Airbags and other modern safety features are installed in your vehicle to prevent serious injuries in the event of a crash. In most cases, your airbag will do so and help you to avoid severe accident-related injuries or even death.
In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that airbags saved more than 50,000 lives between 1987 and 2017. This does not mean that your airbags cannot cause you or your passenger a concussion.
The reality is that getting a concussion from your airbag may be better than the injuries you could receive from a car accident. Concussions are typically treatable when addressed by a medical provider immediately after an accident.
For more information about airbags and concussions, read the following. If you were in a car accident or an airbag manufacturer’s negligence caused your concussion injuries, speak with an experienced car accident attorney about a potential legal claim.
How Airbags Cause a Concussion
Airbags work by a computer and chemical chain reaction. When a vehicle experiences an impact, the car’s computer notifies the airbag to inflate. The airbag chemically inflates in under one second.
The speed and force of airbag inflation causes a victim’s head to rebound off the airbag and into the back of the car seat. When a victim’s head is in an awkward position upon impact, this can increase the severity of injury.
Recognizing an Airbag Concussion
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While concussions are usually mild and not life-threatening, they do require immediate medical care and monitoring to ensure they do not worsen.
Victims of car accidents and airbag deployment should be familiar with and watch for the following concussion signs and symptoms:
- Different pupil sizes;
- Headache;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Dizziness;
- Blurred vision;
- Mood changes;
- Sensitivity to light and sound;
- Trouble concentrating; and
- Sleep disturbances.
Failure to address a concussion can impact a victim’s work performance, personal relationships, and mental and physical health.
Responsibility for an Airbag Malfunction
Airbags deploy to save lives, and using an airbag has some associated risks. In most cases, accident victims can recover monetary damages from the at-fault driver for their accident-related injuries. This includes any airbag injuries.
If an airbag deploys unexpectedly or due to a system defect and causes injuries, the manufacturer or installer may be liable for any damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case circumstances to determine all responsible parties for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Denver Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered a concussion during a car accident or any other time due to airbag deployment, an experienced Denver personal injury attorney may be able to help. Victims of other drivers and airbag manufacturer negligence should not be left paying for their accident-related losses.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we take the fight to insurance companies and are unafraid to battle cases out in trial. We are a Denver law firm built by successful trial attorneys and pride ourselves on helping those who cannot help themselves.
Call Dulin McQuinn Young today to schedule your no-cost consultation with a skilled Denver personal injury attorney. Let Dulin McQuinn Young protect your best legal interests so you can focus on recovering from your injuries!