DEFECTIVE AIRBAG LAWYER IN LAS VEGAS

Airbags are estimated to have reduced accident fatalities by up to 29%. Airbags are intended to help protect vehicle occupants during a crash, but a malfunction can create additional danger. If an airbag fails to deploy when needed or activates unexpectedly, it may contribute to serious injuries or fatalities.

Airbags are designed to reduce the risk of injury during a crash, but they can sometimes cause harm if they malfunction or deploy improperly. Because airbags inflate within moments of a collision to help protect occupants from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces, a defective or overly forceful deployment can lead to injuries. Some of the most common airbag-related injuries include:

Facial Injuries

Airbag deployment can cause facial injuries, especially when the airbag strikes the face directly. These injuries may include cuts, bruises, burns, and fractures involving areas such as the nose, jaw, or eye socket. In more serious cases, airbag-related trauma can also damage the eyes and affect vision.

Neck and Back Injuries

Airbag deployment can sometimes lead to whiplash or other injuries affecting the neck and back, particularly when the airbag deploys with significant force. The sudden movement of the head and neck may strain muscles and ligaments or, in more serious cases, cause injury to the cervical spine.

Chest Injuries

Airbags are designed to help protect the chest from striking the steering wheel or dashboard, but deployment can sometimes injure the ribs, sternum, or internal organs. These injuries may include broken ribs, bruised lungs, organ damage, or, in severe cases, a punctured lung.

Burns

Airbags use a chemical propellant to inflate rapidly during a crash. In some cases, the deployment process can cause skin burns, particularly if the airbag inflates forcefully or at close range. These burns can vary in severity and may require medical care.

Internal Injuries

In rare situations, forceful airbag deployment can cause internal injuries. These may include internal bleeding, organ damage, or rib fractures that injure nearby organs.

Other injuries can include:

• Shrapnel injury
• Lacerations
• Death
• Eye injuries
• Rib fractures
• Head injury
• Dislocated and fractured shoulders
• Broken bones
• Chemical Burns

How serious an airbag-related injury may be can vary based on the strength of the deployment, the occupant’s position in the vehicle, and seatbelt use. Even so, airbags are an important safety feature that can reduce the risk of severe or fatal injuries during a collision.

For more information regarding the types of injuries you may sustain due to a faulty airbag, you can contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form.

If you’re injured by an airbag during a car crash in Las Vegas, Nevada, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your injuries appear minor, it is important to seek medical attention after a crash. Some airbag-related injuries, including concussions or internal trauma, may not cause symptoms right away. A healthcare professional can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Document the Accident

Take photos of the crash scene, any visible injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. This documentation can help preserve important evidence for a potential claim. If the airbag appears to have malfunctioned or left visible injuries, photograph those details as clearly as possible.

File a Police Report

A police report creates an official account of the collision and can provide useful information about how the crash happened and its severity. If there were concerns about how an airbag deployed, those circumstances may also be noted in the report.

Preserve Evidence of the Defect

If an airbag malfunctioned, such as deploying with excessive force or failing to deploy at all, preserving the evidence can be important. This may include keeping the airbag or airbag module so an automotive safety expert can inspect it.

Contact Morgan & Morgan in Las Vegas, Nevada

If you believe an airbag malfunctioned or contributed to serious injuries, consider speaking with an attorney who handles personal injury or defective product cases. A lawyer can explain your legal options and determine whether you may have a claim against the vehicle manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or another responsible party.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident and any resulting injuries to your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible. Be truthful and accurate when describing what happened, but avoid accepting blame or making statements that could negatively affect your claim.

Taking these steps can help protect your health and preserve important evidence and information if you later decide to pursue legal action.

Finding out whether your vehicle has a defective airbag is an important part of keeping yourself and your passengers safe. Because airbag defects can pose serious risks, any potential problem should be addressed promptly. Several tools and resources can help you check whether your vehicle has an airbag defect or is subject to a recall.

Check for Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a database of vehicle recalls. You can visit their website and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). Your VIN is a unique 17-character code that can be found on your car’s dashboard (on the driver’s side, near the windshield) or on the driver’s side door frame, near the latch. This will provide information on whether your vehicle is subject to an airbag recall or any other recalls.

Manufacturer's Recall Notices

Car manufacturers are required to send recall notices to the registered owners of vehicles affected by recalls. These notices will include information on what the defect is, which vehicles are affected, and how to get it fixed. If you haven't received such a notice but believe your vehicle may have a defective airbag, you should contact the manufacturer directly for more information.

Visit a Dealer

Your vehicle dealership can check whether your car is affected by an airbag recall. Dealers can review manufacturer records to identify any open or outstanding recalls associated with your vehicle.

