Roswell Airbag Injuries: 2026 Legal Risks Explored

There’s a startling amount of misinformation swirling around the internet about airbag injuries following a car accident, especially concerning incidents like a recent Roswell accident. It’s time to cut through the noise and expose the truth about these often misunderstood safety devices.

Myth 1: Airbags Are Designed to Be Completely Harmless

This is a dangerous misconception. While airbags are undeniably life-saving devices, they are not without their risks. I’ve heard countless people say, “But it’s an airbag, it’s supposed to protect me!” And yes, their primary function is protection, but that protection comes with an inherent force. Think about it: a device that inflates in milliseconds to prevent your body from slamming into the dashboard or windshield has to deploy with incredible speed and power. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), airbags can deploy at speeds between 100 and 200 miles per hour. That’s faster than a cheetah. This rapid expansion can, and often does, cause injuries ranging from abrasions and bruises to more severe fractures and concussions. We once represented a client who suffered a fractured sternum not from the initial impact of the crash, but from the sheer force of the airbag deploying. The car was barely dented, but his chest was significantly damaged.

Myth 2: All Airbag Injuries Mean the Airbag Was Defective

Not true. This is where many people get confused. An injury sustained from an airbag does not automatically mean the airbag was defective. As I just explained, airbags deploy with immense force. Bruises, minor burns (from the hot gases used for inflation), and even some fractures can occur even when the airbag functions exactly as intended. The critical distinction lies in whether the injury was a foreseeable consequence of a properly functioning airbag in a crash, or if it resulted from a flaw in the airbag’s design, manufacturing, or installation. For example, if an airbag deploys too aggressively for the impact severity, or if it fails to deploy at all when it should have, that’s a potential defect. We always look at the crash data recorder (often called the “black box”) to understand the precise conditions at the moment of impact and airbag deployment. This data is invaluable in determining if a deployment was appropriate.

Myth 3: Airbag Deployment Only Causes Minor Injuries

This couldn’t be further from the truth. While many airbag-related injuries are indeed minor (scrapes, bruises), I’ve personally seen cases where the injuries were life-altering. Consider the notorious Takata airbag recall, which involved airbags that could explode, sending metal shrapnel into the vehicle cabin. According to a report by the NHTSA, these defective airbags have been linked to numerous fatalities and hundreds of injuries across the United States. Even without shrapnel, the force of a non-defective airbag can cause significant harm. Facial fractures, eye injuries, hearing damage (from the loud deployment), concussions, and even internal bleeding are all documented possibilities. A client involved in a fender bender on Houze Road in Roswell, where the airbag deployed, developed a persistent ringing in his ears (tinnitus) that required long-term medical treatment. This wasn’t a minor injury; it significantly impacted his quality of life.

Myth 4: If an Airbag Didn’t Deploy, It Must Be Defective

Again, this isn’t always the case. Airbags are designed to deploy under specific conditions, not every single collision. Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated sensors that evaluate impact severity, speed, and angle. If the crash isn’t severe enough to warrant an airbag deployment, or if the impact occurs in a way that the airbag wouldn’t provide additional protection (e.g., a low-speed side swipe with no direct impact to the occupant), the airbag may not deploy. This is a feature, not a bug. However, if a severe head-on collision occurs, and the airbag fails to deploy, then you likely have a strong case for a defective airbag. It’s a nuanced area that requires expert analysis, often involving accident reconstructionists and engineers. We work closely with these professionals to determine if a failure to deploy was a system malfunction or an intentional design parameter.

Myth 5: You Can’t Sue a Car Manufacturer for Airbag Injuries

This is absolutely false. Product liability law exists precisely for situations where a product, including a vehicle component like an airbag, causes harm due to a defect. In Georgia, specifically under O.C.G.A. Section 51-1-11, a manufacturer can be held liable for injuries caused by a product that was not merchantable and reasonably suited to the use intended, or if the product was not safe for its intended use. This means if an airbag was defectively designed, manufactured, or if the manufacturer failed to warn about its dangers, you may have a valid claim. The key is proving the defect and causation. This often involves extensive investigation, expert testimony, and navigating complex legal processes against well-resourced automotive companies. It’s a challenging fight, but it’s one we are prepared to take on for our clients. We recently settled a case stemming from a collision near the Roswell Town Center where the airbag deployed with excessive force, causing our client’s orbital bone to fracture. The manufacturer initially denied responsibility, but our engineering experts demonstrated a flaw in the sensor calibration.

Myth 6: Only the Car Manufacturer is Responsible for Defective Airbags

While the car manufacturer is often a primary defendant, they are not always the only party responsible. The airbag itself is frequently manufactured by a separate company (an OEM supplier), and sometimes, the dealership or even a repair shop could bear some liability. If a repair shop installed an incorrect airbag module or failed to follow proper recall procedures, their negligence could contribute to the injury. It’s crucial to investigate the entire chain of custody and service history of the vehicle. For instance, if a vehicle had a recall notice for a specific airbag component that was not addressed, and that component subsequently caused injury, both the manufacturer and potentially the dealership (if they failed to notify the owner or perform the repair) could be held accountable. This complex web of responsibility is why having an experienced legal team is so vital after an airbag-related injury. We ensure every potential avenue of liability is explored thoroughly. The world of airbag injuries is fraught with complexities, but understanding these common myths is the first step toward advocating for your rights. If you’ve been involved in a Roswell accident and suspect your injuries are linked to a defective airbag or an airbag malfunction, seek immediate medical attention and then consult with a knowledgeable attorney.