When a car accident occurs, we rely on airbags to protect us from serious injuries. However, defective airbags can cause severe or even fatal harm, leaving victims with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a faulty airbag deployment, a Chattanooga airbag injury lawyer from Tennessee Accident Law can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait—complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 615-212-9866 to discuss your case with a skilled attorney.
Airbag Injuries in Chattanooga
Airbags are designed to protect passengers from severe head, neck, and chest injuries, but when they fail to function properly, they can cause devastating harm. Common airbag-related injuries include:
- Burns and abrasions from rapid deployment
- Broken bones in the face, ribs, or arms
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to excessive force
- Hearing or vision loss from explosions or chemical exposure
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis or chronic pain
- Internal bleeding or organ damage due to airbag impact
If you have suffered any of these injuries due to a defective or improperly deployed airbag, you need a Chattanooga airbag injury lawyer who understands how to hold manufacturers and negligent parties accountable.
How Do Airbags Cause Injuries?
While airbags are life-saving devices, defects in their design, manufacture, or deployment can turn them into hazards. Some of the most common causes of airbag injuries include:
1. Defective Airbag Deployment
A defective airbag may fail to deploy during an accident or deploy unexpectedly, causing injuries to drivers and passengers. Defects may result from faulty sensors, poor manufacturing, or software malfunctions.
2. Excessive Force from Deployment
Airbags deploy at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, and if they deploy with too much force, they can break bones, cause concussions, or even suffocate small passengers.
3. Airbag Chemical Burns and Toxic Exposure
Airbags contain chemical compounds that create rapid inflation. These chemicals, such as sodium azide, can cause burns, lung irritation, and even poisoning if inhaled.
4. Faulty Airbag Designs (Takata Airbag Recalls)
Some airbags have design flaws that make them dangerous. The Takata airbag recall affected millions of vehicles due to a defective inflator that could explode and send shrapnel flying into passengers, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
5. Late or Failed Deployment
If an airbag deploys too late or not at all, it fails to provide the necessary protection during a crash, leaving victims exposed to serious head, neck, and spinal injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a faulty airbag, our Chattanooga airbag injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
Who Is Liable for Airbag-Related Injuries?
Determining liability for an airbag injury can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- Automobile Manufacturers – If the car’s airbag system was defective, the vehicle manufacturer could be held accountable.
- Airbag Manufacturers – Companies like Takata Corporation and other third-party airbag producers may be responsible for defective airbags.
- Dealerships and Mechanics – If an auto shop failed to repair or inspect an airbag properly, they could be liable for negligence.
- Other Drivers – If another driver caused an accident that led to your airbag injury, you may have a personal injury claim against them.
A Chattanooga airbag injury lawyer will investigate your case, identify responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available for Airbag Injury Victims
Victims of airbag-related injuries may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental distress.
- Disability and Disfigurement – Compensation for permanent injuries and long-term disabilities.
- Wrongful Death Claims – If a defective airbag resulted in a fatality, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
At Tennessee Accident Law, we fight to maximize your compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case.
How a Chattanooga Airbag Injury Lawyer Can Help
Handling an airbag injury lawsuit requires legal expertise, thorough investigation, and aggressive representation. Our team at Tennessee Accident Law will:
- Investigate Your Case – We gather accident reports, medical records, expert testimony, and manufacturer history.
- Identify Liable Parties – We determine whether the automaker, airbag manufacturer, or another party is responsible.
- Handle Insurance Companies – We negotiate with insurers to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- File a Lawsuit if Necessary – If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we are ready to take your case to court.
Time Limits for Filing an Airbag Injury Claim in Tennessee
In Tennessee, personal injury claims, including defective airbag lawsuits, must be filed within one year of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a Chattanooga airbag injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Steps to Take After an Airbag Injury in Chattanooga
If you have been injured by a defective airbag, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can strengthen your case and increase your chances of securing fair compensation. Here’s what you should do:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some airbag-related injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Medical records will also serve as critical evidence in your case.
2. Preserve Evidence
Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This includes:
- Photos of the damaged airbag and your injuries
- Medical reports and hospital records
- A copy of the accident report from law enforcement
- Witness statements from passengers, pedestrians, or bystanders
3. Do Not Repair or Dispose of the Vehicle
Your vehicle, especially the airbag system, is key evidence in your case. If possible, avoid repairing or scrapping your car until a professional can inspect it. A Tennessee airbag injury lawyer will often work with engineers and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the defect.
4. Contact a Chattanooga Airbag Injury Lawyer
Airbag defect cases can be complex, requiring extensive investigation and legal expertise. Insurance companies and manufacturers will try to deny liability, so you need a skilled lawyer to protect your rights. At Tennessee Accident Law, we will:
- Investigate your claim and determine liability
- Gather expert testimony and evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies and manufacturers
- Take your case to trial if necessary
5. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation
Insurance companies often pressure victims into quick settlements that are far lower than what they deserve. Never accept a settlement offer or sign any documents without first consulting a Chattanooga airbag injury lawyer.
6. Keep Records of All Expenses and Losses
Your compensation claim should cover all financial losses related to your injury. Keep detailed records of:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity losses
- Transportation expenses for doctor visits
- Any pain and suffering you have endured
By following these steps and seeking legal guidance from Tennessee Accident Law, you can build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Take action now—complete our free case evaluation form or call 615-212-9866 to discuss your case.
Contact a Chattanooga Airbag Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a defective airbag, don’t wait to seek legal help. The attorneys at Tennessee Accident Law have the experience and resources to take on major automakers and manufacturers.
Take the first step today—complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 615-212-9866.
Sources:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Provides statistics and safety recalls on defective airbags. Visit NHTSA
- Consumer Reports – Airbag Safety Guide – Covers common airbag defects and recalls. Read More
- Tennessee State Laws on Product Liability – Outlines legal rights for victims of defective products. Explore Tennessee Laws
