How Airbags Can Lead to Severe Burn Injuries

National Burn Awareness Week

Do Airbags Cause Burn Injuries?

National Burn Awareness Week

February 5-11 is considered to be National Burn Awareness Week. This week provides a platform to help raise awareness about burn safety, prevention strategies, and treatment options, as well as valuable resources for those affected by burns and fires. 

Exploring How Airbags Can Lead to Severe Burn Injuries

In the aftermath of car accidents, our law firm sees many clients with burn injuries caused by airbags. Airbags are designed to provide safety benefits, but in some cases can also cause burn injuries. Deploying airbags at high speeds and temperatures can cause serious, even life-threatening, burns to drivers and passengers. In this article, we’ll discuss how airbag deployment can lead to burn injuries and what you can do to help prevent them. 

What Causes Airbag Burns?

Airbag burns occur when an airbag is deployed too quickly, reaching dangerous speeds and temperatures. This high-velocity deployment causes a burning sensation on the skin of drivers and passengers due to the extreme temperatures reached as the airbag explodes from its container. Also, when an improper installation or malfunction occurs in an airbag system, it can cause further damage by deploying off-center or at incorrect speeds and temperatures.

 

Types of Burn Injuries Resulting from an Airbag Deployment

There are two main types of burn injuries that can occur as a result of an airbag deployment: thermal burns and ballistic burns. In addition to these physical burn injuries, other forms of trauma – such as blunt force trauma, whiplash, and cuts – are also common outcomes when an airbag is deployed.

1.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns result from the hot air of an airbag’s rapid inflation.

2.

Ballistic burns

Ballistic burns are caused by physical pressure or scratches from small particles within the airbag or against the driver or passenger.

3.

Other Forms of Trauma

Such as blunt force trauma, whiplash, and cuts – are also common outcomes when an airbag is deployed.

Who Is at Risk for Burn Injuries from an Airbag Deployment?

Anyone near an airbag as it deploys can sustain serious burns. This includes both drivers and passengers, even if they are buckled in. Infants, children, and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable to burn injuries from an airbag deployment because their smaller body sizes put them at increased risk of being too close to an airbag when it is activated. Also, people with certain preexisting medical conditions – such as cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disorders – could be more likely to experience severe burns due to the high degree of force generated by an airbag during deployment.

 

How Can You Protect Yourself From Airbag Burns?

The best way to protect yourself from airbag burns is to always make sure you are in the correct seating position with the seat belt securely fastened. In addition, ensure that the correct airbag systems are in place and functioning correctly. You may also want to consider purchasing an airbag safety cushion available for some vehicles. Finally, pay close attention to any recalls or bulletin notices issued by the vehicle manufacturer as these can help identify potential problems early on before they cause serious injury.

 

Steps to Take If You Have Experienced Unlikely Burn Injuries from an Airbag Deployment

If you or someone you know has suffered from burn injuries as a result of an airbag deploying, it is important to take immediate action. Burn injuries can be extremely serious and should not be taken lightly. After seeking medical attention, contact a car accident lawyer at McCoy & McCoy so that they can contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealer to report the incident and investigate any potential contributing factors. They may be able to provide insight into the cause of the airbag failure and provide additional guidance on what steps need to be taken next.

 

Protect Yourself with Skilled Legal Representation

After being involved in a car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for any damages or losses suffered. Your attorney at McCoy & McCoy will review your case and represent your interests in any legal proceedings that follow. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can have the peace of mind knowing that all of your rights are protected throughout the process, so you can move forward with confidence.

McCoy & McCoy - Personal Injury Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a car accident in Connecticut, do not hesitate to contact our law firm. We offer 100% FREE legal consultations. You have the option to either call us to speak with a legal representative right away or fill out an online case review form. 

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