Third-Party Recall Services

Some third-party websites and services also provide recall alerts. Many allow you to register your vehicle and receive notifications if its airbags or other components are affected by a recall.

Service or Repair Records

Service records from an authorized dealership may show whether your vehicle’s airbags were inspected, repaired, or replaced. They can also confirm whether any past airbag recalls were addressed.

When an airbag does not deploy during a collision, occupants may face a greater risk of serious injury. Airbags are intended to help protect drivers and passengers from striking hard surfaces inside the vehicle. A failure to deploy may sometimes be connected to a problem with the airbag system, such as a defective sensor, an inflator issue, or an electrical malfunction.

If a defect caused the airbag to fail and contributed to your injuries, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or another responsible party. Compensation may be available for losses such as medical costs, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.

Finding out why an airbag did not deploy generally requires a closer investigation. This may include examining the vehicle and airbag system, reviewing crash and sensor data, and working with qualified experts to determine whether the airbag was expected to activate under the circumstances. Possible causes of a deployment failure include:

• Sensor problems: Airbag sensors detect the type and severity of an impact and signal the system to deploy. A damaged or malfunctioning sensor may prevent that signal from being sent correctly.
• Electrical issues: Problems with wiring, connections, or other electrical components can interrupt communication within the airbag system and keep the airbag from activating.
• Defective components: A problem with the airbag module, inflator, or another part of the system may prevent the airbag from deploying or inflating properly.

If an airbag failed to deploy during your Las Vegas crash, Morgan & Morgan can investigate what happened, help preserve important evidence, and determine whether a defective product may have contributed to your injuries. A defective product attorney can also explain your legal options and pursue accountability from any responsible parties.

You may be able to file a lawsuit if a defective airbag caused or contributed to your injuries. Airbags are designed to protect vehicle occupants, and manufacturers are responsible for making sure these safety systems work properly. If an airbag deployed improperly, failed to deploy, or otherwise malfunctioned and caused harm, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. Possible legal theories may include:

• Design defects: You may have a claim if the airbag was designed in a way that created an unreasonable risk of injury, such as deploying with excessive force or being positioned improperly.
• Manufacturing defects: A claim may also arise if the airbag was built incorrectly, assembled improperly, or made with defective components that caused it to malfunction.
• Failure to warn: If the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about known airbag risks or defects, you may be able to pursue a failure-to-warn claim.

To pursue a lawsuit, you generally need to show that the airbag defect played a role in causing your injuries. This may involve expert analysis and an investigation into how and why the airbag malfunctioned. If the evidence shows that the airbag was defective or that the manufacturer was legally responsible, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses.

If you have been injured due to a defective airbag, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages related to your injury. The amount of compensation you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the impact on your life. Some of the types of compensation you may be eligible for include:

Medical Expenses

If a defective airbag caused your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for related medical expenses. This can include hospital stays, doctor appointments, surgery, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future treatment needed for lasting injuries.

Lost Wages

If your injuries keep you from working, you may be able to seek compensation for lost income. This can include wages missed while you recover, as well as future earnings if your injuries limit your ability to work over the long term.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages may compensate you for both the physical pain and emotional impact of your injuries. This can include discomfort from the injury itself, as well as emotional distress related to the crash, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injury has caused you to lose the ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, you may be able to recover compensation for the loss of quality of life. For example, if you can no longer play sports, travel, or engage in hobbies you once loved, you may be entitled to compensation for that loss.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may sometimes be awarded when a manufacturer’s actions are found to involve particularly serious or reckless misconduct, such as being aware of a dangerous defect and failing to take appropriate action. Unlike other damages, punitive damages are intended to penalize wrongful behavior and help deter similar conduct in the future.

Property Damage

If a defective airbag causes damage to your vehicle or other belongings, you may be able to recover compensation for those losses.

The amount and types of compensation available will depend on the specific facts of your case. An attorney can review what happened and help determine which damages you may be able to pursue.

Yes, you can still file a claim if you weren't injured in an airbag-related accident, though the circumstances of the claim will differ depending on the nature of the issue. A defective airbag, even in the absence of injuries, can still warrant legal action. Here are some common scenarios in which you may be able to file a claim:

Defective Airbag Causing Property Damage

Even if you were not injured, a defective airbag may still cause damage to your vehicle or personal property. For example, if the airbag deploys without warning or malfunctions in another way, it may cause cosmetic or mechanical damage to your car’s interior. This could lead to a claim for damages to repair the vehicle.

Financial Losses

A defective airbag may also cause financial losses, including increased repair expenses or a reduction in the vehicle’s value. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation for these economic damages even when the defect did not result in a physical injury.

