Dangers of airbag injuries in a New Braunfels crash

In New Braunfels, Texas, airbags are essential safety features in vehicles, but they can sometimes contribute to injuries during a crash. When a collision occurs, an airbag deploys at speeds up to 200 miles per hour to create a cushion between the occupant and the interior of the vehicle. While this fast deployment can save lives by preventing head and chest impacts, it can also lead to injuries. Common airbag-related injuries include fractures to the nose, ribs, and wrists; facial abrasions and burns; and respiratory issues from inhaling the powder used to deploy the bag. Additionally, the impact of an airbag can cause significant harm to smaller passengers, such as children or petite adults, who are closer to the airbag upon deployment.

In some cases, airbag injuries are exacerbated by factors such as improper seating positions or malfunctioning devices. Sitting too close to the steering wheel or having a seatbelt improperly fastened can increase the force with which the airbag strikes a person, amplifying the severity of injuries. In New Braunfels, where traffic conditions and occasional hazardous road situations may increase the risk of collisions, drivers and passengers should be mindful of proper seatbelt use, maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel, and ensure airbag systems are functioning correctly. Staying informed about airbag safety and practicing cautious driving can help reduce the risk of these injuries in the event of an accident.

In Texas, airbag deployments contribute significantly to crash injury statistics each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), airbag deployments have saved thousands of lives but have also caused injuries in various types of collisions. Nationwide data reveals that around 11% of all vehicle occupants who experience airbag deployment sustain some form of injury, and in Texas, the rate is similar due to the state's high traffic volume. Among these injuries, facial fractures, wrist and hand injuries, and respiratory complications are most commonly reported. Studies have shown that about 8% of airbag-related injuries are severe enough to require medical intervention, with higher risks observed for smaller occupants and unrestrained passengers. Texas Department of Transportation data also highlights that proper seatbelt use significantly reduces the likelihood of severe airbag injuries, as seatbelts prevent occupants from moving too close to the deploying airbag.

Recent airbag recalls, particularly involving Takata airbags, have highlighted the potential for catastrophic injuries due to defects in airbag systems. Defective airbags, like those in the Takata recall, may deploy with excessive force or contain metal fragments that can turn into shrapnel during deployment, posing severe risks to vehicle occupants. Since 2013, more than 67 million airbags in the United States have been recalled, with incidents linked to at least 25 deaths and hundreds of injuries. When these defective airbags deploy, occupants face increased risks of serious trauma, including facial lacerations, head injuries, and even life-threatening internal damage. In Texas, where many drivers rely on vehicles subject to these recalls, it is critical for owners to stay updated on recall notices and seek prompt repairs to prevent devastating outcomes in the event of an accident.

If you've been injured by an airbag in an accident, the at-fault driver could have engaged in any number of dangerous behaviors that resulted in these serious injuries. Click the links below to get help from an attorney who specializes in your type of accident or injury:

• New Braunfels car accident attorney;
• New Braunfels semi-truck accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels drunk driving accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels distracted driving accident attorney;
• New Braunfels rear-end accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels teen driver accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels sleepy driver accident attorney;
• New Braunfels car defect accident law firm;
• New Braunfels hit-and-run accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels uninsured driver accident attorney;
• New Braunfels head-on accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels reckless driving accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels wrongful death claim lawyer;
• New Braunfels spinal cord injury attorney;
• New Braunfels whiplash injury law firm;
• New Braunfels brain injury attorney.

Regardless of how severe an accident is, almost everyone involved has to deal with insurance companies and claims. For crashes involving more serious injuries, or when a fatal crash occurs, a Charlottesville personal injury attorney is needed to manage the insurance claim. Go here to learn more about how a New Braunfels airbag injury lawyer helps injured victims.

Return to the New Braunfels accident information page