Defective Air Bags in Car Accidents
In recent years, there has been multiple vehicles recalls involving defective airbag systems. If you have suffered significant damages due to airbag failure, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more. Contact California auto defect lawyers at Demas Law Group, P.C., to learn more about your rights and legal options in a free, comprehensive consultation.
What are the Different Types of Air Bag Defects?
In the event of an accident, airbags can help reduce the severity of traumatic injuries suffered by occupants or even prevent them altogether. More often than not, they save lives. However, when defective, airbags have the potential to cause more harm than good.
The following types of airbag defects can cause minor to catastrophic injuries, or in some especially tragic cases, death:
- Deployment Failure – When an airbag fails to deploy, occupants may suffer blunt force trauma from impact with the wheel, the dashboard, or some other solid part of the vehicle’s interior.
- Inadvertent Deployment – Drivers may become startled and lose control of their vehicles when an airbag deploys unexpectedly.
- Oversized Air Bags – This type of defect may cause airbags to over-expand to the point where it causes head damage.
- Under-Inflated or Incorrectly Positioned Air Bags – Airbags that do not inflate at a proper rate or are improperly designed, like interfering with a car door latch, may prove to be ineffective when it matters most.
What Are Some Recent Examples of Defective Air Bags?
Examples of recent recalls involving defective airbags include the following:
- In October 2013, Toyota recalled 885,000 vehicles because an electrical issue prevented airbags from deploying in a collision.
- In April 2013, multiple Japanese automakers recalled millions of vehicles manufactured between 2000 and 2002 for having improperly inflating airbags.
- An explosive airbag defect led to millions of vehicles produced between 2000 and 2004 being recalled by Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and General Motors.
- Ford Motors issued a recall of 144,000 F-150 pickup trucks from model years 2005 and 2006 after there were 269 reports of inadvertent airbag deployments.
You can search for your vehicle on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to determine whether it has been recalled for having a defective airbag system.
Who Can I Sue For A Defective Air Bag Accident?
If you have been the victim of a defective airbag accident, you may pursue a claim or suit against the responsible automaker and/or air bag manufacturer. It is highly advised that you retain the involved vehicle and airbag until they are inspected by a qualified expert. It is also recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible and have your physician make a report of your injuries. Keeping documentation of the accident and its consequences, along with assistance from a skilled product liability lawyer, will help you maximize your chances for a complete recovery.
Contact a Defective Air Bag Attorney in Sacramento Today!
At Demas Law Group, P.C., we’ve regularly won millions of dollars for our clients in their injury claims and lawsuits. If you decide to hire us as your legal representatives, we will use the full scope of our legal skills and resources to net you an optimal case outcome. And we’ll do everything on a contingency fee basis. In other words, if we’re not able to recover any damages, we won’t ask you for a cent. So, what are you waiting for? Contact our office today to get started on your case.
This literature may be considered attorney advertising or an offer of professional services, according to rule 1-400 Rules of Professional Conduct by the State Bar of California. The information does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your potential legal matter.
