Airbag Deployed and Left You Hurt? You’re Not Alone — Here’s What to Do
Your Rights in Texas After an Airbag Injury
Car airbags are designed to save lives, but when one deploys during a crash it can also cause painful injuries. In the blink of an eye, a routine drive can turn into a jarring accident with a loud *bang* as the airbag bursts out. You might find yourself disoriented, with burns or bruises from the airbag’s impact, wondering how a safety device ended up hurting you. If this has happened to you, you’re not alone – many Texas drivers and passengers have experienced similar airbag accident injuries after a collision. It’s an upsetting and confusing situation: on one hand, the airbag may have prevented worse trauma; on the other hand, you now have to deal with the injuries it caused.
Understanding your rights and knowing what steps to take next is crucial. In Texas, if another driver’s negligence caused the crash, that driver can be held responsible for all your injuries – including those caused by an airbag deployment. You shouldn’t be left to shoulder the medical bills and recovery on your own. By taking the proper steps after the accident, you can protect your health and preserve your options to seek compensation. The most important thing is to take care of your wellbeing and gather the information needed for any potential airbag accident claim.
The Adley Law Firm is here to help Texans injured in car accidents navigate this difficult time. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from an airbag in a car accident, contact The Adley Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your rights and next steps. We’ll guide you through the process and fight to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Airbag Injury in a Crash
Your safety and health come first. After an accident where an airbag has deployed and caused injury, try to stay calm and follow these steps:
- Check for Injuries and Get Medical Help: Take a moment to assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Airbag deployment can cause burns, cuts, or more serious trauma. If anyone is hurt – even if injuries seem minor – call 911 immediately and request medical assistance. Don’t underestimate injuries like dizziness, chest pain, or burns from the airbag; let a medical professional check you out. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, so it’s best to get evaluated at the scene or as soon as possible.
- Ensure Safety at the Scene: If you are able to move and it’s safe to do so, get yourself and your vehicle out of further danger. After a crash in a busy area, for example, move to the shoulder of the road to avoid other vehicles. Remember that airbag deployment releases a powdery residue and sometimes smoke – this is usually normal (from the airbag chemicals), but it can be irritating. If possible, roll down your windows or step out of the vehicle once it’s safe, so you can breathe fresh air. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Most importantly, stay at the accident scene until authorities arrive (leaving could violate Texas law if there are injuries or significant damage).
- Report the Accident to Police: In Texas, it’s important (and often legally required) to report an accident that involves injuries or substantial property damage. Call the police or 911 and let them know what happened. When officers arrive, explain that the airbag deployed and describe your injuries (for example, “the airbag burned my arms and chest” or “I hit my head on the airbag and feel dizzy”). Be truthful and stick to the facts of the crash. The police will create an accident report – this report will document the circumstances, including that an airbag went off, which can be useful evidence for your insurance claim or legal case later.
- Document the Scene and Injuries: If your injuries are not too severe, try to gather evidence while you wait for help. Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, including the deployed airbag inside your car, the damage to your car, and any visible injuries you have (like red marks, bruises, or burns on your skin). These photos can serve as valuable evidence showing that the airbag caused harm. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information as well – they might have seen the crash details that led to the airbag deployment. Also, keep the clothes you were wearing if they have blood, burn marks, or powder on them from the airbag, as these could be evidence in a potential claim.
- Seek Follow-Up Medical Care: After the immediate emergency treatment, make sure to follow up with a doctor for a thorough examination. Some injuries from airbags (such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries from the impact) might not show symptoms until hours or days later. Tell the doctor that you were in a car accident and the airbag deployed. Mention all areas of pain or discomfort, even if it seems minor. For instance, chemical fumes from the airbag can cause throat irritation or breathing issues, and a doctor should know about that. Getting prompt medical attention creates a clear record linking your injuries to the accident, which will be very important when you seek compensation.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your auto insurance company as soon as you can. Provide them the basics – when and where the crash happened, the other driver’s information, and the fact that your airbags deployed and you were injured. Be honest, but it’s usually best to keep your statement general at first. You might say, “I was in an accident, my airbag went off, and I’ve suffered some injuries. I’m getting medical treatment.” You do not need to go into detail about fault or sign any settlement offers right away. In Texas, the at-fault driver’s insurance will ultimately be responsible for injury claims, but you should still inform your own insurer promptly.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: If you’ve been seriously injured by an airbag or you’re unsure about your rights, it’s wise to speak with an experienced airbag accident lawyer. These cases can sometimes get complicated – for example, if the other driver’s insurance disputes your injury or if you suspect the airbag was defective. A lawyer will protect your rights and advise you on the next steps. They can handle communications with insurance adjusters (so you don’t feel pressured to say something that could hurt your claim) and start investigating if a faulty airbag or another party might be liable. Remember, The Adley Law Firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, so it costs nothing upfront to get legal advice. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make a big difference in pursuing an airbag accident claim.
