Airbag Malfunctions
Title: Airbag Malfunctions and Your Legal Rights: Raymon Law Group
Airbags are a critical safety feature in modern vehicles, designed to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a collision. However, when airbags malfunction, they can pose serious risks to occupants. If you’ve been involved in an accident where an airbag failed to deploy or deployed incorrectly, it’s essential to understand your legal rights.
In this blog post, we’ll explore airbag malfunctions, their potential consequences, common injuries they can cause, and how you can protect your rights in such situations.
Airbag Malfunctions: An Overview
Airbags rely on sophisticated sensors and systems to deploy effectively. However, several factors can lead to airbag malfunctions:
Sensor Failure: Airbags are triggered by sensors that detect the force of a collision. Sensor failures can prevent airbags from deploying when needed or cause them to deploy unnecessarily.
Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring or electrical problems can disrupt the deployment of airbags.
Manufacturing Defects: Occasionally, manufacturing defects can affect the integrity of airbags, causing them to malfunction.
Recalls: In some cases, vehicle manufacturers issue recalls due to known airbag defects.
Common Injuries Caused By Airbag Malfunctions
Airbag malfunctions can have severe consequences, leading to various injuries:
Head and Facial Injuries: When an airbag deploys with excessive force or at the wrong angle, it can cause head and facial injuries, including concussions, fractures, and lacerations.
Neck and Chest Injuries: Improperly deploying airbags can lead to neck and chest injuries, such as whiplash, sprains, and broken ribs.
Burns and Abrasions: Airbag deployment can generate heat and friction, causing burns and abrasions on the skin.
Eye Injuries: High-speed airbag deployment can lead to eye injuries, including corneal abrasions and retinal damage.
Hearing Loss: The loud noise generated during airbag deployment can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Airbag Malfunctions: Statistics
Understanding the prevalence of airbag malfunctions is crucial:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 1990 to 2017, frontal airbags saved 50,457 lives. However, it’s essential to address malfunctions to maintain this safety record.
Your Legal Rights
If you’ve experienced an airbag malfunction in an accident, here’s what you need to know about your legal rights:
Product Liability: If the airbag malfunction was due to a manufacturing defect, design flaw, or inadequate warnings, you may have a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or other parties in the supply chain.
Negligence: If the malfunction resulted from negligence, such as improper maintenance or installation, you may have a negligence claim against those responsible.
Recalls: Stay informed about vehicle recalls related to airbag malfunctions. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, take it to a certified dealership for necessary repairs or replacements.
Consult an Attorney: To protect your legal rights effectively, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney like those at Raymon Law Group, New Mexico’s trusted auto accident attorney. They can assess the circumstances of your case, identify liable parties, and guide you through the legal process. Contact Raymon Law Group at (505) 390-1040 for expert legal assistance.
Conclusion
Airbag malfunctions are a serious safety concern, and when they occur, they can lead to injuries and emotional trauma. Knowing your legal rights is essential if you’ve experienced an airbag malfunction in an accident.
Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, such as the experts at Raymon Law Group, New Mexico’s trusted motor vehicle accident attorney, is your best course of action to pursue compensation and hold responsible parties accountable for any harm caused by airbag malfunctions. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and legal recourse can help ensure that your rights are protected.
Call (505) 390-1040 to learn more today. And remember: You won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.