Airbags were created to prevent a driver and/or passenger from hitting the interior structure of the vehicle in a car accident. When an airbag deploys, it protects the occupants from moving forward into the steering wheel or dashboard. However, since the airbag must inflate quickly, it can deploy at an extreme force, typically at a speed of 100 miles per hour. This considerable force of the airbag deployment can lead to serious injuries.

Airbags are designed to deploy during a crash at a force equal to hitting a solid barrier at 14 miles per hour. These safety devices are not supposed to activate with sudden braking, riding on an uneven road or during the minor hit of a bumper. Airbags were created to absorb the force of a car accident. The airbag system consists of a fabric bag, inflator and sensor device. When the airbag deploys, it is filled with nitrogen or argon, which are considered harmless gases. Some airbags may also release hydroxide and potassium chloride. These substances may cause the throat and eyes to be irritated, especially if the occupants become trapped in the vehicle.

Severe and even fatal injuries have been associated with airbags. Airbags have been known to cause severe eye injuries, including bruising of the socket, bleeding in the eye or even blindness. Burn injuries, abrasions and paralysis can also be caused by airbags. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, there have been 242 total cases involving the deaths of drivers and passengers, who were fatally injured by airbag deployment in minor-to-moderate severity crashes.

Usually serious injuries from airbags are the result of the following:

• Driver or passenger was sitting too close to the dashboard or steering wheel.
• Driver became unconscious and was slumped over the steering wheel.
• Seat belt was not being used.

However, there are cases when the airbag is defective. If you have been injured by an airbag following a car accident, contact Thomas M. Kiley & Associates. Tom Kiley will review your airbag injury case to help you determine if in fact, the airbag was defective.

Below are some tips from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration to help prevent serious airbag injuries:

• There should be at least 10 inches between the center of the driver’s breastbone and the steering wheel.
• Wear a safety belt.
• Never put a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat of the vehicle with a front passenger airbag.
• Children 12 years old and younger should ride in the rear seat.

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Andover, MA 01810

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