Common Injuries Caused by Airbags
Airbags deploy with explosive force – they inflate within a fraction of a second to protect you. While they prevent many fatal injuries by cushioning you from hitting hard surfaces, that same force can also cause harm. The types of airbag accident injuries can range from mild to severe, and they often depend on factors like your seating position, the speed of the crash, and even your height or age. Here are some common airbag-related injuries and why they happen:
- Facial Injuries and Eye Damage: When an airbag bursts out, it can strike your face at high speed. This can lead to a broken nose, bruises on your face, or even fractures to facial bones. Many people get black eyes or a bloody nose from the impact. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, the force of the airbag can smash them into your face, causing cuts or eye injuries. Even without glasses, the pressure can scratch the eye or cause irritation from the chemicals. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to have swelling or even dental injuries (chipped or cracked teeth) because their face hit the airbag so hard.
- Burns (Thermal and Chemical): Airbags are deployed by a small explosive charge and a burst of gas, which can be very hot. The fabric of the airbag can cause friction burns as it rubs against your skin at high speed. Additionally, the chemical propellant (for example, sodium azide, which turns into nitrogen gas to inflate the bag) can cause burns or irritation. You might notice red, irritated patches on your arms, hands, face, or chest after an airbag goes off. Some victims even get slight burns that look like rug burn or a sunburn. In more serious cases, the chemicals can cause first- or second-degree burns on the skin. The dust you see after an airbag deploys can also irritate your eyes and lungs, causing coughing or a burning sensation in your eyes.
- Chest and Rib Injuries: Your airbag and seatbelt work together to protect your torso, but the impact can still injure you. It’s common to feel soreness in your chest after a deployment. The force of hitting the airbag can bruise your sternum (breastbone) or ribs. In some cases, especially in severe collisions or for people who are older or have brittle bones, ribs can fracture. You might experience chest pain when taking deep breaths after the accident – this could be from bruised ribs or muscle strain. Very forceful impacts have even been known to cause internal injuries like a bruised lung or heart, though those are rarer. Always get chest pain checked by a doctor after an accident, as it could be a sign of something serious.
- Neck and Head Injuries: Airbags save many lives by preventing direct head impact with the windshield or steering wheel. However, you can still suffer head and neck injuries due to the abrupt movement and force. Whiplash, a common neck injury, can occur from the rapid back-and-forth motion of your head during the crash (even with an airbag). Also, if the timing or position was off – say you were leaning forward or not sitting straight when the airbag deployed – you might hit your head on the bag at an awkward angle. This can lead to a concussion or other head injury. Symptoms might include headaches, dizziness, or confusion afterward, which should be evaluated by a medical professional. The combination of the crash impact and the airbag’s force can also strain the neck, causing pain and stiffness for days or weeks.
- Arm and Wrist Injuries: Drivers often have their hands on the steering wheel when the airbag inflates. That deployment can happen at over 100 miles per hour, slamming into your hands and arms. As a result, people sometimes sustain broken or sprained wrists, dislocated fingers, or even fractures in the arm. For instance, if your arm is across the steering wheel at the moment of impact, the airbag can push it with such force that bones break. Passengers can experience similar injuries if they had their hands braced on the dashboard. Even if nothing is broken, you may have deep bruises on your arms or sprains from the sudden jolt. Always mention any numbness or weakness in your hands or arms to your doctor, as it could indicate nerve damage that needs attention.
- Hearing and Internal Injuries: Many people don’t realize that airbags make a very loud “boom” when they deploy – similar to a firecracker or gunshot. That sound, plus the rapid change in air pressure, can affect your ears. It’s possible to suffer hearing damage or persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus) after a deployment. Usually this is temporary, but in some cases loud explosions can cause eardrum damage. Internally, the force of an airbag against your abdomen (if you’re shorter or sitting close to the wheel) could cause injuries as well. Although rare, there have been instances of organ injuries or internal bleeding linked to the impact of an airbag, especially for drivers who sit very close to the steering wheel or for children and small adults. This is one reason why young children are safest in the back seat – an airbag can be too forceful for them.