Defective Design or Manufacturing

In some cases, defective airbags are part of a broader pattern of negligence in design, manufacturing, or installation. Even if no one was injured, defective airbags can be considered a design flaw or manufacturing defect that impacts the safety of the vehicle. A class action lawsuit or individual lawsuit may be appropriate to hold the manufacturer accountable for widespread defects.

Emotional Distress

While this is less common, some people who experience a near-miss or traumatic experience involving a faulty airbag may seek damages for emotional distress. The sudden, unexpected deployment of an airbag can cause shock, anxiety, and other emotional reactions, which may be grounds for a claim, particularly if it caused a lasting mental health impact.

Speaking with an experienced Morgan & Morgan attorney can help you better understand the legal options that may be available. Although personal injury cases typically involve bodily harm, certain defective product claims, including those involving faulty airbags, may still be possible even when no physical injury occurred.

Yes. Passengers injured by a defective airbag may be able to file a claim just as drivers can. Airbags are intended to protect all vehicle occupants, and if a defect caused or worsened a passenger’s injuries, the passenger may be able to pursue compensation from the vehicle manufacturer or another responsible party.

To establish a claim, a passenger will generally need to show that the airbag did not function properly, such as deploying with too much force or failing to activate when it should have. Supporting evidence may include crash reports, medical documentation, and expert evaluations. The central question is often whether the defect caused or worsened the passenger’s injuries.

Yes, you can still pursue a claim if you were partially at fault for the accident that resulted in an airbag injury, depending on the laws in your state. Many states follow a comparative negligence system, which allows an injured party to seek compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you can recover may be reduced based on your degree of fault.

Comparative Negligence vs. Contributory Negligence

• Comparative negligence: Under this system, you may still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident. However, your recovery is generally reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% responsible, your compensation would typically be reduced by 30%.
• Contributory negligence: A small number of states follow a contributory negligence rule, which can prevent you from recovering compensation if you are found to share any fault for the accident. This standard is less common and applies only in a limited number of jurisdictions.

Impact on Your Claim

If you were partly responsible for the crash or for how serious your injuries became, your compensation could be affected. For instance, if failing to wear a seatbelt made an airbag-related injury worse, that may be taken into account when calculating damages.

What You Should Do

If you believe you may have been partly responsible for the accident, you may still have legal options. Contact Morgan & Morgan to speak with an attorney who can explain how your state’s laws may affect your claim and help evaluate your case.

An attorney can also help you understand comparative negligence rules and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Getting started with Morgan & Morgan is simple, and you can begin with a free case evaluation.

The time limit for filing a lawsuit for an airbag-related injury is governed by the statute of limitations, which varies depending on the state where the accident occurred. The statute of limitations is the period during which you are allowed to file a lawsuit, and once that time has passed, you may lose your right to pursue legal action.

In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is between two and six years from the date of the accident or injury. However, some states have different rules when it comes to product liability cases, and the time frame may be different for injuries caused by defective airbags.

Important Considerations

• Discovery rule: In certain cases, the time limit for filing a lawsuit may begin when an injury is discovered instead of on the date of the crash. If an airbag-related injury or complication is not identified until later, the discovery rule could influence when that deadline starts to run.
• Defective product claims: If you are filing a claim for a defective product (such as a faulty airbag), some states may allow you to file a lawsuit for a longer period than standard personal injury cases. In such cases, you might have 10 years or more to file, depending on the laws in your state. It's important to check your state’s laws or consult with a lawyer to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.

If you fail to file a lawsuit within the time limit set by the statute of limitations, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your ability to recover any compensation for your injuries. This is why it is essential to act promptly after an airbag injury; delaying your claim can severely limit your legal options.

If you believe you have a case for an airbag-related injury, it’s essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss the statute of limitations in your state. An attorney can advise you on the timeline for your specific case and help you file your lawsuit within the required time frame.

It is also important to preserve evidence as early as possible, including accident reports, medical records, photos of your injuries, and any correspondence with the vehicle manufacturer. Keeping this information organized may help support your claim if you choose to take legal action.

