Tampa, FL
Consultations available 24/7
KFB Law

Your Right To Compensation for Airbag Injuries

Reading Time: 3 minutes

by Marcus Fernandez
Auto Accidents, Health & Safety, Personal Injury
Airbag deployed in vehicle during car accident.

If you drive a car or other passenger vehicle made in 1999 or later, it probably has airbags to protect the vehicle’s occupants in case of a collision. Accident data compiled by the federal government shows that front airbags saved the lives of at least 200 vehicle occupants in Florida in 2017. Although the devices were designed to save lives, some people have lost their lives or suffered airbag injuries when the devices deploy.

How do airbags work?

It took more than 30 years from the invention of the airbag, which was originally called an air pillow until the device became a standard safety feature on all passenger vehicles sold in the United States. The reason for the delay was concern that drivers and passengers would stop using seat belts and rely solely upon airbags to protect them in a collision. 

When a car collides with another vehicle or an object, such as a tree or signpost, it usually comes to an abrupt stop. The occupants of the vehicle continue to move and may smash into the dashboard, steering wheel or windshield. Airbags gradually slow your movement and lessen the force of the impact that may cause serious injuries.

Sensors detect when a vehicle collides with another car or with an object, such as a tree or light pole. A mechanism within an airbag ignites a chemical charge that causes a small explosion that rapidly fills the nylon airbag. The chemical reaction causes the airbag to inflate and deploy at speeds of approximately 200 mph. Deployment takes only 1/25 of a second.

Airbags quickly begin to deflate to become a soft surface that cushions the force of your body hitting it rather than causing you to rebound from it. Bouncing off a fully inflated airbag could cause you to hit a window or the frame of the car.

Do all car accidents cause airbags to deploy?

If you own an older vehicle, it may only be equipped with front airbags to protect the driver and the passenger seated in the front seats. The airbags inflate during front-end crashes at moderate speeds of 16 mph or greater. As a general rule, airbags should not inflate at speeds less than 10 mph.

Newer vehicles now come equipped with side-impact airbags and curtain airbags. Curtain airbags protect occupants from striking side windows or door frames.

Can airbag injuries occur during routine deployment?

The force generated by rapid inflation and deployment of a properly functioning device may cause injuries. Some of the injuries that may occur when a properly functioning airbag deploys include:

  • Skin abrasions and burns particularly to the face, chest and neck areas. 
  • Lung irritation caused by inhaling the chemicals and dust caused by the inflation of the airbag. 
  • Eye injuries caused by the force of the inflating airbag. 
  • Hearing loss caused by loud noise associated with the deployment of an airbag. 

A driver or front-seat passenger may increase the risk of suffering airbag injuries by sitting too close to the airbag storage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that drivers adjust their seats to be at least 10 inches back from the front airbag installed in the steering wheel.  

Brain injury caused by excessive force during airbag deployment

Excessive force generated by a rapidly deploying airbag may cause head injuries including concussions and traumatic brain injury. Malfunctioning airbags, such as those associated with government recalls, may also contribute to serious brain and other injuries.

The recall of airbags manufactured by Takata is triggered by the deaths of at least 15 drivers and passengers. Another 12.3 million may be equipped with airbags that could malfunction during a crash. Airbags that do not deploy during a collision expose drivers and passengers to serious injuries.

Officials caution Florida motorists to have defective airbags replaced. An estimated 1.4 million vehicles remain on the road in the Sunshine State with airbags supplied by Takata that could malfunction and cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers. 

Making a claim for damages for injuries

If you suffer airbag injuries, you may be entitled to sue for compensation. A challenge associated with lawsuits arising from injuries caused by a malfunctioning airbag is identifying the parties at fault. A Tampa personal injury attorney may review the facts of a particular case and determine that multiple parties may be at fault and liable for paying damages.

Potential parties that sue in an airbag injury case may include: 

  • Manufacturer of the vehicle. 
  • Supplier of the airbag. 
  • Manufacturer of the airbag. 

If you brought your vehicle to a dealer or other automotive service provider to have the airbag inspected and replaced and suffered injuries when the airbag failed to properly function, you may have a claim against that party.

Do not delay contacting a personal injury lawyer after an accident that may involve airbag injuries. Florida law limits the time you have to file a lawsuit for personal injuries caused by the fault of another party, so please contact a Tampa auto accident lawyer or contact us for a complimentary consultation with us today.

Related Blog & News Posts

  • premises liability florida
    August 28, 2025

    What a Premises Liability Lawyer Can Do for You

    Know Your Rights After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property Injuries happen. But when they happen on someone else’s property because of unsafe conditions, the legal question becomes: who is responsible? If you’ve slipped, tripped, or been hurt due to negligence on another’s property, a premises liability lawyer can help you understand your legal rights…

  • dangerous roads for pedestrians in tampa
    August 28, 2025

    Dangerous Roads for Pedestrians in Tampa: A Guide to Staying Safe

    Tampa’s vibrant neighborhoods and nightlife attract a lot of foot traffic and come with risks for pedestrians. As personal injury attorneys at KFB Law, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers posed by some of Tampa’s most heavily trafficked roads, which are also prone to car accidents. Pedestrian accidents are often severe and can result in life-altering…

  • teen drivers
    August 28, 2025

    Safety Tips For Teen Drivers Returning To School

    Children standing with their parents waiting for the bus on the first day of school is a familiar scene throughout America. As the children get older, a different first day of school scene occurs as parents hand over car keys to their teenagers, who are driving to school for the first time. The freedom a…

Real Client Stories

We believe in providing exceptional service. Read firsthand accounts from clients who have entrusted us with their cases and experienced our commitment to client care.
Rating
This law office is undoubtedly my number 1 go to and recommendation for anyone. The team is caring and attentive to your individual needs and efficient in their work. Ive gone here fortunately but unfortunately one to many occasions but they’ve had me evey single time. I couldn’t ask for better service. Thank you.
T
Tracy grutman
Rating
This office assisted me in pursuing a case after a car accident and helped answer all of my questions. From start to end of the case (which was completed in 6 months!), I felt like Marcus had my back and truly was there to represent and advocate for me. 10/10 would recommend to anyone in need of legal support.
A
Addison Hobbs
Rating
Marcus Fernandez is the MAN with the plan…Kinney, Fernandez &Boire,P.A and the GANG Was A Miracle Blessings Too ME!!!!!I would recommend them to anyone…Special Thanks To Mrs.DEE She kept me Encouraged &Motivated the whole way through definitely GREAT PEOPLE TOO HANDLE BUSINESS WITH
O
O C
Florida Bar Certified

Need Immediate Help?

Questions can’t wait — and neither should you. Start a live chat or send us a text, and get answers fast from a real legal expert.
Free consultation — 24/7
Trusted by Leaders
Rating
Rated 4.9/5