Frontal airbags have been required in all vehicles since the 1999 model year. These safety devices have since been found to reduce the risk of death in frontal collisions by 29% for drivers and 32% for front-seat passengers.
However, these devices’ inflation forces and impacts on the head and chest can cause airbag injuries in St. Petersburg, FL, ranging from bruises to concussions. While Florida’s no-fault insurance system provides limited benefits for car accident victims, the injuries caused by airbag deployment can be severe and often exceed these coverage limits.
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers helps crash victims recover full compensation for their injuries. If you need assistance, contact our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers or call us at (727) 787-2500 to schedule a free case assessment.
How Our St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You With an Airbag Injury Claim
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers provides skilled legal representation to injured clients in St. Petersburg, Florida. We’ve successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for accident victims.
If you suffered an airbag injury due to someone else’s wrongful actions, we will provide the following legal services:
- A review of your case to identify possible legal claims
- An investigation into the accident and the gathering of evidence
- Filing claims with insurers and negotiating settlements
- Taking your case to court if it does not settle
Careless, distracted, and aggressive drivers can cause severe harm, including airbag injuries. Contact our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers for a free consultation to learn how we can help you seek and recover compensation.
What Are Some Common Causes of Airbag Injuries?
Manufacturers design airbags to deploy in less than a twentieth of a second. With that immense speed in mind, airbag injuries usually happen in the following ways:
Initial Deployment
If you sit too close to the dashboard or steering wheel, the airbag can strike you as it deploys. The force can cause your head to snap back, seriously injuring your neck. Children and short adults are particularly vulnerable to these injuries.
Impact With the Airbag
During a collision, your airbag deploys to catch your body and slow its forward motion. Although the airbag includes vents to deflate slowly upon impact, you can still suffer injuries when your face, forehead, and upper chest strike it, such as bruises, fractured facial bones, and concussions.
Airbag Malfunctions
Dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries have resulted from defective airbags produced by Takata for most major car manufacturers. These airbags deploy explosively, pelting occupants with metal shrapnel.
What Kinds of Car Accidents Can Cause Airbag Injuries?
Airbags include three main components. When it detects a collision, a sensor prompts an inflator, which contains chemicals that react instantaneously to inflate an airbag.
The sensor must detect a frontal collision to deploy the airbag; in other words, a rear or side impact will not produce the force necessary to trigger the sensor.
The types of collisions most likely to set off the airbag include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end crashes (as they are frontal collisions for the rear vehicle)
- Angled collisions at impact points at the front of the vehicle
Some common causes of these collisions include distracted driving, tailgating, speeding, and failing to yield.
What Compensation Can St. Petersburg Airbag Injury Victims Pursue?
As the victim of a car accident, you are able to pursue economic damages, which include things like hospital bills and lost wages. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, if you suffered serious injuries.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in St. Petersburg can help you identify the damages you may be entitled to under Florida law.
How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge?
Car accident lawyers typically charge contingency fees. If they win or settle your case, a percentage of the compensation recovered will be used to pay for their services. If they fail to settle or win your case, you will not owe anything.
What Happens in Florida If I Am Partially At Fault For My Airbag Injuries?
Florida allows some crash victims to receive compensation if they partially caused their injuries. For example, if you drove without a seat belt and suffered a fractured cheekbone after hitting your airbag, a court might reduce your compensation based on your level of carelessness.
However, if your apportioned fault exceeds 50%, you are barred from recovering any money for your damages.
What Is Florida’s Deadline For Filing an Airbag Injury Lawsuit?
Florida law generally gives you two years to file a lawsuit for bodily injuries (with some limited exceptions). You should consult an attorney promptly after a crash to avoid missing the applicable deadline.
What Should I Do If I Suffered Airbag Injuries in a Car Accident?
Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries you suffer in a crash to ensure that you receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your doctor’s records will also prove the extent of your injuries, which can be vital evidence for a legal claim.
Contact Our Experienced St. Petersburg Airbag Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Airbag injuries can cause lasting pain and disabilities. Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injuries and the compensation we can pursue for them.