Airbags are one of the most important safety features in modern vehicles. They have saved countless lives by cushioning drivers and passengers from the force of impact during crashes. However, what many people don’t realize is that airbags themselves can also cause injuries, especially in high-speed collisions or if the airbags malfunction.
While airbags are designed to reduce fatalities, they deploy with explosive force. That sudden release can cause burns, fractures, and internal trauma, even in moderate crashes. Understanding how airbag injuries occur and what to do if you experience one can make a big difference in your recovery and potential personal injury claim.
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How Airbags Work
Airbags are triggered by crash sensors that detect rapid deceleration. Within milliseconds of a collision, these sensors send a signal to an inflator, igniting a chemical reaction that produces nitrogen gas. The gas fills the airbag almost instantly, creating a cushion between the occupant and the car’s interior.
This process happens in less than 1/20th of a second. That’s why even a small distance from the airbag or improper seating position can determine whether it protects you or causes injury.
Key factors that influence the severity of airbag-related injuries include:
- The speed of deployment (which can exceed 200 mph)
- The driver’s height and seating distance from the steering wheel
- Whether the occupant was wearing a seatbelt
- The direction and force of the collision
- Whether the airbag deployed properly or malfunctioned
Common Injuries Caused by Airbag Deployment
While airbags save lives, they can still cause harm due to the speed and force of their deployment. The injuries can range from mild abrasions to severe trauma, depending on the situation.
- Facial Injuries
The face is often the first part of the body to make contact with a deploying airbag. Common facial injuries include:
- Cuts and bruises from the airbag’s surface
- Broken noses or cheekbones from the impact
- Eye injuries caused by debris or chemical residue
- Dental damage or jaw fractures
These injuries can result in significant pain, disfigurement, and long-term cosmetic or reconstructive concerns.
- Chest and Rib Injuries
When an airbag expands, it hits the chest with tremendous force. This can lead to:
- Bruised or fractured ribs
- Sternum injuries
- Strained muscles or soft tissue damage
- Internal organ trauma, especially in older individuals
If you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing after a crash, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.
- Burns and Abrasions
Airbags deploy using chemical propellants that release hot gases. Contact with these gases or the rough fabric of the airbag can lead to:
- Friction burns on the arms, face, and chest
- Chemical burns from sodium azide (a compound used in inflation)
- Minor skin irritation or rashes from powder residue
While most airbag burns are superficial, deeper burns can cause permanent scarring.
- Neck and Back Injuries
Even though airbags cushion the body, they don’t always prevent whiplash or spinal strain. Common injuries include:
- Cervical strain from the head snapping forward
- Herniated discs in the neck or lower back
- Nerve compression or chronic pain
In some cases, airbag force can even worsen pre-existing spine or muscle conditions.
- Upper Limb Injuries
Drivers often keep their hands on the steering wheel when the airbag deploys, which can result in:
- Broken wrists or forearms
- Dislocated shoulders
- Burns or abrasions on the hands
Holding the steering wheel at “10 and 2” increases risk, which is why safety experts now recommend positioning hands at “9 and 3.”
- Hearing and Respiratory Injuries
The sound of an airbag deploying can reach up to 170 decibels, loud enough to damage hearing. Some victims report:
- Temporary or permanent hearing loss
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Respiratory irritation from inhaling chemical dust
Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience worsened symptoms after exposure.
When Airbag Injuries Are Caused by Malfunction
While most airbags deploy correctly, some accidents involve defective or malfunctioning airbags. These can be far more dangerous than normal deployment.
Common airbag malfunctions include:
- Failure to deploy: The airbag doesn’t inflate during a crash, leaving the occupant unprotected.
- Over-deployment: The airbag inflates too forcefully, causing unnecessary injuries.
- Delayed deployment: The airbag deploys too late, after impact has already occurred.
- Spontaneous deployment: The airbag inflates without a crash, causing sudden loss of control.
- Defective inflators: Some airbags explode or emit metal fragments (as seen in the Takata recall).
In cases like these, manufacturers, suppliers, or vehicle designers may share legal liability for the injuries.
What to Do After an Airbag-Related Injury
If you suspect an airbag injured you during a crash, it’s important to take the right steps both medically and legally.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, internal damage or chemical burns can worsen quickly. Get checked by a doctor right away to document all symptoms. - Keep All Medical Records and Photos
Documentation is crucial for personal injury claims. Save hospital records, diagnostic test results, and photographs of visible injuries. - Preserve the Vehicle
If you believe the airbag malfunctioned, don’t allow the vehicle to be repaired or scrapped before it’s inspected. It may serve as vital evidence in your case. - Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance representatives often try to minimize payouts, especially for soft tissue or burn injuries. Speak with a personal injury attorney before giving any recorded statements. - Consult an Experienced Attorney
A Cleveland personal injury attorney can determine whether your injuries resulted from a standard deployment or a defective product. They can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disability
Proving an Airbag Injury Claim
To succeed in an airbag injury claim, you’ll need strong evidence connecting the airbag to your injuries. This often involves:
- Expert analysis: Engineers or automotive experts can examine the vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) to confirm airbag function.
- Medical reports: Physicians can link specific injuries (like facial fractures or burns) to the mechanics of airbag deployment.
- Witness statements: Passengers or bystanders can corroborate what happened during the crash.
- Product recall history: If your airbag model has a known defect, it strengthens your case significantly.
Your attorney may pursue a personal injury claim if another driver caused the crash or a product liability claim if the airbag was defective. In some cases, both claims apply.
Preventing Airbag-Related Injuries
While not all airbag injuries can be avoided, following certain precautions can reduce your risk:
- Always wear your seatbelt. Airbags are designed to work with them, not replace them.
- Sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel.
- Avoid resting your hands or arms on the steering wheel center.
- Keep children under 13 in the back seat.
- Have your vehicle checked for recall notices.
Taking these small steps can make a big difference in how safely your airbag performs in an accident.
Airbags save lives, but they can also cause unexpected injuries when deployed. The speed and force designed to protect you can result in burns, fractures, and soft tissue damage, especially if the system malfunctions.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from an airbag during a crash, you may be entitled to compensation. A qualified personal injury lawyer can help investigate the cause, identify liable parties, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your recovery.
Your safety matters, and so does your right to be made whole after an accident. Don’t overlook airbag injuries. Get the medical care and legal help you need to move forward.