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Defective Airbag Lawyer

Car airbags are prominent safety vehicular mechanisms that protect occupants during accidents. They inflate rapidly and deflate upon impact, reducing the risk of traumatic injuries, particularly to the head, torso, and chest. They act as a cushion between the occupant and the hard surfaces of the vehicle for protection. However, a defective airbag can have severe consequences because if it doesn’t work, it can cause substantial damage. Common flaws include non-deployment, delayed deployment, excessive or insufficient inflation, or shrapnel production due to faulty inflators. Mostly, when it fails to deploy or deploys improperly, car occupants die or sustain catastrophic injuries like permanent disability in a crash. If you have been a victim of a defective airbag accident, seek our personal injury lawyers or defective airbag lawyer at Phillips Law Offices for guidance. Read on for more details on this perspective.

Malfunctioning of Airbag

Airbags are supplemental protection designed to deploy upon impact. When there is an urgency, the electronic control unit of the airbag system transmits a signal to an inflator inside its module. An igniter in the inflator initiates a chemical reaction that generates a harmless gas, which instantly causes the airbag to inflate. Whether involved in minor,  moderate, or severe crashes, airbags reduce the chance that your upper body or head will strike the car’s interior. Side-impact airbags inflate faster than frontal airbags. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags saved thousands of lives in the past few years.

You believe your airbag will protect you and others in your vehicle in a crash. But if your four-wheeler has a counterfeit airbag, it is cause for concern. Over the years, defective airbags have been an urgent issue in automotive industries because they can seriously jeopardize passenger safety. The industry has identified several types of faulty airbags, each with distinct potential hazards. Here is an overview of some common types of defective airbags.

Deployment failure

Sometimes, airbags may fail to deploy during an accident even if the sensors detect an impact. It could be because of issues with the electric wiring, connectors, or the internal mechanism that inflates the airbag. Deployment failure often creates critical conditions because the occupants do not receive the protection that airbags intend to do so.

Unexpected deployment

In certain circumstances, airbags may deploy without any collision or significant impact. Electrical or wiring issues, faulty sensors, or software glitches can all cause unintentional deployments. Inadvertent airbag deployment is dangerous because it can startle or distract the driver, potentially resulting in an accident or injury.

Inflator Malfunction

Airbags should have adequate inflation to protect occupants effectively and efficiently. Insufficient airbag inflation could leave passengers vulnerable to impact forces because it might not provide enough protection during a collision. On the contrary, excessive inflation can hurt people by putting too much pressure on the occupants. Airbag placement errors, design flaws, and inflator mechanism flaws can all lead to inadequate or forceful inflation. Such airbag defects can cause fractures, lacerations, and other traumatic injuries.

Inactive sensor

Sensors in airbag systems help identify crashes, assess severity, and initiate airbag deployment. When sensors malfunction, it can affect the effectiveness of the airbag system, causing failure or delay in deployment when necessary. Sensor failure can happen because of moisture loss, faulty wiring, or sensor calibration errors. These sensor-related problems can leave passengers vulnerable to catastrophic injuries in a collision.

Counterfeit products

Counterfeit airbags are unauthorized imitations of genuine airbags. There have been a few instances where companies sell substandard replicas of airbags to make quick money. Most of the time, these airbags made of low-quality materials lack the essential safety features. Since they do not meet the required safety standards, they perform poorly or may not deploy during an accident. As such, these fake products put the lives of the passengers at risk of devastating injuries.

Improper installation

Installation of airbags requires expertise and proficiency. To maximize passenger safety, they should deploy from specific locations within the vehicle. They may not function as intended in a crash if not properly installed during manufacturing or servicing. They may deploy from the wrong place or at the incorrect angles. Mispositioned airbags may not offer sufficient protection or may deploy in a way that raises the risk of injuries.

Recalls

Takata Corporation led to the biggest recalls in automotive history. It was for millions of U.S. vehicles that had Takata airbags. These airbags were subject to recall after it was specific that they had faulty inflators and they could rupture upon deployment. Consequently, they could force metal fragments to spray into the passenger compartment. Unfortunately, this defect caused airbags to explode and resulted in numerous severe injuries and fatalities across the globe.

Identifying signs of faulty airbags

Defective Airbag Lawyer
Defective Airbag Lawyer

As already-said, manufacturing defects, poor design, or inadequate installation lead to defective airbags. Identifying such faults is essential to ensure the safety of car occupants. You can detect potential issues by exercising caution and monitoring the airbag systems during routine maintenance. Periodic functional testing could involve specialized tools that simulate crash scenarios and check proper deployment. Here are some other simple methods to determine whether or not airbags are defective:

Warning lights

Modern vehicles have an airbag warning light on the dashboard. If the airbag system detects an issue, the warning light will illuminate, indicating the exact problem.

Recall notices

Manufacturers issue recalls for faulty airbags, informing car owners of potential defects. These recalls highlight proven issues, such as inflator malfunction or defective electric wire in the airbag system.

Error codes

Mechanics can retrieve error codes from the vehicle’s onboard computer system with diagnostic tools. These codes provide specific information about the malfunctioning airbag system and help identify the faulty component.

