If you are involved in a car accident in Indianapolis, Indiana, airbags can play a critical role in the injuries you sustain and how serious your injuries are. Sometimes, airbags can minimize injuries, while other times, they can cause them.
An Indianapolis airbag injury lawyer from Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers can review your case during a free consultation. Contact us today at (317) 916-0000 to discuss your legal options, protect your rights, and pursue the full compensation you deserve after an airbag-related injury in Indianapolis.
Why Choose Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers for Your Airbag Injury Case in Indianapolis, IN?
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers has over 40 years of combined legal experience and has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
We attribute much of our success to our in-depth case preparation, which includes:
- Thoroughly investigating the case
- Gathering robust evidence to prove fault
- Identifying all parties and legal theories for compensation
- Compiling information about the full extent of your injuries
- Negotiating for fair compensation
Our skilled Indianapolis car accident lawyers can fight for you. Call us today for a free case review.
When Airbags Are Activated in Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), airbags are generally deployed when there is a moderate to severe impact. After a crash, a signal is sent from the airbag system’s control unit to an inflator stored inside the airbag module. This signal causes an ignition in the inflator that starts a chemical reaction that produces a gas that inflates the airbag in less than 1/20th of a second.
Generally, airbags reduce the chance that a person’s upper body or head will strike a hard surface in the vehicle, such as the dashboard.
Common Causes of Airbag Injuries
Airbag injuries can occur for various reasons, including:
- Occupant too close – If a vehicle occupant is too close to the airbag, serious or even fatal injuries can occur.
- Unbuckled occupant – Airbags are intended to be used in combination with seatbelts. If a vehicle occupant is unrestrained, the impact of the airbag can propel the occupant inside the vehicle.
- Failure to deploy – If an airbag does not activate when it’s supposed to, accident victims can suffer the very injuries these devices were intended to prevent.
- Defective products – Sometimes, airbags can be defective and cause injuries, such as the infamous Takata airbags that produced shrapnel-like projections after deployment.
Even when the airbag works as designed, it can create a forceful impact that can injure vehicle occupants.
Common Types of Airbag Injuries
Airbag injuries can include:
- Chest injuries, including broken ribs, sternum fractures, and lung damage
- Head and neck injuries, including concussions, other traumatic brain injuries, facial fractures, eye injuries, and whiplash
- Abdominal injuries, including internal bleeding and organ damage
- Arm and hand injuries, including fractures and sprains
- Burns from the airbag’s hot gas and fabric
- Abrasions and lacerations from the airbag’s impact
Our experienced lawyers work with individuals who have suffered various types of injuries and can help prepare your legal claim for compensation.
Financial Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident
If you were injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault or was caused by a defective airbag, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for the following damages:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and specialist visits
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities and impairments
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced attorney can help compile information about the full extent of your damages.
What Is My Airbag Injury Case Worth?
The potential value of your case can depend on various factors, including the following:
- The party responsible for your injuries
- The type of injuries you sustained
- The severity of your injuries
- The insurance available
- Whether you contributed to the accident
- Whether you suffered any permanent disabilities from the accident
- The extent of your pain and suffering
Our legal team can help determine your case’s value after a thorough evaluation.
How Is My Case Affected If I Contributed to the Accident
Indiana’s comparative fault law allows accident victims to still pursue compensation for accidents in which they contributed, as long as they are not more at fault than the defendant. However, their compensation is reduced by their degree of fault.
What Is the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Indiana?
The typical statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana is two years from the date of the accident. However, different rules apply when the case involves a defective product. An experienced attorney can review your situation and explain the timeline that applies.
Contact Our Indianapolis Airbag Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you sustained airbag injuries in a motor vehicle accident, an Indianapolis airbag injury attorney from Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
