The majority of modern vehicles are outfitted with airbags. The idea behind this safety technology is the protection of both drivers and passengers from the impact caused by collisions. Airbags have been shown to prevent fatalities, but that doesn’t mean they are always successful. In fact, airbags can cause injuries themselves.
Outlined below are some of the more common injuries associated with airbags.
Friction burns
A bag filled with air sounds like it would be made of soft material. However, airbags aren’t actually that soft when fully inflated. The material needs to be durable so that it can hold up during a crash. Unfortunately, this means that they can do damage to the skin during a collision, particularly around the facial area and upper extremities, which are sensitive areas. Depending on the severity of the burns, recovery times can vary. In some cases, facial scarring might be permanent. As with all burns, there is also a high risk of infections.
Chemical injuries
Airbags depend on chemical substances to help them inflate. These chemicals are not dangerous while the airbags are in position, but once they have been deployed, the material can burst and expose drivers and passengers to chemicals. This can be especially dangerous for individuals with asthma and other breathing difficulties, as they can inhale the chemical materials. The chemicals in airbag systems also have the potential to cause some severely painful burns.
Airbags are a vital safety feature but they are not foolproof. If your crash was caused by the negligence of another driver, then you may be entitled to financial compensation. Similarly, you could be entitled to compensation if defective airbags contributed to your harm. You can seek legal guidance to find out more about your rights and options at any time.