If your car’s airbag light is on, it indicates a malfunction in the airbag system, and it is important to address it immediately. An illuminated airbag light can signal a range of issues, from minor sensor problems to more severe malfunctions that could affect the deployment of the airbag during a crash. Here’s what you should do:

• Do not ignore the light: If the airbag light comes on, it is a sign that something is wrong with the airbag system. Ignoring it could lead to further complications and possibly prevent the airbags from deploying in the event of an accident.
• Check for obvious issues: Before taking the car in for repairs, check for any obvious issues, such as disconnected wires under the seats or loose connections near the airbag sensors. While these issues are often minor, they can sometimes be the cause of the airbag light turning on.
• Get a diagnostic test: Most modern vehicles have onboard diagnostic systems that can detect problems with the airbag system. A repair shop or dealership can scan the vehicle for error codes to help identify issues such as a faulty sensor, wiring problem, or malfunctioning airbag module.
• Have the system inspected and repaired: Depending on the diagnostic results, the airbag system may need to be repaired or replaced. Common repairs could include fixing damaged wires, replacing faulty sensors, or addressing issues with the airbag module itself. Only a certified professional should repair the airbag system, as improper handling could lead to further complications.
• Don’t drive the car until it’s fixed: Until the airbag system is repaired, avoid driving the car, especially if the light indicates a serious problem. A malfunctioning airbag system can render your vehicle less safe, particularly in the event of an accident.
• Verify the fix: Once the repairs are made, verify that the airbag light has turned off and that the system is functioning properly. You can ask for a second diagnostic check or inquire about a warranty on the repair work.

If your airbag light is on, do not ignore it. Schedule an appointment with a certified mechanic or dealership to diagnose and repair the issue.

The length of time it takes to resolve an airbag defect lawsuit can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. On average, an airbag defect lawsuit can take anywhere from several months to a few years to resolve. Here are some of the key factors that influence the timeline:

Investigation and Discovery

The early stages of a lawsuit often focus on collecting evidence, which can take several months. This may include vehicle service records, crash data, witness statements, expert opinions, and other relevant information. Discovery can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the case because both sides must exchange evidence and case-related materials.

Negotiation and Settlement

Many airbag defect lawsuits are settled out of court. Settlement negotiations can take weeks or months, depending on how complex the issues are and whether both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith. Some cases may settle quickly, while others may require more time to come to a resolution.

Litigation and Trial

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. Trials can take a significant amount of time, often extending the length of the lawsuit by months or even years. Trials involve selecting a jury, presenting evidence, and having both sides argue their case. After the trial, the jury will deliberate and return a verdict.

Appeals

If either side disagrees with the outcome at trial, they may decide to appeal. An appeal can significantly extend the time it takes to reach a final resolution.

Although an airbag defect lawsuit may take months or even years to resolve, many cases settle before trial. Working with an experienced Morgan & Morgan attorney can help keep the process moving and ensure your claim is handled effectively from start to finish.

While it’s not strictly required to hire a lawyer for an airbag injury claim, having an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Personal injury cases, particularly those involving defective products, can be complex and require specialized legal knowledge to navigate. A lawyer can help you in the following ways:

• Investigating the claim: An attorney can investigate the cause of your airbag injury, including working with experts to determine whether the airbag was defective or improperly deployed. This may involve reviewing crash data, accident reports, and the vehicle’s airbag system.
• Building a strong case: An attorney can help collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and review medical records to strengthen your claim. They can also make sure important documents are properly organized and included as your case moves forward.
• Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies are often reluctant to offer fair settlements. A lawyer can handle negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair offer that fully compensates you for your injuries and damages.
• Representing you in court: If your case goes to trial, an attorney will represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguing your case to a judge and jury. Legal representation can be crucial in achieving a favorable outcome in court.
• Maximizing compensation: Lawyers understand the full scope of damages you may be entitled to and will ensure you pursue all possible avenues for recovery, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. It’s essential to hire a lawyer with experience in defective product cases and a track record of success in airbag injury claims.

Morgan & Morgan’s product liability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our product liability lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you gain access to the resources of America’s Largest Injury Law Firm™. With more than 1,100 attorneys nationwide and over 700,000 clients helped, our firm has the experience and resources to handle complex injury claims.

Your case may be handled by a team of attorneys, paralegals, case managers, and other legal professionals who work together to keep your claim moving forward. You may also have a main point of contact who can answer questions and provide updates throughout the process.

After your initial consultation, your care team will schedule regular meetings to discuss your case, provide updates, and prepare you for any upcoming proceedings. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed every step of the way.

These meetings can be handled in person, virtually, and by phone, depending on your case’s requirements and your ability to do so.

Airbag injury claims can be complex and often involve defective products, serious injuries, and multiple potentially responsible parties. Morgan & Morgan has more than 1,100 attorneys nationwide and has recovered over $35 for clients.

Our attorneys have experience handling product liability cases and understand the challenges individuals may face after being injured by a defective airbag, including medical expenses, lost income, and long-term health effects. We work to build strong claims and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries.

Morgan & Morgan handles airbag injury claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and only pay if we recover compensation for you. If you were injured due to a defective airbag, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.