When something as serious as a car crash happens, most people expect the airbags to help—not hurt. But when airbags malfunction, deploy too forcefully, or don’t deploy at all, they can leave someone with painful or serious injuries and medical bills. Airbag injury cases aren’t just about what went wrong in the crash—it’s about holding the right people accountable for what happened after.
Georgia Airbag and Seat Belt Injury Lawyers
Malfunctioning airbags and seatbelts can cause injuries far beyond what people may expect. Beyond injuries, a malfunctioning seatbelt can even result in a person’s death in the wrong circumstances, especially if it fails to disengage after an accident.
For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
Overview of Airbag and Seat Belt Injury Cases
- Airbag Overview
- Types of Airbag Accidents
- Types of Airbag and Seatbelt Defects
- Injuries in Airbag Accidents
- Liability in Airbag Accident Cases
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
- Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for Airbag or Seat Belt Injuries
What Are Airbags?
Airbags are safety devices in cars designed to protect occupants during collisions. They are inflatable cushions made from strong fabric, installed in various parts of a vehicle, including the steering wheel, dashboard, seats, and sides. When a crash occurs, sensors detect the impact and trigger the airbag system. Within milliseconds, the airbags rapidly inflate using a chemical reaction or compressed gas, cushioning the occupants and reducing the risk of serious injuries, especially to the head and chest.
Airbags have become standard safety features in most modern vehicles, significantly improving survival rates in accidents. Major airbag manufacturers include Autoliv, ZF Friedrichshafen, and Joyson Safety Systems (which acquired Takata). These companies supply airbags to global automakers such as Toyota, Ford, Honda, BMW, and General Motors.
Front Airbags – These are located in the steering wheel and dashboard. They protect the driver and front passenger in frontal crashes by preventing direct impact with the vehicle interior.
Side Airbags – Mounted in the seat or door, side airbags protect the chest and torso during side-impact collisions. Some vehicles also feature pelvic airbags for added lower body protection.
Curtain Airbags – These airbags drop down from the roof to cover the side windows. They protect occupants’ heads during side impacts or rollovers and help prevent ejection.
Knee Airbags – Installed below the dashboard, knee airbags shield the knees and legs from injury, especially in high-speed frontal crashes.
Main Types of Airbag Accidents
Airbag Deployment in a Crash
Most airbag injuries in Georgia happen when the airbags deploy during a car crash. Airbags are supposed to inflate in moderate to severe crashes to protect people from hitting hard surfaces inside the car. However, if the deployment is too aggressive or occurs too late, it can cause injuries. In some cases, even when the airbag deploys as intended, the force alone can harm the driver or passengers. High-speed crashes, head-on collisions, and side impacts are the most common situations where airbag deployment becomes a source of injury.
Defective Airbag Deployment
A defective airbag deployment happens when the airbag inflates in the wrong way, with too much force, or releases dangerous debris. Some airbags, such as the recalled Takata airbags, have exploded and sent metal fragments into people’s faces and bodies. These defects are often linked to poor design or manufacturing problems.
Deployment Without a Collision
Some airbags deploy when there hasn’t been any crash at all. This can happen if the airbag’s sensors malfunction or short-circuit. A surprise deployment can cause a driver to lose control of the car and lead to a crash. In this case, the airbag itself may be considered the cause of the accident, not just the injury.
Failure to Deploy During a Collision
There are also times when the airbags don’t deploy at all, even in a serious crash. This is a major safety failure and can lead to catastrophic injuries that airbags are supposed to prevent. These cases usually involve faulty sensors, wiring problems, or defective software.
Improper Installation or Repairs
Improperly installed airbags can be just as dangerous as defective ones. This often happens when a car has been in a prior crash and the airbags were replaced with used or counterfeit parts.