Crash Data Retrieval

Some vehicles come equipped with crash data retrieval systems that capture data about the crash. This information can illustrate the deployment status of airbags and help determine if the airbags functioned adequately.

Physical Inspection

A visual inspection of the airbag components can reveal signs of potential problems. It includes checking for tears, loose connections, frayed wiring in the airbag covers, or stitching issues.

Expert Evaluation

In more complicated cases, consulting with airbag system experts is essential. These experts have the requisite skills and knowledge to assess airbag functionality and diagnose faults that are not apparent.

One should address any suspected faults in airbag systems promptly. For more clarification, consult a qualified mechanic or vehicle manufacturer who can ensure the safety of vehicle occupants. However, if you were in an accident involving faulty airbags, contact our attorney at your convenience.

Potential injuries from defective airbags

Drivers and passengers are seriously at risk due to airbag defects. When airbags malfunction, they can cause catastrophic injuries and occasionally even fatalities. These flaws involve issues related to inflation, deployment, or general design. To lessen the risk of injuries in an accident, vehicle owners must stay informed about recalls and fix any potential airbag flaws as soon as possible.

An overly forceful deployment is a common type of airbag defect. When an airbag inflates with too much force, it can cause fractures, lacerations, and contusions, among other injuries. The impact of an excessively deployed airbag can cause severe trauma, especially to more vulnerable occupants such as children or old aged. On the other hand, airbags not inflating enough can also expose occupants to impact. Inadequate inflation can cause occupants to be thrown forward more forcefully, potentially causing head and neck injuries or spinal damage.

Design flaws in defective airbags may also elevate the risk of injury. For instance, a poorly designed airbag module could have protrusions or sharp edges. They can cause lacerations or abrasions upon deployments. In some situations, airbag deployment may eject metal fragments or other debris, leading to penetrating injuries and substantial damage to the vehicle.

Overall, airbag flaws can have a long-lasting effect on people’s physical and mental health. It can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe, including:

  • Broken ribs
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Chest and abdominal injuries
  • Facial trauma
  • Burns and bruises
  • Hearing loss
  • Eye injuries or blindness
  • Lacerations and contusions

Things to do in an accident involving impaired airbags

Defective Airbag lawyer

Being hurt in a car accident is a terrifying experience, and it can be even more devastating if it occurred due to a faulty airbag. If you or someone you love sustained injuries due to an airbag defect, you could be eligible for a legal claim. Eventually, it’s critical to take the following actions after the auto crash.

Medical evaluation

Health and wellness are the top priority after an accident. You should receive a thorough medical evaluation even if your injuries appear minor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, might not be immediately noticeable. Immediate medical attention will help in the timely diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition.

Preserve the vehicle

You must preserve the vehicle after an accident if a faulty airbag is the reason for your injury. Never sell or send it for repairs before investigators and experts inspect the car. Otherwise, you could lose significant defective airbag-related details supporting your case. Click photographs of the damaged vehicle, including the malfunctioning or deployed airbag.

Documenting the accident scene

If you are physically capable, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident spot. Besides taking photographs of the damaged vehicle, document any visible injuries you sustained. Also,  obtain contact information from witnesses who may have seen the accident or its aftermath. All evidence of the accident and the faulty airbag is necessary for further legal proceedings.

Contact authorities

Since each case is unique, it may require contacting the concerned authorities accordingly. Firstly, report the collision to the police and ensure that a formal report gets filed. If a manufacturing defect was the cause of the accident, you must speak with the airbag manufacturer directly. By letting others know about the flaw, you help to protect those at risk.

Consult an attorney

Contact a personal injury lawyer specializing in product liability cases involving defective airbags. The attorney will assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. If they find you have a viable status, you can file a lawsuit against the parties responsible. This legal action can assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.

Role of Defective Airbag Lawyer

With technological advancement in the automotive zone, airbags have become a standard safety feature in vehicles. This product works to protect occupants during accidents, but it can cause traumatic injuries or fatalities if it malfunctions. In such cases, the role of a defective airbag lawyer is prominent. They understand the difficulties in holding manufacturers, distributors, or other parties responsible for faulty airbags. They are well-versed in the rules and laws governing product liability. With their expertise and knowledge, they can successfully negotiate the legal system and present a compelling case on your behalf.

In some cases, a defective airbag lawyer seeks the support of expert witnesses, engineers, and accident reconstructionists to determine the fault. With collaborative efforts, they help identify the root cause of the airbag failure. They can thoroughly investigate the case and find whether the airbag malfunction was due to manufacturing defects, inadequate testing, design flaws, or improper installation. Their comprehensive investigation is essential in proving fault and showing how the defective airbag contributed to the victim’s injuries.

Contact Phillips Law Offices today if you believe an airbag defect caused your injuries. Our legal team has a proven track record of successfully defending clients in similar cases. They understand the complexities of product liability law and can effectively navigate the legal system. They can give your case the utmost care and advocacy it deserves by offering personalized attention and legal assistance. Connect us now at (312) 598-0917 and get a free consultation on your case.

The Direction of Illinois to Phillips Law Offices


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