Airbags, crucial safety features in vehicles, have significantly reduced fatalities and serious injuries in car accidents since their inception. Despite their life-saving intent, airbags can unfortunately lead to serious injuries. A significant portion of these injuries result from defective airbags. Please continue reading as we explore how these injuries happen, who can face liability for the resulting damages, and the importance of enlisting the assistance of an experienced Prince George’s County Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer to fight for the justice you deserve. 

What Types of Injuries Occur Due to Airbag Deployment?

Since the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 was enacted, all vehicles sold in the United States have been required to install airbags, as these safety features can help prevent serious injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash. Engineered for swift deployment in a collision, airbags aim to lessen the force impact on vehicle occupants. Nevertheless, their rapid inflation and constituent materials can result in catastrophic injuries.

Although airbags are designed to keep you safe, in many instances, they can result in injuries when designed, installed, or repaired improperly. Some of the most common airbag-related injuries include:

  • Hearing loss
  • Chemical or friction burns
  • Facial injuries (broken bones, bruises, and lacerations)
  • Neck and spine injuries (whiplash, herniated discs, fractures)
  • Chest injuries (rib fractures or internal organ damage)
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Eye injuries

Who Can Face Liability?

Determining liability for airbag-related injuries can be complex due to the potential involvement of several parties. While a careless driver may cause an accident, faulty airbags could also contribute to the resulting harm. To establish liability, you must figure out the underlying cause of the malfunction.

If the airbag design or installation was defective, the manufacturer may be held responsible. This can include design flaws or even a failure to adequately warn about potential risks. In some cases, a mechanic or repair shop that incorrectly installed or maintained an airbag could share liability for your resulting damages. However, if another driver’s negligence caused the accident, leading to airbag deployment and subsequent injuries, they could also bear liability.

Will My Legal Options Be Affected if I Was Not Wearing a Seatbelt?

In Maryland, it’s both illegal and perilous not to wear a seatbelt while in a motor vehicle. Airbags and seatbelts are designed to work in conjunction, not as individual systems. Not wearing a seatbelt increases the risk of severe injuries from an airbag during a collision because there is no restraint to prevent impact. Failing to wear a seatbelt can significantly hinder your ability to seek compensation for your injuries.

Maryland is a contributory negligence state. This strict doctrine stipulates that if an injured party contributed to the cause of their injury, they cannot recover any compensation from the other party for their damages. Even if you are found just 1% at fault, you will face the absolute bar of recovery.

At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we understand how frustrating these circumstances can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can assist you during these difficult times.