Airbags That Don’t Adjust for the Passenger
Some airbag systems do not account for the size, weight, or position of the passenger. Children, smaller adults, or people sitting close to the steering wheel are at higher risk of being injured even when the airbag functions as designed
Types of Airbag and Seat Belt Defects
A seat belt or airbag defect can occur for several reasons:
- Defective airbag sensors that lead to airbags inflating when unnecessary or not inflate when necessary
- Seat belt latches unintentionally becoming unlatched due to a product defect
- Missing internal airbag tethers that prevent the airbag from inflating too close to the driver or passenger, which could lead to their injury
- Manufacturers failing to conduct crash tests with a proper range of crash test dummies to account for all the varying body shapes and sizes of potential drivers and passengers
- Using multi-force inflators that are too powerful, leading to driver or passenger injury
- Faulty airbags that are not designed to inflate upwards before horizontally, which is safer for drivers and passengers
- Seat belt retractor failure, which can leave slack in the seat belt and allow the body to fly forward and/or hit the interior of the car during a crash
- Improperly handled and stored airbag propellant chemicals, which can cause airbag inflators to become over-pressurized and explode
- Failing to install a side airbag
- Installation of airbags that only protect driver and passenger torsos and fail to protect their heads and necks from injury
Injuries Sustained From an Airbag Accident
Facial and Eye Injuries
The force of an airbag hitting the face can cause broken noses, cuts, bruises, or even fractures. In some cases, people suffer eye injuries such as retinal detachment or corneal abrasions. These injuries are especially common when the person is sitting close to the steering wheel or dashboard. Flying debris from the airbag module or a defective deployment can worsen the damage.
Chest and Rib Injuries
When an airbag inflates, it expands quickly and with force. This pressure can cause cracked ribs, bruised lungs, or injury to the sternum. For older adults or people with pre-existing conditions, chest injuries from an airbag can be life-threatening. Even in lower-speed crashes, the chest impact may result in internal bleeding or breathing problems.
Neck, Spine, and Back Injuries
Airbags can cause sudden jolts that strain the neck and back, especially if the driver or passenger is caught off-guard. Whiplash is common, and in more serious cases, the impact can lead to spinal injuries or herniated discs. These injuries may not be obvious right after the crash and often require imaging tests and follow-up care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
If a person’s head strikes the airbag at the wrong angle or with too much force, it can cause a concussion or more severe brain trauma. In some cases, the sudden deceleration alone can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to a traumatic brain injury. These injuries may result in memory loss, headaches, or long-term cognitive problems.
Hearing Loss or Ear Damage
Because airbags use small explosions to deploy, they create a loud burst of sound. This can cause hearing damage, ruptured eardrums, or ringing in the ears. While these injuries may seem minor at first, they can lead to long-term hearing problems or sensitivity to loud noises.
Chemical and Thermal Burns
The deployment of an airbag releases hot gases and chemicals. In some cases, these can cause chemical burns or skin irritation. The cover of the airbag can also become very hot, resulting in thermal burns to the arms, face, or hands. These injuries often require specialized treatment and can leave permanent scars.
Injuries to Children and Smaller Adults
Children and small-framed adults are more likely to be seriously injured by airbags. Even when the airbag is working as designed, the force may be too much for a smaller body to absorb safely. Georgia law requires children under eight years old to be in the back seat in an approved child safety seat (O.C.G.A. § 40-8-76). But even with this protection, airbags can still cause harm if the child is in the front seat or if a smaller adult is seated too close to the dash.
Determining Liability in an Airbag Accident Case
Vehicle Manufacturer
If a vehicle’s airbag system is defective because of poor design or faulty assembly, the carmaker may be held liable under Georgia’s product liability law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11). This law allows injury victims to bring a claim without having to prove negligence. The victim must show that the airbag was defective when it left the manufacturer and that the defect caused their injuries. Major automakers have faced lawsuits for failing to recall or fix dangerous airbag systems.
Airbag Supplier or Parts Manufacturer
Many carmakers do not make the airbags themselves. Instead, they use airbag modules and components from third-party suppliers. If a defect in one of those components—such as the inflator, sensor, or cushion—causes an injury, the supplier may also be held strictly liable. Under Georgia law, all companies in the chain of distribution can share responsibility for a defective product.
