Airbags are a critically important safety feature. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that airbags save nearly 3,000 American lives each and every year. A car accident can happen at any moment — if one does, it is crucial that your airbag deploys properly. Unfortunately, over the past several years, there have been multiple high-profile cases of faulty airbags causing severe harm to innocent victims.
At DC Law, our defective product lawyers fight for the rights of victims of airbag injuries. We fight to hold car companies and airbag manufacturers accountable for their negligence. If you or your loved one suffered severe injuries as a result of a faulty airbag, we can help.
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Defective Airbag Accidents Explained
In February of 2014, General Motors recalled more than 30 million vehicles worldwide due to faulty ignition switches. The problem caused affected vehicles to suddenly shut down, thereby preventing the airbag from deploying at all. At least 124 deaths were linked to this product defect. In 2013, the Takata Corporation — a now-bankrupt company that was one of the world’s largest airbag manufacturers — caused a recall of 3.6 million vehicles. The defective Takata airbags would sometimes explode on impact, resulting in severe injuries for the occupants. These are just two examples of the many cases involving defective airbags. In some cases, faulty airbags do not make any national headlines because the issue is limited to just a single-vehicle.
Not only do defective airbags fail to provide the proper protection to crash victims, but they can actually exacerbate the impact of the crash. An exploding airbag can turn a relatively minor fender bender into a catastrophic accident.
A faulty airbag can cause numerous injuries, the most common including:
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Head and brain injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Spinal injuries
Manufacturers have a duty to ensure that the airbags that they put into vehicles are reasonably safe. When airbags fail to work properly, these manufacturers should be held legally liable.
Product liability claims are deeply complex. A comprehensive investigation will always be required. The big automakers and airbag manufacturers have a reputation for defending product liability claims in a highly aggressive manner. It is imperative that injured victims have a strong legal advocate by their side.
If you or your loved one was hurt by a defective airbag, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the full value of your damages, including:
- Emergency room care
- Other medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Loss of income wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
A dedicated Austin lawyer could help you pursue this compensation after a crash involving a defective car airbag.
At DC Law, our hardworking attorneys fight to hold negligent manufacturers legally accountable. If you or your loved one suffered injuries as a result of a faulty or defective airbag, we are here to help. For a free review of your personal injury case, please contact an Austin faulty airbags lawyer today.
