How Do Airbags Cause Injuries During Car Accidents?

You’ve just had a car accident. The crash is over, but the pain is just beginning. Your airbag deployed, doing what it was supposed to do, but now your chest aches, your face burns, and it’s hard to breathe. Instead of feeling protected, you’re left with unexpected injuries, growing medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next.

Too often, airbag injuries from car accidents are dismissed. Because airbags are meant to save lives, the harm they cause can be overlooked. Insurance companies may use that to their advantage, downplaying your injuries or denying that the airbag was to blame. Without legal support, your claim could be undervalued, and you could be left paying for injuries that weren’t your fault.

At Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston, our car accident attorneys help Montanans pursue justice after airbag-related injuries. We investigate what went wrong, hold manufacturers accountable, and push back when insurers try to shift blame. That way, you can focus on healing while we protect your rights. Your recovery matters. Reach out now to start your claim.

“I recently needed the services of Joyce & MacDonald. The level of expertise was superior. They went above & beyond and kept me informed every step of the way. The outcome of my claim was more than expected and I would highly recommend Michael Haynes & the firm of Joyce & MacDonald.” — Cheryl L.

How Airbag Deployment During a Crash Can Cause Serious Injuries

Airbags are life-saving safety devices that deploy within milliseconds during a crash. While they help reduce the risk of serious injury, their deployment, at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), can still cause harm. Someone sitting too close to the airbag or positioned improperly at the time of deployment may sustain injuries.

If an airbag deploys too late, fails to deploy, or inflates with excessive force, it can cause preventable injuries. In some crashes, the airbag may cause more severe harm than the impact itself. This occurrence is more likely in low-speed collisions or when small children or shorter adults are seated up front. The resulting injuries may include burns, broken bones, lacerations, or concussions.

Even when working as designed, airbags are not soft cushions. They are powerful safety mechanisms intended to prevent fatal injuries, but they still pose injury risks.

Understanding the Dangers of Airbag Deployment

Airbags inflate through a rapid chemical reaction that produces nitrogen gas, causing them to expand within milliseconds after a crash. This process generates heat that can exceed 400°F. The force and heat of deployment can lead to burns, eye injuries, lung irritation, or even shrapnel injuries if components break apart.

Your seating position plays a major role in the severity of injuries. Sitting too close to the dashboard or passenger-side airbag increases the risk of facial fractures and internal injuries. This risk is even higher for children in car seats and smaller adults. Even when functioning correctly, airbags are not soft cushions. They are high-speed safety systems that can protect you but also cause injury.

What You Need to Know About Airbag Recalls

Airbags have been the subject of some of the largest vehicle recalls in U.S. history. The Takata airbag recall affected millions of cars across multiple manufacturers. These airbags could explode when deployed, sending metal fragments into the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has linked these defective airbags to at least 27 deaths in the United States.

To find out if your vehicle is affected, use the NHTSA recall lookup tool and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). Staying informed about recalls is one of the most effective ways to prevent airbag-related injuries.

How Can a Faulty Airbag Deployment Increase the Risk of Injury?

A faulty airbag deployment can significantly increase the risk of injury during a crash. If an airbag deploys too late, it may not protect the occupant in time, leading to impact injuries from the dashboard or steering wheel. A premature deployment can startle the driver and even trigger another collision. In some cases, an overly forceful deployment can cause broken bones or burns.

In high-speed crashes, an airbag that fails to deploy at all can be life-threatening. These issues may be caused by sensor defects, electrical failures, or improper installation. Any of these problems can leave vehicle occupants without critical protection when they need it most.

Defective Airbags

Defective airbags can result from poor design, manufacturing errors, or improper installation. The most dangerous defect involves the inflator exploding and sending metal fragments into the vehicle, which can cause severe injuries or even death.

Other common defects include airbags that do not fully inflate, deploy late, activate for no reason, or fail to deploy at all. These failures can place drivers and passengers at serious risk. Widespread recalls have shown that defective airbags affect millions of vehicles. In many cases, injured individuals must pursue legal action to recover compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Common Car Accident Airbag Injuries

Airbag-related injuries vary depending on the crash, but some types occur more frequently. Because airbags deploy close to the driver and front passenger, facial injuries are common. These may include broken bones, eye injuries, dental damage, and contusions.

The force of the airbag against the torso can cause chest injuries such as rib fractures or internal organ trauma. Burns and cuts are also common due to the high temperatures and chemicals involved in airbag deployment. If the airbag strikes the head or forces it back abruptly, it can result in traumatic brain injuries or concussions. Rear-end collisions often lead to whiplash or other neck and spinal injuries.

Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, bruises, and lacerations are also frequently reported. In the most serious cases, especially involving defective systems or vulnerable occupants, airbag injuries can be fatal.

Symptoms of an Airbag Injury

Not all airbag injuries are immediately visible after a crash. Some symptoms may appear hours or even days later, including:

• Persistent headaches
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Swelling or blurred vision
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Burns or abrasions on the face, arms, or chest

Other signs, such as numbness, confusion, or ringing in the ears, may indicate a more serious injury. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How to Minimize the Risk of an Airbag Injury in a Car Accident

You can attempt to lower your risk of airbag-related injuries by following a few safety tips:

• Always wear your seatbelt properly to keep your body in the correct position.
• Maintain at least 10 inches of space between your chest and the steering wheel.
• Make sure children aged 13 and younger ride in the back seat.
• Pay attention to your vehicle’s airbag warning lights and dashboard alerts.
• Respond to recall notices promptly and schedule repairs when needed.

