Airbags save lives, but also can cause serious injury. Auto airbags saved the lives of more than 2,200 people age 13 and older nationwide in 2012, according to statistics released by the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Designed to help reduce the rate of auto accident fatalities, front-seat and side airbags are mandated in all cars and light trucks sold in the United States. While there’s no doubt airbags save lives, they also can cause injuries, particularly if they’re defective or aged. Among the potential injuries airbags can cause are:
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- Soft tissue injuries
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- Head and neck injuries
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- Concussions
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- Brain damage
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- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
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- Blindness or deafness
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- Thoracic trauma
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- Spinal cord injuries
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- Chest injuries
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- Amputation injuries
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- Lacerations
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- Bruises
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- Bone fractures (particularly of the facial bones)
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- Burns
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- Scarring and disfigurement
If you or your dependents suffer an injury caused by a defective or malfunctioning airbag, get medical treatment immediately. Then, contact an experienced auto accident attorney with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell at 800-251-1111.