Airbags are designed to protect passengers during a crash, but in some cases, they can cause significant injuries. If you’ve experienced injuries as a result of vehicle airbags in Metairie, Louisiana, the Law Office of John Redmann can help when you call us at (504) 500-5000.
We offer a free consultation with a Metairie airbag injury lawyer and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Reach out today to get started on your case.
How the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. Can Help After an Accident in Metairie
The Metairie, Louisiana, personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. have over 30 years of combined experience. When you trust us with your injury case, we’ll:
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident
- Investigate the cause of your injuries
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf
- Fight for a settlement
- Take your case to trial
We’ll help you get compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Let us handle your case while you rest and recover. Reach out as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with a Metairie auto accident lawyer.
Why Do Airbags Cause Injuries?
Your vehicle is equipped with collision sensors that instantly trigger the airbags to deploy. When activated, airbags inflate at speeds of up to 200 mph. For the airbags to be effective, they must deploy faster than the vehicle’s speed.
To achieve such rapid inflation, airbags deploy explosively, using a small amount of gunpowder, similar to the force of a bullet. In just 50 milliseconds—about the time it takes to blink an eye—a collision sensor signals the airbag to deploy and fully inflate.
This explosive deployment, while crucial for safety, can also lead to injuries. Although crashing into an airbag filled with nitrogen gas is far safer than hitting a steering wheel or dashboard, it is not without its risks.
Common Airbag Injuries
Airbags can cause serious and devastating injuries. Injuries that may result include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Eye injuries
- Broken ribs
- Internal organ tearing or bruising
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
It is critical to see a doctor after an airbag deploys, even if you have no visible injuries.
Factors That Affect the Severity of Airbag Injuries
A variety of factors determine how serious airbag injuries may be:
- How close you were to the airbags
- Whether you were injured by the side or front airbags
- Whether you were wearing a seatbelt
- How fast the vehicle was travelling at the time of impact
An attorney will be able to listen to your story and investigate factors that may have contributed to your injuries.
When To Turn the Airbag Off
If you are in a situation in which it’s safer to have the airbag turned off, you should deactivate it. These are the situations in which an airbag should be turned off:
- When a child under age 13 must ride in the front seat, regardless of car seat or booster seat
- When a short driver is sitting just a few inches from the steering wheel
- When the passenger has a medical condition in which an airbag impact could be deadly (a doctor’s note is required by law)
Please be familiar with how to turn your airbags on and off to improve safety. Children are particularly endangered when riding in the front seat with an active airbag. However, riding in the backseat is always the best bet for smaller bodies and the elderly.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Airbags reduce your risk of not surviving a car crash, but they can cause significant injury in some cases. The Metairie airbag injury lawyers at the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. are concerned about airbag injuries people sustain in collisions, and we will fight hard for each and every injury you have.
If an airbag deployment caused you injury in Metairie, Louisiana, let us answer your legal questions and explore your options with you. For a free case review, don’t hesitate to contact our office today.