Airbags play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of accidents by distributing the force and providing a protective cushion. They have proven to be life-saving safety features, reducing front-seat fatalities by 30% and minimizing the risk of severe injuries. However, airbags can also cause injuries, especially when occupants are not wearing seatbelts, or they deploy incorrectly.
If you have been injured by airbag deployment in a car accident in Dallas, TX, you could be entitled to compensation. A Dallas auto accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for a fair settlement in Dallas, Texas.
Since 1995, Jay Murray Car Accident and Truck Accident Lawyers has represented accident victims in pursuing maximum compensation and holding companies and people accountable. Contact our law office at (214) 855-1420 for a free case evaluation with a Dallas personal injury lawyer to discuss how we can help you.
How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With Your Airbag Injury Case In Dallas, Texas
If you or a loved one has suffered serious airbag injuries in Dallas, Texas, it’s crucial to understand your rights and how to pursue the fair compensation you are owed. At Jay Murray Car Accident and Truck Accident Lawyers, we have 28-plus years of experience representing injury victims. We have recovered over $110 million on behalf of our clients in life-changing jury awards and settlements.
Our Dallas airbag injury lawyers can give you the compassionate support, legal advice, and zealous representation you deserve.
Here is what you can count on our Dallas car accident attorneys to do:
- Meticulously investigate your accident
- Collaborate with experts to substantiate your claim
- Provide legal guidance at every step of your case
- Handle all communications and paperwork
- Negotiate with insurance companies and manufacturers to pursue a favorable settlement
- Take your case to court when necessary
We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable when they cause injuries. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a Dallas personal injury attorney to discuss how we can help you.
What Injuries Are Caused By Airbag Deployment?
Airbag deployment can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries. You are more likely to suffer serious injury from an airbag if you are not wearing a seatbelt, sitting too close to the airbag, or you are an older adult.
Potential airbag injuries can include:
- Burns
- Neck and back injuries
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chest injuries
- Eye injuries
- Irritant dermatitis
- Fractures
- Lung injuries and respiratory complications
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
While airbags can save lives, proper deployment is crucial. Even when it works as intended, an airbag can still cause injuries that change your life forever.
What Causes Airbag Injuries In Dallas, TX?
When an airbag deploys, it takes just 1/20th of a second due to a violent chemical reaction that causes the airbag to expand at up to 200 mph. Injuries can be caused by exposure to the chemicals and gases released during deployment or by impact with the airbag itself.
The risk of an airbag injury is increased if you:
- Have your legs or arms resting against the airbag
- Have aftermarket dash, seat, or steering wheel covers installed
- Sit too close to the steering wheel
- Do not wear a seatbelt
- Are an older adult or have osteoporosis
- Are a child or under 4’9”
To reduce your risk of injury, make sure you sit a minimum of 10” away from the steering wheel. Short and elderly drivers are more likely to suffer airbag injuries because they tend to sit too close to the steering wheel. Some new airbags detect seat position to deploy with less force, but this is not standard.
It’s also important to wear your seatbelt. You are at a higher risk of a spinal cord injury or neck fracture if you do not have a seatbelt on when the airbag deploys.
Unfortunately, many serious airbag injuries today are caused by defective airbags. The Takata airbag recall affected about 67 million vehicles in the U.S. It’s the largest recall in American history. It’s estimated that 11 million vehicles still have defective Takata airbags installed.
Defective airbags may explode spontaneously outside a crash and expel dangerous shrapnel. To date, 250 injuries and 23 deaths have been linked to these airbags.
If your injury was caused by a defective airbag, the manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability law.
What Damages Are Available in an Airbag Injury Case In Dallas, Texas?
Airbag injury victims are entitled to compensatory damages from responsible parties. Negligent drivers can be held accountable for injuries they cause in a crash. Manufacturers can also be held strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products.
Compensatory damages are divided into two general categories: economic damages or your financial losses, and non-economic damages, the personal losses without financial value.
Common damages you can recover for airbag injuries include:
- Medical bills
- Reasonable future medical expenses
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Lost or reduced future earnings
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement or scarring
An experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer can help you understand what your case may be worth and pursue the total value of your losses.
How Long Do I Have To File an Airbag Injury Lawsuit In Texas?
The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of your accident. If you have a product liability claim against the airbag manufacturer, you may have up to 15 years from the date it was sold to bring your claim.
If the statute of limitations expires, you will be barred from bringing a claim against the at-fault party. This means you will be unable to recover compensation for your injuries.
Time is of the essence; contact our law office today to schedule a free case review with a Dallas personal injury lawyer.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer in Dallas for a Free Consultation
Have you suffered airbag injuries in an accident in Dallas, TX, or due to a defective airbag deployment? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and Jay Murray Car Accident and Truck Accident Lawyers is ready to help you.
Contact our Dallas law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Dallas airbag injuries lawyer. We will help you review your options, offer legal advice, and discuss how we can help you.
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