Sometimes, the things that are designed to help us, can end up hurting us.
We are not going to debate the facts: airbags save lives and reduce the severity of car accident injuries. They can make the difference between life and death and have increased road safety dramatically. However, there are certain circumstances when the airbag may cause or worsen car accident injuries.
These devices are meant to protect you in the event of a crash. However, they exit the dashboard forcefully. They may also be hot and covered in chemicals. All these factors can make it possible for airbag injuries to occur.
Here is a list of the most common types and what you can do to avoid them.
Common Types of Airbag Injuries
Due to the force and speed they exit the dashboard, airbags can cause burns and abrasions. The high speed can also cause concussions, fractures or eye injuries. Moreover, the dust and chemicals that cover the material of the airbag may irritate the lungs or cause an asthma attack.
Here are the most common types of airbag injuries that may occur during a car crash:
- Burns to the face, arms, and chest
- Abrasions to the upper part of the body
- Concussion to the face, arms, chest, and internal organs
- Brain injuries
- Fractures and strains to the upper side of the body
- Cervical spine injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Internal organ damages
- Throat and lungs irritation
- Asthma attacks
- Placenta puncture or fetal injury to pregnant women
How to Reduce the Risk of Airbag Injuries
Airbags can cause damage to multiple body parts. In some instances, the impact is so severe that it can leave the victim disabled. In extremely rare conditions, the impact can even be fatal.
Although these types of incidents are rare, it’s better to take all the precautions when in a car to make sure you are as safe and protected as possible.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Always Wear a Seatbelt: According to a longitudinal study that analyzed airbag deaths between 1990 and 2008, people weren’t wearing a seatbelt in 80% of the cases.
- Position Your Seat Properly: Make sure that the seat is at ten inches back from the airbag deployment area.
- Pay Special Attention to How You Position Kids: Children under the age of 12 should ride in the backseat. If you are using a car seat for your child, make sure it’s appropriate for his height and weight.
Injured in a St. Louis Car Accident?
Sometimes, the things that are designed to help us, end up hurting us. If you’ve been in a car crashed and have suffered injuries that require extensive medical treatment, then you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Reach out to an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. for FREE legal advice. We will review your case and help you understand what your best options are. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242.