Air Bags Can Cause Serious Injury

We know that car accidents can result in death or serious injuries resulting in long-term disabilities such as traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries and amputations. Air bags were designed as a safety device and intended to protect us from getting so badly hurt.

How does an air bag work?

Frontal airbags are placed in the dash of the passenger side and the steering wheel of the driver sides of the car. Some cars have multiple airbags installed. They consist of a rubberized fabric bag filled with gases, which will deploy on forceful impact of the car with a solid object. Rather than the occupant’s body striking the hard surface of the car interior, the relatively soft bag hits the occupant and absorbs much of the energy of the impact. Airbags deploy at speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Although an airbag may be more forgiving than the dash or windshield, they certainly are not soft.

There is no one size fits all

Depending on how close the driver is to the steering wheel or dash of the car his injuries can be more severe. If the air bag comes from the center of the steering wheel, the driver should keep a minimum 10” distance away.

There is no one size fits all answer to air bag safety. They have been designed for a standard sized person. Regarding airbag injuries, tall people may fare better than shorter people. Children under age 12 are safer sitting in the back seat.

If the passenger has any part of their body touching or close to the dash upon deployment the injuries can be worse. For example if your reached your hand up against the dash to protect yourself from a pending crash, the airbag could force your hand and arm into your face resulting in trauma to face and eyes, possible fracture to arms and dislocation to the shoulder.

What can happen?

It is possible to escape with a few scrapes when an air bag deploys. However, because an air bag comes out of the dash or steering wheel with such force, studies show it can result in death or serious injuries including:

• Shock
• Burns to the skin
• Eye injuries due to trauma and or the gases from bag deployment
• Head injuries including concussion
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Facial trauma
• Abdominal injuries including soft tissue and rib fractures
• Arm and shoulder injuries

If you have received an air bag injury
Some serious injuries may not be immediately obvious such as whiplash or concussion. A person struck by an airbag may be in shock. Even if no injuries are obvious, it is a good idea to get medical clearance as possible after the accident.

Depending on your injuries you may need to take time off work or require a reduced workday. A person may feel confusion or a headache immediately after the accident, however symptoms can linger for days before the victim suspects something more serious has occurred. Depending on the type of injuries, sustained, you may require surgery or rehabilitation. Many victims of airbag injury are entitled to receive financial compensation in order to cover lost time at work, rehabilitation and other necessary costs involved with your injuries.

Statistics show that air bags used along with seat belts save lives and prevent many serious car accident injuries. In spite of the benefits offered, air bags themselves are sometimes the direct cause of death and serious injury. When air bag injuries do occur the victim can claim financial benefits in order to cover necessary costs and out of pocket expenses while he is unable to work.

The Kahler Personal Injury Lawyers help injured clients get the financial compensation they need regarding care, rehabilitation and ongoing expenses while they are ill. They are available to answer questions during an initial no charge consultation. Depending on your situation you may be eligible to receive financial support from Kahler Personal Injury law firm, in advance and without payment until your case has been won.

The Kahler Law Firm is a leader in car accident litigation. With law offices in Toronto, Barrie and North Bay the Kahler personal injury lawyers represent car accident victims throughout the GTA and the province of Ontario.

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The Kahler law firm offers free car accident consultations and case assessments. You don’t pay any fees until your settlement is won.