Airbag Injuries

What Types of Injuries Can Airbags Cause?

There are a number of injuries that you can suffer because of a faulty airbag deployment. Some common injuries after an airbag deployment include:

• Head and face injuries
• Neck and spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Rib fractures
• Chest and torso injuries
• Arm and hand injuries
• Burns

Types of Airbag Defects

There are many reasons why an airbag might be defective. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common reasons:

• Aggressive deployment: Software glitches and issues with sensors are some of the reasons why an airbag might deploy with excessive force. Injuries can be severe when this happens and can include burns, fractures, and even fatal injuries.
• Failure to deploy: When an airbag does not deploy properly, a driver or passenger might suffer various injuries brought on by the impact or projectiles that may hit them during the accident.
• Delayed deployment: When an airbag fails to deploy or deploys late, this leaves you unprotected and vulnerable to severe injuries, especially if you’re involved in a high-speed crash.
• Defective design or manufacturing: An airbag is only as safe as its quality of design or manufacturing. Weak seams that burst, airbags that are underinflated, or defective inflators can cause issues that result in more harm than good.

The Takata airbag recall, which was in full force from 2022 to now, is a prominent example of the risk of defective airbags. Takata airbags had issues with their airbag inflator mechanisms that caused the propellant to explode violently (rather than the fast yet controlled airbag deployment that is supposed to happen), causing severe injuries and, in some cases, death and a flurry of airbag injury lawsuits.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Airbag Injuries?

Several parties can be held liable for an airbag injury. Of course, it depends on how the injury happened, what factors are at play, and what parties were involved. Common parties that can be held negligent include:

• Vehicle manufacturers
• Airbag manufacturers
• Negligent drivers

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Pursuing a personal injury claim following an airbag accident is an effective way to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses you’ve endured.

Here are some of the types of compensation that fall under the distinction of compensatory damage:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future related to your injury)
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Bills associated with mental health counseling brought on by the traumatic experience
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Cost of rental vehicle
• Other related expenses

The Importance of Consulting a Florida Airbag Injury Lawyer

Airbag injury cases go beyond just your average car accident injury. There are many layers to a car accident injury case, and because several parties may be involved, it will take time for an experienced airbag injury attorney, and a dedicated team to investigate your case fully.

At Bernstein & Maryanoff, our attorneys have firsthand knowledge of how to navigate the legal system when it comes to airbag injuries. From understanding how to approach a case, identify responsible parties, and collect clear evidence on your behalf, to negotiating with insurance companies or representing you at trial, you can look forward to a team that will help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to.

Difference Between Expected Deployment Injuries and Defective Airbag Injuries

There are ways investigators can determine whether your airbag injuries were the result of an expected deployment.

When an airbag deploys as it should, you may suffer minor bruising, scratching, or temporary hearing loss, but these injuries are typically mild and will heal rather quickly.

However, when an airbag deployment is defective, you’ll see more severe injuries. Some of these injuries may include shrapnel wounds, injuries from projectiles because an airbag failed to deploy, or more severe injuries because an airbag was not fully inflated due to a tear or weak seams. Even if an airbag deploys the way it should, you can still suffer severe injuries if the deployment is delayed.

Factors Influencing Airbag Injury Severity

Some factors that will influence the severity of an airbag injury include:

• A driver’s or occupant’s size and position
• If a seatbelt was not worn at the time of the accident
• The type of airbag (ex: front or side airbag)
• The force of the impact

Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer in Miami for a Free Consultation

At Bernstein & Maryanoff, our personal injury attorneys understand the complex layers of airbag injuries that result from another driver or entity’s negligence.

When you turn to our team for legal representation, you can look forward to working with experts who have in depth knowledge on how to build a strong case that proves another driver, an auto manufacturer, or an airbag manufacturer was negligent in a manner that caused you to suffer the injuries you’re dealing with.

We take a client-focused approach, keeping you up to date with details in your case so that you feel confident throughout the legal process. We’ll negotiate for the best possible outcome with all involved parties, and if your case goes to trial, our legal team is ready to represent you in front of a judge or jury.

Now’s the time to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to our team to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights, options, and possible outcomes.

Get expert legal advice now. Book your free consultation today.

FAQ

Sources:

Airbags. (2025).

Florida Statutes § 95.11(3). (2025).

Florida Statutes § 95.11(4). (2025).

Takata Recall Spotlight. (2025).