Injuries caused by airbags can range from burns to broken bones, and, in more severe cases, they can even result in long-term complications. If you or a loved one has suffered an airbag-related injury, it’s essential to contact a San Antonio airbag injury lawyer for guidance.
Hiring an experienced airbag injury attorney in San Antonio can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve. We have decades of combined experience handling complex airbag injury claims at Patterson Law Group. Our team understands victims’ challenges and is ready to assist you throughout the legal process.
Common Airbag Injuries
Although airbags are intended to cushion the blow of an impact, they can also cause harm. The force with which an airbag deploys can lead to painful and life-changing injuries. Some common airbag injuries include:
- Burns: The chemical reaction that inflates airbags can cause burns, especially on the face and hands.
- Fractures: The sudden deployment of airbags can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, wrists, and face.
- Internal Injuries: The force of an airbag can lead to injuries inside the body, including internal bleeding and organ damage.
Injuries can be even more severe in cases where airbags are defective. The infamous Takata airbag recall serves as a prime example. Faulty airbags deployed with excessive force, sometimes leading to life-threatening injuries or death.
Victims of defective airbags often face not only short-term pain but also long-term consequences, such as permanent scarring or chronic medical conditions. If you have been affected by a defective airbag, seeking the help of a San Antonio auto collision lawyer is crucial.
Airbag Deployment and Safety Issues
Airbags are designed to deploy during a crash to protect the driver and passengers. When working correctly, they are a valuable safety feature. However, when things go wrong, the results can be devastating. There are several common issues with airbag deployment:
- Premature Deployment: Airbags can sometimes deploy without a collision, catching drivers off guard and leading to accidents or injuries.
- Non-Deployment: Sometimes, airbags fail to deploy when they should, leaving the occupants unprotected in a crash.
- Overinflation: In certain situations, airbags inflate with too much force, causing more harm than good.
These malfunctions can happen due to manufacturer errors, faulty sensors, or poor design. Understanding the cause of the malfunction is critical to holding the responsible parties accountable. If you’ve been injured by an airbag malfunction, a car injury attorney in San Antonio, TX, can help determine the cause and identify who is liable for your injuries.
Liability in Airbag Injury Cases
When it comes to airbag injuries, determining who is responsible can be extremely challenging. Several parties could potentially be held liable:
- The Airbag Manufacturer: If the airbag itself is defective, the manufacturer could be responsible for producing a faulty product.
- The Vehicle Maker: In some cases, the car’s design or a defect in the vehicle’s system may contribute to the airbag malfunction.
- Other Parties: In some accidents, third parties such as mechanics, parts suppliers, or other drivers may share liability.
Since shared liability could play a role in accidents, it is important to note that another driver can also share liability after an airbag injury. This is particularly true in cases where you were involved in an accident as a result of another driver and suffered serious injuries due to a defective or malfunctioning airbag.
You must conduct a thorough investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of the malfunction. A San Antonio airbag injury lawyer can help by gathering evidence, reviewing crash data, and consulting with experts to build a strong case.
Under Texas product liability laws, companies can be held accountable if their products cause injury. This means that you may have the right to file a claim for damages if a defective airbag was the cause of your injuries.
How Our San Antonio Airbag Injury Lawyer Can Help
Handling a personal injury claim surrounding an airbag injury requires the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. At Patterson Law Group, we have extensive experience handling these cases. Our team of airbag injury attorneys in San Antonio is well-versed in the intricacies of airbag defects and product liability law.
We take a comprehensive approach to investigating airbag injury claims. This includes gathering critical evidence such as crash reports, airbag sensor data, and witness testimonies. By working with experts in the field, we can build a strong case that proves fault and demonstrates the extent of your injuries.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of airbag injuries often face a long road to recovery. The medical bills can pile up quickly, and the impact on your life can be overwhelming. Fortunately, an injury attorney in San Antonio, TX, can help you pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: This includes any costs that you incurred as a result of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing rehabilitation or therapy you may need.
- Pain and Suffering: Airbag injuries can lead to both physical pain and emotional trauma, which may entitle you to compensation. This compensation is generally based on the amount of suffering an injury, accident, or related medical treatment has caused.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income and reduced future earning potential.
It’s important to remember that every case is different. The amount and types of compensation you may be eligible for depend on the specific details of your accident and injuries. A San Antonio auto collision lawyer can help assess your case and fight for the maximum compensation.
The Legal Process for Airbag Injury Claims
Filing a claim for an airbag injury can be complicated. The legal process often involves several steps:
- Filing a Product Liability Claim: If a defective airbag caused your injury, you may need to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or another responsible party. This type of claim can be challenging and requires proving that the airbag was faulty or poorly designed. A San Antonio airbag injury lawyer can gather the necessary evidence, such as safety records and expert testimony, to build a strong case.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced car accident attorney in San Antonio can handle negotiations on your behalf to ensure you are treated fairly. Insurance adjusters may attempt to shift blame or downplay the severity of your injuries, but your lawyer will push back to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Settlements vs. Litigation: A fair settlement can sometimes be reached outside court. However, if the responsible party refuses to offer a reasonable amount, your lawyer may advise trialing the case. Going to court can be lengthy, but it may be necessary to ensure you receive full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Throughout this process, having a dedicated San Antonio airbag injury lawyer by your side can make a significant difference. They will advocate for your rights, guide you through each step, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
How Our San Antonio Airbag Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Patterson Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of an airbag injury. Our team is committed to providing personalized legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
A car accident attorney in San Antonio from our team can handle every aspect of your claim, from investigating the crash to collecting evidence and securing expert testimony. We take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Steps to Take After an Airbag Injury
- Seek Medical Attention: Tending to your injuries should be your first concern after an airbag incident. You should undergo a thorough medical examination to treat all of your visible wounds and determine if you have any other injuries, such as internal organ injuries, that need immediate care.
- Document Everything: Take photographs of the scene of the accident. You should also take pictures of your injuries and the damaged airbag. Keep any medical reports and receipts related to your treatment.
- Contact Patterson Law Group: Our San Antonio airbag injury lawyer is here to help. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
See How Our San Antonio Airbag Injury Lawyer Can Help
Our team at Patterson Law Group takes a personalized approach to each case. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your airbag malfunction to determine fault and identify responsible parties. We’ll fight to ensure that you receive compensation for your losses and damages while handling all negotiations with insurance companies and manufacturers.
Don’t face the aftermath of an airbag injury alone—let us be your advocates in pursuing justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our skilled San Antonio auto collision lawyer.
