Airbags are designed to help you in the event of a car accident, but sometimes they do more harm than the collision itself. While they look like inflatable pillows, airbags are actually made from a rough material that can explode in your face during even a low-speed accident.
That means the aftermath of an auto accident can include more than just damage to your car. When an airbag deploys, it can cause injuries like chemical burns and gas burns to your face and body. This is due to the way the airbags are manufactured to inflate immediately upon impact — through a chemical reaction that generates heat and gas.
If there is a manufacturing defect with the airbag, the chemicals or hot gas may not remain in the airbag as they’re supposed to. Instead, they may explode out into the car’s cabin. This can lead to second-degree burns on your face and body and chemical burns in your eyes, as well as a variety of other significant injuries.
When you’ve experienced an airbag burn after an auto accident in Austin, you may be entitled to compensation. An Austin car crash attorney can help you determine if you have a right to compensation and which parties to seek damages from.
Damages in an Airbag Burn Case
The specific damages you can recover in an airbag burn case depend on the severity of your situation and the actual cause of your injury. Damages from an airbag burn can be severe, and you may be able to recover costs and losses such as:
- Medical expenses. When you suffer a burn to your face or body, it can require extensive medical attention and ongoing care. You may even need skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries, which can be costly and ongoing. To make sure you get fully compensated for your medical expenses, you should always keep copies of any medical bills that are directly related to your injury and any long-term care.
- Lost income. After experiencing an airbag burn, you’ll likely need to take time off from work to heal and recover. You may be able to get compensation for both current lost income and future lost wages.
- Property damage. In addition to any physical damage to you, you can also seek recovery for any damage to your vehicle or other property.
- Disfigurement for scarring. Skin grafts and heavy scarring can result in considerable changes to your appearance, reducing your quality of life and causing serious emotional and psychological suffering. These intangible damages can sometimes be claimed in an airbag burn case.
- Past and future pain and suffering. Physical pain and suffering is another category of intangible damages that you may be able to sue for.
When a collision is so serious that airbags are deployed, victims also may suffer other injuries in addition to airbag burn. These can include broken bones, spinal injuries and more. Your lawyer will evaluate damages associated with other injuries as part of your injury claim.
Experiencing a burn can be a traumatic experience that leads to a physical change in your appearance. In addition to monetary reimbursement for expenses and income, you can also seek recovery in the form of pain and suffering, mental anguish, and scarring and disfigurement.
If an auto collision resulted in the death of a loved one, you may also be able to seek compensation for wrongful death.
What Factors Can Affect Your Airbag Burn Case in Austin?
Most airbag burns occur when there’s a defect in the airbag itself, but injuries can happen even when airbags work as they should. Airbag injuries can be more devastating for children and the elderly, especially if they are sitting in the front seat when the collision occurs. These factors are all taken into account when determining a legal action in an airbag burn case.
Airbag burn cases typically involve the manufacturer of the airbag, or the car manufacturer that was aware of defective airbags and didn’t issue a recall. Your auto accident lawyer will consider the amount of negligence involved in your case to determine how much these parties are liable for your injuries, as well as whether your actions contributed to the accident.
Because the severity of injuries that occur from an airbag burn can range from mild burning to significant disfigurement, the extent of your injury also needs to be taken into account. You’ll likely be able to recover more in damages if your injury requires more medical treatments, operations, and time to heal.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Airbag Burn Case in Austin
If you are considering pursuing an airbag burn injury case, it’s helpful to consult with an Austin auto accident lawyer who has expertise in personal injury law. A lawyer can answer any questions you have about your legal options and help investigate your case. Some of the ways an airbag injury lawyer can help include:
- Offering expert guidance. It’s not always easy to know where to start when pursuing a personal injury claim, especially when more than one party may be involved. An auto accident lawyer can advise you on your legal rights as they pertain to your specific case, and on how successful your claim may be.
- Preserving key evidence. It can be vital to your case to ensure that the evidence from your accident, including the airbag itself, is preserved and available as soon as possible after the collision. Your attorney will make sure any needed evidence is preserved and consult with qualified experts to determine the cause of your injury. Your attorney will also ensure that you get the appropriate medical care and document your injuries.
- Raising your chance of recovering damages. Airbag burns often involve deep pockets. An experienced auto accident lawyer knows how to go up against car part manufacturers and big auto manufacturers to negotiate the best recovery possible in your case. If litigation makes the most sense in your case, your attorney will bring all the relevant evidence and documentation to court and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire an Austin Car Wreck Lawyer to Help with Your Airbag Burn Case?
Consulting with an experienced airbag burn lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. Our experienced Austin personal injury lawyers at FVF Law understand how much an airbag burn can impact your life, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
We have extensive experience helping clients get a fair settlement in personal injury cases, and we’ll help you develop a strategy for bringing your case to resolution efficiently and effectively. Our accident law firm aims to not only help you understand the best way to maximize your financial recovery but also offer support and guidance in the midst of difficult circumstances.
FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers offer a free, no-commitment case consultation so you can review your options and decide if working with us makes sense for you. To find out more about your options, contact us today.
Other Car Accident Cases We Handle:
- Texting while driving
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Distracted driving
- Rollover accidents
- Highway crashes
- ACDF injuries