Airbag Injury Claims - Airbag Injuries
In 2013, the Takata Corporation became the first airbag manufacturer forced to recall their products.
Airbag injury claims are ironically becoming more common as more car manufacturers around the globe push to make airbags standard safety equipment. Airbags are designed to prevent you from suffering a serious injury but on occasion it’s the actual airbag that has caused the injury in the first place. In some cases, people receive injuries because their airbag failed to deploy. Regardless of the reason, if you were involved in an accident and received injuries due to an airbag then you may be entitled to compensation.
The History of the Airbag
An American inventor named John W. Hetrick registered the first airbag patent in 1951. Ironically, at the exact same time across the globe a German inventor was working on the same life saving technology. Walter Linderer filed for his airbag patent in October of the same year, only three months after Hetrick. These early airbags were finicky and often failed to deploy during an accident. It wasn’t until another inventor by the name of Allen K. Breed made a breakthrough in crash sensing technology that airbags began to see widespread use. This perceptive inventor created a magnetic tub and ball system that could better detect the impact of a crash.
By the late 90’s airbags had become standard equipment in most vehicles. This trend started in the United States and made its way across the Atlantic. As airbag technology began to increase, so did the amount of airbags per vehicle. Currently many vehicles feature driver and passenger airbags. Side curtain airbags offer additional protection against head injuries and are a great option, if available.
Airbag Development
Airbags have been revolutionary to the auto industry and after 20 years of usage, millions of lives have been saved by this invention. Manufacturers have recognised the success of this concept, continuing to seek new ways to employ this technology on a broader scale. In 2010, the Lexus LFA was the first commercially available vehicle to introduce seat belt airbags and less than 2 years later; the Volvo V40 introduced outward facing pedestrian airbags. These airbags can deploy outwards adding a layer of protection against pedestrians. Airbag technology continues to develop and it is exciting to think of what breakthroughs will come next. As with any new technology, there will be some failures.
Common Airbag Injuries
Airbags must inflate in a fraction of a second to work properly. In order to achieve these results airbags must be deployed suddenly and with great force. Unfortunately, this same force can cause injury. Even if an airbag has prevented you from receiving serious injury, you can still claim compensation if you were injured.
Airbag Injury Claims include:
- Whiplash
- Combustion Gas Burns
- Damage to the Eyes or Respiratory System from Propellant
- Facial Cuts and Bruises
- Hearing Loss from the Deployment Explosion
- Broken Bones
- Chest Injuries
- Heart Injuries
- Damaged Cosmetic Implants
Accident victims that suffer from respiratory problems are also more likely to encounter serious medical issues. If your vehicle is a little older you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals upon the deployment of your airbags. These propellants used during the 1990’s can cause respiratory issues.
Airbag Injuries Claims
In order for your claim to be successful, you will need to prove the other party is legally responsible for the incident. In the case of an airbag injury, the fault can fall onto the car manufacturer, the airbag manufacturer, and the other persons involved in the traffic accident. In recent times, there has been some major airbag recalls. Be sure to check to see if your vehicle has one of these faulty airbag systems installed in it. If it does, you may be able to get it replaced free at your local dealership.
Defective Airbags
Airbags are not full proof and in some instances your airbag may fail to deploy during an accident. When this is the case you may be able to make a defective compensation claim. You will be required to prove the defected airbag is what caused your injuries. To do this you may need to show:
- Assembly Errors
- Manufacturing Errors
- Design Flaws
- Failure to Provide Adequate Warning Labels
Recent Airbag Recalls
In 2013, the Takata Corporation became the first airbag manufacturer forced to recall their products. This recall states that Takata airbags can over inflate and rupture causing metal fragments to be propelled toward the driver and passengers. After most cases occurred in humid climates, high humidity was found to be the initiator of this airbag failure. At the time, Takata was one of the most profitable airbag companies in the world, with their devices installed in these major car brands.
- Ford
- General Motors
- Honda
- BMW
- Chrysler
- Mazda
- Nissan
- Toyota
This is considered the largest airbag recall in history to date. Manufacturers are not perfect and as the automotive industry continues to expand their technology there will undoubtedly be more injury causing failures that must be addressed. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of faulty airbags, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Soon Can I Receive Compensation for my Injuries?
Airbag injury claims vary in time length. If the incident is obvious, like in the case of an accidental deployment, your case will go smoother than one that is contested. The expert team at Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd are familiar with the intricate and sometimes confusing process surrounding airbag accident claims. Let us help you maximize your compensation.
How Can Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd Help?
At Claim solutions Scotland Ltd., we have one focus – getting you the peace of mind you deserve. Our claims advisors have years of experience in helping people just like you get awarded the compensation they deserved.
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We are confident in our abilities. If we are unable to get your compensation awarded, we will drop our fees. This will help you focus on what’s important – your recovery. Contact us now.
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