Liability and Compensation for Airbag Accident Injuries
After the shock of an accident and an airbag injury, you may be wondering: Who pays for all this? In Texas, the law is clear that if another driver caused the crash, their insurance (or they themselves) should compensate you for your injuries. That includes injuries caused indirectly by the accident, such as those from an airbag. For example, if a distracted driver hits your car and the collision makes your airbag deploy, that driver is liable for all the consequences – both the damage from the crash and your airbag injuries. When you file an injury claim, you would typically seek coverage for medical bills (from the emergency room visit, follow-up care, etc.), lost wages if you miss work, the cost of any rehabilitation or medications, and even pain and suffering from the ordeal.
Most airbag injuries will be handled as part of a normal car accident insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Your personal injury attorney will include the burns, bruises, broken bones, or other airbag-related harm as part of the damages you suffered in the wreck. It’s important to have all your injuries documented in your medical records. Insurance companies might try to argue that an airbag injury is “minor” or that it would have happened anyway, but a strong medical report and photos can shut that down. In negotiations or at trial, your attorney can point out that if the other driver hadn’t caused the wreck, you wouldn’t have been hurt by the airbag at all. In short, the negligent driver can be held responsible for the full extent of your injuries.
But what if the airbag itself was defective or malfunctioned? Occasionally, the blame may not lie solely with a driver. There have been cases where airbags deploy when they shouldn’t, or they deploy with excessive force or even send out dangerous debris. (For instance, millions of vehicles have been recalled in recent years due to faulty airbag inflators that caused shrapnel injuries.) If you suspect that your airbag caused a far more serious injury than it should have – or worse, if it deployed without an accident or long after the impact – you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or another party. Cases involving defective airbags can be complex. It requires proving that something was fundamentally wrong with the airbag’s design or manufacturing. Evidence might include recall notices, expert analysis of the airbag module, or a history of similar incidents in other vehicles. If a defect is confirmed, the airbag manufacturer or car company could be liable for your injuries in addition to any claims against the driver who caused the crash. In such a situation, having a knowledgeable lawyer is critical. Your attorney can investigate the vehicle’s crash data, consult engineering experts, and determine whether you should pursue an airbag accident claim against a manufacturer, repair shop, or other entity.
Whether your injuries are due to another driver’s negligence, a defective product, or a combination of factors, you have the right to seek compensation for what you’ve been through. Airbag accident settlements will vary widely depending on the specifics. Factors include the severity of your injuries, the clarity of who was at fault, and whether multiple parties (like a manufacturer) are involved. A minor burn that heals in a week will be valued differently than, say, a broken bone or a permanent scar on your face. It’s also worth noting that Texas follows a comparative negligence rule – meaning, if the insurance company can argue you were partly at fault (perhaps for not maintaining your airbags or some other reason), it could affect your compensation. This is another reason why having legal representation helps, as your lawyer will fight back against unfair blame.
Keep in mind there are deadlines to take action. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases (including car accidents and product-related injuries) is generally two years from the date of the accident. That may seem like a long time, but it can pass quickly when you’re dealing with recovery and paperwork. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to file a claim for your airbag accident compensation. So, it’s wise to speak to a lawyer sooner rather than later to make sure your case is on track.
How The Adley Law Firm Can Help You
Dealing with injuries from an airbag deployment can be overwhelming – you’re coping with pain, medical appointments, insurance calls, and confusion about what to do next. You don’t have to face this situation alone. The Adley Law Firm has extensive experience handling auto accident injury cases across Texas, including those involving serious airbag injuries. Our team understands the nuances of these cases, from the medical aspects (like documenting burns and concussions) to the legal strategies (such as proving fault or identifying a defective airbag issue). We know how to build a strong case to pursue the full compensation you need to heal and move forward.
When you work with The Adley Law Firm, you’re getting dedicated advocates on your side. Here’s what you can expect from us: we offer compassionate, bilingual support (English and Spanish) to make sure you fully understand every step of your claim. Our attorneys will handle the heavy lifting – investigating the accident, gathering evidence, dealing with the insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit – so you can focus on your recovery. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and absolutely no legal fees unless we win your case. This policy lets you pursue justice and compensation without added financial stress.
Based in Houston and serving injury victims throughout Texas, The Adley Law Firm is committed to fighting for the rights of those hurt in car accidents. We have seen firsthand how an unexpected injury can upend someone’s life, and we truly care about helping our clients get back on their feet. If you or a loved one have been injured by an airbag or in any auto accident, let us put our experience to work for you. Contact The Adley Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review the details of your accident, answer your questions, and explain the options available to you. Getting legal help can make all the difference in your physical and financial recovery. Don’t wait – reach out to our Houston airbag accident lawyers now, and let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
