Airbags are designed to save lives. In many cases, they do. But when they deploy, they do so with extreme force, and that force can cause serious injuries.
In Arizona, especially in Phoenix, where high-speed crashes are common, airbag injuries are more frequent than most people realize. Understanding how these injuries happen and what your rights are can make a major difference after an accident.
Are Airbags Dangerous?
Airbags reduce fatal injuries in crashes, but they deploy at speeds near 200 mph. That force can cause burns, fractures, and internal injuries. In Arizona, extreme heat and defective airbags increase these risks. If an airbag caused your injury, you may have a valid legal claim. The first step is to call the experienced Arizona accident lawyers from GLG Personal Injury Lawyers for help with your claim.
How Airbags Work and Why Injuries Happen
Airbags deploy in milliseconds during a collision. They are designed to cushion impacts and prevent your body from striking hard surfaces such as the steering wheel or dashboard.
But here’s the reality: the same force that saves your life can also injure you.
When an airbag inflates, it expands explosively. If you are too close to it, or if it deploys incorrectly, the impact can cause harm instead of protection. This is especially true in higher-speed crashes, which are common on Arizona roads.
Common Airbag Injuries
Airbag injuries are not rare, and they’re not always minor. Emergency rooms across Arizona regularly treat patients with injuries caused directly by airbag deployment.
These injuries often include burns from chemical exposure, facial trauma from impact, chest injuries from forceful restraint, and damage to the arms or hands from steering wheel contact. In many cases, multiple injuries occur at once, especially in more severe crashes.
Chemical Burns and Skin Irritation
Airbags rely on chemical reactions to inflate quickly. When those chemicals are released, they can irritate the skin or cause burns.
Drivers and passengers may experience redness, rashes, or more serious burns that require medical care. These injuries are often overlooked at first but can worsen without treatment.
Facial and Head Injuries
The face is one of the most vulnerable areas during airbag deployment. The speed and force of the impact can lead to broken bones, eye injuries, and dental damage.
In more serious cases, victims suffer permanent scarring or long-term vision problems. These are not just cosmetic issues; they can affect daily life and long-term health.
Chest and Upper Body Trauma
The chest absorbs a significant portion of the airbag’s force. This can lead to rib fractures, lung injuries, and deep bruising.
Older adults are especially at risk, as bone density and recovery ability decrease with age. Even a “minor” crash can result in serious chest injuries when airbags deploy.
Arizona-Specific Risks You Should Know
Arizona presents unique conditions that increase the risk of airbag injuries. The extreme desert heat can damage airbag components over time, especially in older vehicles.
At the same time, drivers in Phoenix often travel at higher speeds, which increases the force of deployment. These factors combine to create a higher risk environment compared to other states.
Takata Airbag Recall and Ongoing Danger
Arizona is considered a high-risk zone for defective Takata airbags. Heat accelerates the breakdown of the chemicals inside these airbags, increasing the risk of failure.
When these airbags malfunction, they can explode instead of deploying normally. This has led to cases where metal fragments are shot into the vehicle cabin, causing severe injuries.
Despite widespread recalls, many affected vehicles are still on the road today.
Who Is Most at Risk
Certain groups face a higher risk of injury during airbag deployment.
- Children under 13 sitting in the front seat
- Short drivers positioned too close to the steering wheel
- Elderly passengers with increased fragility
Maintaining proper distance from the airbag can significantly reduce injury risk.
Your Legal Rights After an Airbag Injury
If an airbag caused your injury, you may have a legal claim under Arizona product liability laws.
These cases typically involve defective manufacturing, unsafe design, or failure to warn consumers about known risks. In many situations, you do not need to prove negligence, only that the product was unreasonably dangerous.
This is where working with a Phoenix car accident lawyer becomes critical.
Real Cases Show How Serious These Injuries Can Be
Airbag injury cases in Arizona have resulted in significant claims. In one Phoenix case, a teenage passenger suffered facial fractures and permanent scarring after a side-curtain airbag deployed with excessive force.
In another case, a driver experienced severe eye injuries when metal fragments from a defective airbag inflator entered the vehicle cabin.
These cases highlight a pattern: manufacturers sometimes fail to act quickly, even when risks are known.
What to Do After an Airbag Injury
If you are injured, your actions immediately after the crash matter.
- Seek medical attention right away
- Document injuries and vehicle damage
- Preserve the vehicle if possible
- Check for recalls
- Speak with an attorney before dealing with insurance companies
These steps help protect both your health and your legal claim.
How GLG Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
GLG Personal Injury Lawyers is known in Phoenix for taking on complex cases and delivering results. Clients consistently describe the firm as attentive, responsive, and willing to fight for cases other firms turn down.
Experience that gives you an edge
Brendan Gallagher is a founding partner who began his legal career as a prosecutor handling serious felony cases. He has tried dozens of cases in court and now uses that experience to represent injury victims across Arizona. His aggressive, trial-ready approach puts pressure on insurance companies to offer fair settlements rather than delay or deny claims.
A strategy built for results
The firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This approach often leads to stronger settlements and better outcomes.
Compensation Available
If you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses.
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and long-term damage
Arizona does not cap personal injury damages, which allows for full recovery based on your case.
Long-Term Health Impact
Some airbag injuries do not fully heal. Victims may deal with chronic pain, permanent scarring, or vision problems for years.
These long-term effects are critical when evaluating the value of a claim. A quick settlement often fails to account for these lasting consequences.
How to Reduce Your Risk
You can’t eliminate risk completely, but you can lower it with a few key steps.
- Sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel
- Always wear your seatbelt properly
- Keep children in the back seat
- Check your vehicle for recalls regularly
What Clients Say About GLG Personal Injury Lawyers
Clients consistently highlight the firm’s responsiveness, persistence, and ability to take on cases others won’t. This reputation is especially important in complex injury cases like airbag claims.
- “My experience thus far with GLG Personal Injury Lawyers has been pleasant. They are timely, professional, and attentive to every detail. When no others would take my case, GLG stepped in.” – Danny Nunez
- “They went above and beyond to get me the best settlement that I deserved. I highly recommend GLG Personal Injury Lawyers to anyone who needs an amazing attorney.” – Ramona Rab
- “Brendan was patient and made sure I got the care I needed. They never gave up on my case.” – Nathan Sumekh
These real client experiences reflect the firm’s commitment to results and client care.
Let GLG Personal Injury Lawyers Help with Your Case
Airbags save lives, but they are not harmless. Understanding the risks helps you stay safer on the road.
If an airbag caused your injury, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A Phoenix, Arizona accident lawyer from GLG Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Airbag Injuries in Arizona
Can airbags cause serious injuries?
Yes. While airbags are designed to save lives, they deploy with significant force and can cause injuries such as burns, fractures, and internal trauma, especially at higher speeds.
What is the most common airbag injury?
Common injuries include facial trauma, chest injuries, and chemical burns. Many victims experience more than one type of injury during deployment.
Can I file a lawsuit for an airbag injury?
Yes. If the airbag was defective, deployed improperly, or caused unnecessary harm, you may have a product liability claim under Arizona law.
Are recalled airbags still dangerous?
Yes. Vehicles with recalled airbags—especially Takata airbags—can pose serious risks, including explosion and shrapnel injuries. Arizona’s heat increases this risk.
Should I still use airbags if they can cause injuries?
Yes. Airbags significantly reduce the risk of death in a crash. The goal is proper positioning and ensuring your vehicle is not subject to a recall.
When should I contact a lawyer after an airbag injury?
As soon as possible after receiving medical care. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence and protect your claim.