Dealerships and Repair Shops
Auto dealerships and repair shops can be responsible if they sell a vehicle with a known airbag defect or install a faulty airbag. If they knowingly put in a counterfeit or salvaged airbag, or if they fail to tell the buyer about a prior deployment, they may be liable for fraud, negligence, or breach of warranty. Under O.C.G.A. § 11-2-313, express warranties made at the time of sale can also be enforced if the dealership promised the airbags were in working order.
At-Fault Drivers
If the airbag went off during a crash caused by another driver, that driver may be held liable for the underlying accident. In Georgia, fault-based rules apply to personal injury claims. This means the injured person can sue the other driver if that driver’s negligence caused the crash. Even if the airbag added to the injury, the at-fault driver may still be responsible for the full damages.
Government or Public Agencies
If a government vehicle was involved in the accident or if the crash happened because of a faulty road design or maintenance failure, there may be a claim against a city, county, or state agency. However, these claims must follow strict rules under the Georgia Tort Claims Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-20 through § 50-21-37), including short notice deadlines. Victims must act quickly and provide written notice of their claim within one year in most cases.
Common Questions About Georgia Airbag Accidents
What if the airbag caused more harm than the crash?
An injured party may still be eligible to file a personal injury claim if the airbag itself caused or worsened the injury. The source of the injury—whether from the crash or a defective airbag—does not negate the victim’s right to seek compensation.
Can a car manufacturer be sued for a defective airbag?
Yes. Under Georgia’s product liability statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11), automobile manufacturers can be held legally accountable for airbags that are improperly designed, manufactured, or installed.
What if the airbag failed to deploy?
A failure to deploy may be considered a product defect. In such cases, the vehicle or airbag manufacturer may be held liable for resulting injuries.
How long is there to file a lawsuit for an airbag-related injury?
According to Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), most personal injury claims, including those involving airbags, must be filed within two years from the date of the accident.
Are children more vulnerable to airbag injuries?
Yes. Airbags can pose significant risks to children, which is why Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-8-76) mandates that children under 8 years old ride in the back seat for increased safety.
Is hiring a lawyer necessary for an airbag injury case?
It is highly recommended. Cases involving airbag injuries often involve complex issues of product liability and negligence. Legal counsel can help identify all responsible parties and advocate for the injured person’s rights.
Can compensation still be recovered if the injured person was partly at fault?
Possibly. Georgia follows a modified comparative fault system (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), which allows recovery as long as the injured party was less than 50% at fault for the incident.
Can a passenger pursue a claim for airbag-related injuries?
Yes. Injured passengers may bring claims against vehicle manufacturers, airbag component makers, or even negligent drivers, depending on the circumstances of the incident and the nature of the defect or negligence.
Is it important to retain the damaged vehicle after an airbag injury?
Absolutely. The airbag system and related vehicle components are critical evidence. Altering, repairing, or discarding the vehicle could make it difficult to prove the claim.
Can airbag-related injuries show up later?
Yes. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal strain, may not be immediately apparent but can develop over time. These injuries can still qualify for compensation if properly documented and treated.
Additional Resources
Vehicle Air Bags and Injury Prevention (NHTSA) – This source provides an overview of how air bags function, including their safety benefits and deployment process. It explains the importance of proper seating, the use of seat belts, and air bag-related precautions. The page also covers air bag replacement, ON-OFF switch authorization, and recommendations for protecting children and other at-risk occupants.
Takata Recall Spotlight (NHTSA) – This source focuses on the recall of Takata air bags, which have been found to explode under certain conditions. It outlines steps for vehicle owners to check for recalls, schedule free repairs, and sign up for alerts. It includes recall data, FAQs, and manufacturer-specific information based on risk levels and repair progress.
Injuries Associated With Airbag Deployment (National Library of Medicine) – This source summarizes medical research on injuries related to air bag deployment. It includes documented cases of burns, fractures, and internal trauma caused by air bags.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for Airbag or Seat Belt Injuries
If you or a loved one have sustained serious injury as a result of a faulty or defective airbag or seat belt, you need to contact the experienced personal injury defense attorneys at the McArthur Law Firm today. Our firm has over 40 years of experience representing those injured in defective car accidents, and will fight for your right to compensation, and take the case to trial if necessary.
For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
