Airbags serve as a critical component of today’s vehicle safety systems. They deploy during serious collisions to create a protective barrier between a vehicle’s occupants and hard surfaces such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or door.

Because crashes occur in mere fractions of a second, the speed at which airbags deploy is very fast, and this rapid inflation explains certain injuries seen in high-impact collisions. Our dedicated car accident attorneys could help you understand your rights and legal options after a serious accident.

How Fast Is an Airbag During a Crash?

Once triggered, an airbag deploys at speeds ranging from 100 to 200 miles per hour, depending on the vehicle and crash severity. This means the airbag fully inflates almost instantly after impact begins.

This rapid inflation is necessary because occupants’ bodies continue moving forward even after the vehicle abruptly stops. Without an immediate cushioning effect, occupants could strike the vehicle’s hard interior surfaces with significant force.

How Airbags Can Cause Injuries

When a crash occurs, airbags deploy in milliseconds and expand at high velocity to protect the vehicle’s occupants. The outward force of the quickly inflating bags can cause physical trauma.

Injuries are more likely to occur when a driver or passenger is sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, not wearing a seat belt, or improperly positioned at impact. Children and smaller-framed individuals are at a greater risk of injury, especially when in the front seat.

While these injuries can be painful, airbags can prevent more severe outcomes, such as traumatic brain injuries and life-threatening chest trauma.

Common Airbag-Related Injuries

Airbag injuries often occur in high-impact collisions and may include:

• Facial fractures or eye injuries
• Chest contusions and rib injuries
• Burns or abrasions from the inflation process
• Wrist, hand, or forearm fractures

These injuries happen because the airbag inflates with tremendous speed while the occupant’s body is still moving forward. Even though airbags reduce the risk of fatality, the forces involved in a serious crash remain substantial.

Pursue a Claim for Injuries From Rapid Airbag Deployment

Deployed airbags often indicate that a crash involved substantial force. Unfortunately, the speed at which airbags deploy may result in additional injuries. If another driver’s negligence caused the collision, you could include airbag injuries as part of your personal injury claim.

Our experienced attorneys are prepared to review the circumstances of your accident and explain your legal options. Contact us today to learn how we could help you pursue compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses.