Airbags are designed to save lives by cushioning occupants during a crash and reducing the risk of serious injury. Most of the time, they do exactly that.
However, when airbags malfunction, they can turn a safety device into a source of devastating harm. In recent years, defective airbag inflators have shown that the technology meant to protect drivers and passengers can sometimes cause severe, even life-threatening injuries.
How airbag injuries happen
Airbag-related injuries can occur in several ways. Some involve improper deployment, such as airbags that deploy with excessive force, deploy too late or deploy when no crash has occurred. Others involve failures to deploy at all, leaving occupants unprotected during impact. Among the most serious cases are those involving defective inflators that rupture during deployment, sending shrapnel into the vehicle cabin.
For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced that it opened an investigation into airbag inflators manufactured in China by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. Ltd. According to NHTSA, these inflators have malfunctioned in crashes, sending large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, eyes and faces. Injuries of this nature can be catastrophic, often resulting in permanent disability or death. These incidents echo earlier airbag crises that demonstrated how dangerous inflator defects can be.
When airbags cause harm, the injuries are often severe because of the force involved. Metal fragments propelled at high speed can penetrate vital areas of the body, leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, vision loss, internal bleeding and even fatal wounds. Survivors may face multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation and permanent physical and emotional harm.
Taking action after an airbag menu
Unfortunately, determining responsibility in airbag injury cases can be complex. Unlike typical car accident claims, these cases often involve product liability issues. Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors may all be partially liable for whatever has happened. Yet, victims of airbag malfunctions are often unaware that their injuries were caused by a defective safety component rather than a crash itself. This can delay accountability and limit access to compensation.
When airbags cause harm instead of helping, injured individuals deserve answers and accountability. Speaking with a skilled legal team experienced in product liability and automotive defect cases alike can help.