Practicing these habits can help drivers and passengers in Montana stay safer in the event of a crash.

What to Do After an Airbag Injury from a Crash in Montana

If you were injured by an airbag in a crash in Butte or elsewhere in southwest Montana, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some internal injuries or chemical exposure symptoms may not appear right away.
• Take clear photos of your injuries, the airbag, and the inside of the vehicle.
• Collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene.
• Request a copy of the police crash report from the local responding agency.
• Preserve the vehicle if possible. Do not allow it to be altered or destroyed before a legal review.
• Avoid signing any documents or giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.

Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston helps individuals in Butte and across southwest Montana investigate airbag malfunctions, preserve critical evidence, and pursue fair compensation after a crash.

How Long Can It Take to Recover From an Airbag Injury?

Recovery after an airbag injury depends on the type and severity of the injury. In Montana, minor injuries like cuts or bruises may heal within a few days or weeks. More serious conditions, such as broken bones, lung damage, or traumatic brain injuries, may require months of medical treatment, rehabilitation, or surgery.

Some individuals may need long-term care, especially if the injury causes lasting impairment. During recovery, medical bills and lost income can place additional stress on your household. If you suffered injuries from an airbag, speaking with a local personal injury attorney can help you evaluate your legal options and pursue compensation for your losses.

Will an Airbag Injury Impact My Car Accident Claim in Montana?

Yes. In Montana, whether an airbag deployed and whether it caused or failed to prevent injuries can affect your car accident claim. Insurance adjusters often review airbag deployment data to assess the severity of the crash and confirm reported injuries. If the airbag malfunctioned or caused additional harm, you may be able to file a separate product liability claim against the manufacturer.

Accurate documentation, complete medical records, and legal support can help your injuries be recognized and valued appropriately during the insurance process.

Can I File a Lawsuit After Being Injured by a Defective Airbag in Montana?

Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit under Montana’s product liability laws if a defective airbag caused your injuries. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. Legal action can be brought against the airbag manufacturer, the vehicle maker, or other parties involved in the design or installation of the defective component.

Who Is Responsible for a Defective Airbag Injury in Montana?

Several parties may be legally responsible for a defective airbag injury in Montana. If a vehicle manufacturer used a known faulty part, they may be held liable. The airbag manufacturer, parts supplier, or installation provider may also share responsibility if their actions contributed to the defect.

Under Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-719, liability does not require proof of negligence. If the airbag was unreasonably dangerous due to a defect in design, manufacturing, or warnings, the injured person may be able to pursue compensation from any party involved in bringing that product to market.

Why Work With Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston

Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston has decades of combined experience representing individuals in complex personal injury and product liability cases across Montana. We understand how airbags can cause lasting harm and how insurance companies may try to downplay those injuries.

Our team investigates the circumstances surrounding the collision, preserves critical evidence, and builds strong cases to pursue the compensation our clients deserve. If you or someone you love was injured by a malfunctioning airbag, we are ready to help you move forward with confidence.

Testimonials

“I thought I had a reasonable idea how to approach my case but I found out I really didn’t know anything about how my lawsuit works. Mike and Sadie led me through this process and were very concerned not to settle too soon to make sure that my injuries were taken care of. They were very knowledgeable about the opposing side and gave me good counsel about how this will play out. They were able to get me a very fair settlement. I highly recommend them to anyone who has been injured.” — Ray M.

“Joyce & MacDonald is number 1 in my book! I was recommended to them after I was injured. They were always easy to get ahold of and stayed in touch. They kept me well informed about my case, they listened to my needs and got me what I needed to cover the expenses of that injury. I would definitely call them again if I needed.” — Kim L.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbag Deployment Injuries

How Do Airbags Work?

Airbags are installed in the steering wheel, dashboard, sides, and sometimes the seats of your vehicle. Crash sensors detect sudden deceleration and signal the inflator, which quickly fills the airbag with gas. This process creates a cushion to help reduce the risk of serious injury during a collision.

Do Airbags Always Deploy After a Car Accident?

No. Airbags deploy only under certain crash conditions. If the impact is not strong enough or occurs at an angle the sensors do not detect, the airbags may not activate. Defects or disabled systems can also prevent deployment. If your airbag failed to deploy in a qualifying crash, document everything, and contact a personal injury attorney.

Are Airbags Required in Montana?

Montana does not have a separate state law requiring airbags. However, federal law mandates that all passenger vehicles manufactured after September 1, 1998, must include frontal airbags. This means nearly all vehicles on the road in Montana must be equipped with airbags that meet federal safety standards.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Wasn’t Wearing a Seatbelt?

Montana law requires drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. However, Montana law (MCA § 61-13-106) expressly prohibits using seatbelt non-use as evidence of negligence or to diminish damages in a civil case.

Failing to wear a seatbelt does not prevent you from pursuing a claim. A Montana personal injury attorney at Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston can evaluate how this factor may affect your case.

Injured by an Airbag? Talk to a Montana Attorney About Your Legal Options.

If an airbag injury has disrupted your life after a crash in Montana, you do not have to face the legal process alone. Joyce, MacDonald, Haynes & Johnston offers dedicated legal support to help you pursue compensation and understand your next steps.

Call 406-723-8700 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today.