Safety comes to mind when you think of airbag deployment during a car accident. However, while airbags are designed to protect vehicle occupants, they can also cause injuries, especially to the arms.
Understanding these injuries and how they occur can help you respond effectively if you are in such a situation. At Davidoff Law, we are committed to helping clients with airbag injuries understand their rights and options.
Airbags deploy very rapidly, often within 25-50 milliseconds of a crash sensor detecting a severe impact. This rapid deployment can save lives by preventing more serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, but it can also cause unexpected harm.
Arm injuries from airbags can range from minor bruises to severe fractures. If you've suffered an arm injury due to an airbag in a car accident, it's important to know that you might have legal options for compensation.
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Understanding Airbag Deployment and Injuries
Airbags are intended to inflate quickly during a collision to provide a cushion that helps minimize the risk of major injuries to the head and chest. However, the force necessary to deploy the airbag can cause injuries, especially to the arms near the steering wheel or dashboard.
Even common airbag injuries can lead to major complications. While some people suffer minor injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, other people can suffer serious injuries, such as chest injuries.
Airbag injuries happen when people least expect them, and defective airbags can lead to catastrophic injuries. This is why you should always see a doctor if an airbag deploys.
How Airbags Work
An airbag system consists of a crash sensor, an inflator, and the airbag itself. The crash sensor detects a collision and signals the inflator to fill the airbag with gas, causing it to deploy. This system is designed to deploy in a fraction of a second to provide rapid protection to the occupants during a car crash.
However, the speed and force of airbag deployment can result in injuries, particularly if the arms are in the path of the deploying airbag.
The purpose of airbags is to prevent occupants from striking the interior of the vehicle, particularly the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield. However, if your arms are between the airbag and these areas when the airbag deploys, they can absorb a significant impact. This can lead to a variety of arm injuries, which we often see in our clients at Davidoff Law.
Types of Airbag Injuries To Arms
The impact of an airbag can cause several types of arm injuries, ranging from mild to severe.
Fractures and Broken Bones
The force of an airbag can easily break bones in the arms, especially the more delicate bones in the wrist and forearm. These injuries may require casts, surgery, and extensive physical therapy to heal properly. Some wrist injuries can lead to both bone fractures and nerve complications.
Dislocations and Sprains
Airbag deployment can also cause dislocations and sprains, particularly in the shoulder and elbow joints. These injuries can be extremely painful and often necessitate medical intervention, including potential surgery and rehabilitation.
Burns and Abrasions
The chemicals used to inflate airbags can cause burns, and the airbag fabric can cause abrasions as it rubs against the skin. These injuries often occur on the arms when they are exposed to the deploying airbag.
Nerve Damage
The force and trauma of an airbag deployment can damage nerves in the arms, leading to numbness, tingling, and even loss of arm function. Nerve damage can be particularly debilitating and may require long-term medical treatment.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Airbag Injuries
If you suffer an arm injury from an airbag, you may be entitled to compensation, especially if the airbag was defective or if negligence played a role in the accident.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Filing a personal injury claim allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to your airbag injury. Our attorneys at Davidoff Law can help guide you through the filing process to ensure all relevant details are addressed.
Proving Liability in Airbag Injury Cases
To receive compensation, you must prove that the injury was caused by a defective airbag or someone's negligence in causing the car accident. This might involve gathering evidence such as medical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony.
Types of Compensation Available
Compensation for airbag injuries may include medical costs, lost income, and damages for pain and suffering. In cases of severe or permanent damage, additional compensation may be available for long-term care and loss of quality of life.
Steps to Take After Sustaining an Airbag Injury
Taking the right steps after a car accident is crucial for protecting your health and ensuring you can successfully pursue a compensation claim.
Here are essential actions to take following an accident:
- Seek Medical Attention. Immediately after an accident, get medical help to address any injuries.
- Document Your Injuries. Take photos of your injuries and keep all medical records and receipts.
- Report the Accident. Notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid detailed discussions or accepting blame.
- Keep a Symptom Diary. Record how your injuries impact your daily life and any pain you experience.
- Consult with an Attorney. Contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your case and the potential for compensation.
- Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media. Do not post details about the accident or your injuries online, as this can be used against you.
- Follow Up with Your Doctor. Continue with recommended medical treatments and follow-up appointments to ensure proper documentation of your injuries.
The Size of an Airbag Injury Settlement: Factors To Know
When seeking compensation for airbag injuries, several critical factors will influence the size of your settlement. Understanding these elements can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are the key factors that determine the size of an airbag injury settlement:
- Severity of the Injury. More severe injuries generally result in higher settlements due to increased medical costs and longer recovery times.
- Impact on Quality of Life. If your injuries affect your ability to work or perform daily activities, this can significantly increase your settlement.
- Medical Costs. The total cost of your medical treatment, including future medical expenses, will greatly influence the settlement amount. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you might have future medical expenses as well. This lawsuit should cover those expenses.
- Lost Wages. Compensation for time off work and lost earning capacity due to your injuries is a key factor in determining your settlement.
- Pain and Suffering. This non-economic damage can vary widely but is an important component of your compensation.
Insurance Claim Versus Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing an insurance claim is usually the first step after a car accident. If you cannot reach a satisfactory settlement through your insurance company, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal step involves more complex procedures and the potential for a higher compensation amount, especially if serious injuries or negligence are involved. We can pursue not only the at-fault driver but also the airbag manufacturer.
The Benefits of Partnering With Our New York Car Accident Lawyer
Partnering with a skilled car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and your overall experience during the legal process.
Here are the key benefits of working with our New York car accident lawyer:
- Expert Guidance Through Legal Processes. Our New York car accident lawyer has deep knowledge of state laws and procedures. We guide you through each step of your case, from filing claims to negotiating settlements. This ensures that you make informed decisions and understand the legal implications of each action.
- Maximized Compensation. We leverage our experience and resources to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Whether it's dealing with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we aim to recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our aggressive negotiation tactics help ensure that your financial needs are fully addressed.
- No Upfront Costs. Partnering with our firm means you face no upfront fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so we don't get paid unless we win. Do not worry about paying us when you pick up the phone.
- Personalized Attention. Each client receives personalized attention from our compassionate team. We understand that every car accident case is unique, and we provide tailored legal strategies to suit your specific situation and goals. Our commitment to personal service means you're not just another case number.
- Stress Reduction. Handling the aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly stressful. By partnering with our skilled car accident lawyer, you can alleviate much of this stress. We handle all the legal details, allowing you to prioritize your recovery after a serious injury.
Schedule a Free Case Consultation With Our New York Car Accident Lawyer
If you've suffered injuries from an airbag during a car accident, don't hesitate to reach out for legal help. At Davidoff Law, we offer a free case consultation to help you understand your rights and the best steps forward. Our experienced car accident lawyers always fight to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your airbag injury case with confidence and support.
Call now to start on the path to securing the compensation you deserve.
