As consumers, we trust the manufacturing companies with our safety and our lives every time we choose to use a product. We expect the product to be safe to use and work as advertised.
Since their introduction in the 1970s, there's no denying that airbags have saved countless lives. However, these features designed as a way to increase safety in the unfortunate event of a car crash can often add to the injuries or sometimes even be the sole causing factor of a deadly car crash.
Sadly, making profits is higher on the priority list for some companies, and as a result, accidents happen.
Here at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we have zero tolerance for companies that release dangerously defective products on the market, and if you have been one of the many victims that suffered because of these companies' negligence, we can help you seek justice. We can achieve this by making them aware of the damages they have caused and filing a claim for financial compensation as a way to deal with your medical bills, loss of income, or emotional distress, which can lead to many negative effects in your life. You can also file a wrongful death claim if a member of your family lost their life in a similar accident.
What Makes an Airbag Fail?
Airbags are controlled by specific sensors that determine if and when an airbag should deploy. Incorrect calibration of these sensors, faulty wiring, or airbag manufacturing defects can lead to airbag issues. In most cases, this means that the airbags will fail to deploy, or deploy randomly when there is no collision and cause a car crash.
However, sometimes the airbag deployment itself may be the direct cause of injury. This particular recall involved vehicles from 19 car manufacturers. The problem was that the airbags exploded with extreme force and sent flying shards of metal and plastic into the car, mainly into the face of the driver and front-seat passenger. In one particular instance, the victim was practically stabbed in the neck, which initially made local authorities look into it as a homicide. At least 16 deaths and hundreds of injuries are linked to these defective airbags.
Common Airbag-Related Injuries
There are several types of injuries that one can sustain as a result of an airbag-related accident. Below are some of the most common ones:
- Eye injuries
- Skull fractures
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Brain injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Internal damage
What Should I do if my Airbag did not Operate Correctly?
As with any traffic collision injury, preserving the evidence is the most important thing to do (after your medical examination, of course). This means that you need to do everything you can to keep the car in a way that reflects its state immediately after the accident. Sometimes, if the vehicle is considered totaled, your insurance company may want to pick it up. Often being the most crucial piece of evidence, make sure you hold on to it for as long as possible. Remember that it is your responsibility to prove that your injuries were a result of someone else's negligence, and clear evidence will make the process a whole lot easier.
Will I be able to recover compensation for my injuries?
If you have been injured or lost a member of your family due to defective airbags, it is best to contact us as soon as possible.
We can answer all your questions related to your case, we can help you recover from your injuries, and we'll make sure that those who put your safety at the bottom of their priority list are held accountable for their actions.
Product liability cases require a particular approach. Large companies are prepared for situations like these and will have a strong defense. Our skilled lawyer at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary has years of experience in personal injury and product liability law.