The five most common airbag injuries are often more serious than most people realize. Even though airbags are meant to protect you during a crash, they can also cause painful injuries in a car accident, especially at higher speeds. In the event this happened to you, reach out to our car accident attorneys in Newnan.
Knowing how airbags can hurt drivers and passengers can help you better understand your options after a collision.
1. Facial Injuries and Lacerations From Airbag Deployment
Airbags inflate fast, many in less than 1/20th of a second according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That is exactly what they are supposed to do, but when your face is close to the steering wheel or dashboard, that split-second force can leave behind more than just a bruise. Even a small object like a pair of glasses or a phone can become a hazard when caught between you and the airbag.
Some people walk away with minor swelling or scrapes while others are not so lucky. Deep cuts, broken cheekbones, or injuries around the eyes can lead to permanent scarring or even vision problems. When that happens, it may be time to consider a personal injury claim, especially if you are dealing with long-term effects and medical bills that keep adding up.
2. Neck and Spinal Injuries Caused by Airbags
Neck and back injuries do not always show up right away, but they are some of the most common problems after a crash. When an airbag deploys, the combination of the collision and the sudden jolt can leave you with whiplash or a slipped disc before you even realize it. That kind of impact puts a lot of stress on your body in just a second or two.
3. Chest and Rib Injuries Due to Airbag Impact
The force of an airbag hitting your chest can be intense. For many people, especially smaller passengers or older adults, that impact can lead to bruised ribs, fractured bones, or even internal organ damage. Breathing may become painful after the crash, which can be a sign of something more serious than just soreness.
Even when the airbag works exactly how it should, the force can still cause major chest trauma. People with conditions like osteoporosis are more likely to suffer broken ribs or cracked cartilage from the sudden pressure. That is why any chest pain after a crash should always be checked out, even if it seems minor at first.
4. Burns and Chemical Irritation Resulting From Airbag Chemicals
Most airbags still rely on a rapid chemical reaction to deploy in the event of a crash. When triggered, this reaction generates hot gases that inflate the airbag in a matter of milliseconds, which is supposed to protect occupants from impact but sometimes causes secondary injuries. The heat, along with byproducts like dust and particulates, can irritate the skin, eyes, and airways.
While most modern airbags no longer use sodium azide (a highly toxic compound once common in older systems), the gases and particulates released, often including compounds like potassium nitrate and talc, can still cause thermal burns, chemical irritation, or respiratory discomfort. Some reactions may appear immediately, while others take time to surface.
5. Wrist, Hand, and Arm Injuries From Airbag Deployment in Coweta County
When an airbag deploys, the force can whip the steering wheel around or throw the driver’s arms into awkward, high-pressure positions. If your hands are on the wheel at the moment of impact, you may suffer a wrist sprain, a hand fracture, or even a broken forearm. These injuries are common and often painful, especially if your hand or arm absorbs the full impact of the deployment.
Distracted driving can make these injuries worse. If a distracted driver is holding a phone or reaching for something at the moment of a crash, the position of the wrist or arm can lead to more severe damage. In Coweta County, where traffic is dense and fast-moving, even a brief moment of inattention can lead to a painful injury when the airbag inflates.