
Manufacturers that used Takata airbags include Honda, Acura, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Jeep, Subaru, and more.
REACH OUT TO A DEFECTIVE AUTO PRODUCT ATTORNEY TODAY
If you suspect you’ve been injured by a defective airbag, contact William Mattar law offices today. Our experienced legal team can investigate your case and assist you with your personal injury claim or lawsuit. Your first consultation will be free—just complete our online consultation form to get started. You may also dial (844) 444-4444 to speak to one of our product liability attorneys right away.
