Airbag Injuries in Tampa

Airbags are vehicle safety features intended to protect drivers and passengers in the event of an automobile accident. Unfortunately, these safety features can become dangerous when they do not work as intended. If you are suffering from airbag injuries in Tampa, Florida, our airbag injuries lawyers can help you fight for your rights against those responsible. 

At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys know the trauma you’re experiencing as a result of the accident. Airbags are responsible for numerous injuries and fatalities in car crashes in Tampa and throughout Florida. Malfunctions can result in extensive harm to both drivers and passengers, resulting in extensive medical bills, time away from work, and mental anguish. You deserve to be compensated for those damages. 

Call Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to speak with a Tampa car accident lawyer today at (813) 686-7588. We offer a free consultation at our Tampa office. We are ready to review your case and help you determine the next steps.

How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After an Airbag Injury in Tampa, FL

At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve won more than $100 million for our clients since 1996. We have a reputation for successfully handling vehicle accident cases such as

We’ve seen what our clients go through when these accidents happen, so we understand what a difficult time this is for you. It’s hard to focus on recovery when the bills are piling up and you aren’t sure what to do next. That’s where we come in. 

Our Tampa, FL personal injury attorneys are second to none. We go after the responsible parties so you get the financial resources you need to be able to heal. 

Among our many services, you can count on us to:

  • Conduct our own investigation into the accident
  • Consult with airbag experts and accident reconstructionists
  • Develop a legal strategy
  • Push insurance companies to offer the highest possible settlement
  • Take your case to court if necessary

Throughout the process, our team will keep you informed and consult with you on big decisions as we move forward. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers operates on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we win. Give us a call in Tampa, Florida to get started today. 

What Are the Dangers of Airbags?

What Are the Dangers of Airbags?

Airbags are safety features that increase protection for drivers and passengers in the event of a collision. However, airbags can prove dangerous if there are malfunctions, defects, and/or a failure to comply with airbag safety regulations.   

Proper Airbag Use

There are requirements that drivers and passengers must abide by to ensure that airbags function properly. Airbags are known as an SRS, or supplemental restraint system, and are intended to be used in addition to seatbelts. Seatbelts should always be worn by all occupants of the vehicle. In fact, neglecting to do so could significantly increase the dangers associated with airbags.  

Airbags are intended to strike the chest if an accident causes the body to propel forward. It is important for drivers and passengers to sit in a straight position with both feet on the floorboard and as far away from the airbag as possible. Remember that children are always safer in the backseat.

Injury During Deployment

Airbags are controlled and triggered by sensors that detect when the car is involved in a collision. When this occurs, the airbag deploys at an exceedingly fast rate, filling with nitrogen gas and physically impacting the driver and passenger before deflating.

Airbags deploy at violent speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and occur only milliseconds after a collision has taken place. This has the potential to cause serious injury and death in the event deployment doesn’t occur as planned.

Airbag Malfunctions, Defects, and Issues

Defective airbags are generally a result of design flaws and/or manufacturing defects, including:

  • Airbag inflator explosions
  • Sensor malfunctions
  • Previous deployment
  • Issues with inflation

The inability to turn off airbags when the dangers outweigh the benefits is also a cause of many airbag-related injuries. For example, certain adults who are pregnant or have medical conditions may suffer injuries that could be significantly exacerbated by airbags.

Common Airbag Injuries

Airbags are responsible for many injuries and deaths due to the speed at which the bag deploys, malfunctions when it deploys, and the chemical agents involved. 

Airbag injuries include:

  • Damage to internal organs
  • Internal bleeding
  • Head and brain injury
  • Neck trauma
  • Chest trauma
  • Eye and nose injuries
  • Broken fingers, wrists, and hands
  • Abrasions and lacerations 

The chemicals used in airbag manufacturing also have the potential to burn the skin and affect the respiratory system.

Who Might Be Liable for an Airbag Injury?

Airbags are a required safety component in all automobiles. There are several potentially liable parties when an airbag malfunctions or fails to deploy, resulting in injury.

Automobile and Airbag Manufacturers

Automobile manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that all airbags on their vehicles are fully operational and defect-free. This should involve rigorous testing before a vehicle is made available to consumers. The manufacturer and supplier of the airbag may also be liable for their defective product.

Car Sales Associates

Airbags must be replaced after they have deployed. Florida car sales associates who intentionally sell vehicles with previously deployed airbags may be held liable for injuries that result from an accident.

Other Individuals

Other individuals may be held liable depending on the unique circumstances surrounding each case. For example, the individual responsible for the accident may have to pay damages for any injuries caused by an airbag that deployed properly and had no malfunctions but still caused harm. 

Contact a Tampa Car Crash Lawyer Today If You Suffered Airbag Injuries in Tampa

You’re going through enough right now. The last thing you should be thinking about is how to manage your legal situation. Leave that to us at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers. We know how to handle insurance companies, manufacturers, and anyone else who may be responsible for compensating you for your airbag injuries in Tampa, FL. 

Give us a call at our law offices to speak with us about your case. Remember, your first consultation is 100% free. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Other Car Accident Claims We Cover

At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all types of car accident claims in Tampa, including:

Additional Car Accident Resources