Airbag Injuries in St. Petersburg

When an airbag doesn’t deploy properly, injuries can happen. Here are a few examples of how airbags can malfunction.

• Airbag deploys too late after a crash
• Airbag deploys when no crash is detected
• Airbag contains shrapnel
• Airbag doesn’t deploy after a collision
• Not all airbags deploy adequately

Since airbags deploy at a rate of around 200 mph, you can sustain severe injuries.

Some airbag injuries are relatively minor, like a bruised shoulder. Other injuries are more severe. Here’s a look at some of the common types of airbag injuries.

Facial Injuries

The impact of the airbag can cause bruises and small cuts on your face. The force of the deployment can also burst eardrums and result in other types of ear injuries. Temporary or permanent loss of hearing can occur, along with a persistent ringing sound in your ears. The chemicals that inflate the airbag can cause eye injuries and even broken facial bones like your nose and cheeks.

Chest Injuries

Chest injuries from airbags include fractured ribs, internal bleeding, and even heart problems. The impact of the airbag and the force of the seatbelt pulling you back can cause chest pain and bruising that lasts for weeks after the accident.

Head and Neck Injuries

The extreme force from an airbag can knock your head back, causing a traumatic brain injury. The force from the airbag can also cause whiplash, a soft tissue neck injury. If you’re hit in the face, neck, or head by an airbag, seek immediate medical attention.

You can take a few steps to prevent injuries from a malfunctioning airbag. Always wear your seatbelt. It’s also the law in Florida. Drivers should sit back away from the steering wheel, and passengers should want to sit back from the dashboard. This gives you a little more space between you and the airbag. Some other safety tips include,

1. Place children 12 years old and younger in the back seat, and make sure they are properly buckled up or restrained in a child restraint device.
2. Take care that children are secured into an approved child passenger restraint system and that children under the age of 18 are buckled up.
3. As a driver, ensuring children are properly restrained is your responsibility.

Morgan & Morgan is the largest personal injury law firm in the nation, and we have a proven record of success. We have recovered more than $20 billion for our clients and over 35 years of experience. If you sustain airbag injuries in St. Petersburg, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation.