The Most Dangerous Types of Airbag Defects Drivers Should Know About

A man sitting in a car after being injured by an airbag defect in Boulder, CO Airbags are supposed to save lives. However, when something goes wrong, they can cause devastating harm instead.

Some airbag defects have been linked to severe burnsbrain damage, and even fatalities. Knowing which defects are most dangerous can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one has been hurt.

Drawing on decades of experience handling complex injury and product liability cases, the attorneys at Jeffress Law, PC, understand how manufacturers and insurers defend these claims — and how to fight back.

This blog breaks down the most serious airbag defects and how they can affect drivers and passengers.

Exploding Airbag Inflators

A well-known airbag defect involves inflators that explode on deployment. These defects can cause the metal housing to rupture, sending sharp shrapnel into the vehicle cabin.

Common injuries include:

  • Deep lacerations to the face, neck, and chest
  • Eye damage and vision loss
  • Fatal internal bleeding

Failure to Deploy

An airbag that doesn’t deploy during a serious collision can be just as harmful as one that malfunctions. This type of defect is often caused by:

  • Faulty crash sensors
  • Electrical system failures
  • Defective control modules

In these cases, drivers may suffer head or spinal trauma or fatal blunt-force injuries that the airbag was designed to prevent.

Unexpected or Late Deployment

Airbags should deploy within milliseconds during a qualifying collision. If they deploy too late — or without a crash at all — the results can be catastrophic.

Unexpected deployment may lead to:

  • Loss of vehicle control
  • Burns from hot gases
  • Broken bones from sudden impact

Airbags That Deploy With Excessive Force

Some airbags deploy with far more force than intended. This is especially dangerous for children and smaller adults.

Excessive force has been linked to:

  • Facial fractures
  • Chest and rib injuries
  • Severe burns and abrasions

Injured by an Airbag Defect? Speak With Jeffress Law

If you suspect airbag defects caused or worsened your injuries, you must act quickly. These cases often involve complex investigations, vehicle inspections, and aggressive defense tactics from manufacturers and insurers.

The team at Jeffress Law is committed to helping individuals pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term harm.

Call 303-993-8685 or text 303-225-9101 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options. We serve clients in Boulder, Loveland, Fort Collins, Longmont, and the surrounding areas.

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