In the chaos of a car accident in Denver, deployed airbags may be a lifesaver—but what happens when they cause injuries of their own? Understanding the potential risks and complications of airbag-related injuries can help accident victims seek medical treatment and legal recourse. In this guide, we delve into the impact of airbag-related injuries after a Denver car accident and how experienced attorneys can help you on the path to recovery and justice.
How Airbags Work
Airbags are a critical part of a vehicle’s safety system, designed to provide an additional layer of protection for occupants during a high-speed collision. When a severe impact occurs, crash sensor signals are triggered, initiating the airbag deployment process.
The airbag’s core is the inflator, which quickly fills it with gas (usually argon or nitrogen). This gas inflation occurs so rapidly that the airbag expands at speeds of up to 200 mph, known as its deployment speed.
Once inflated, the airbag cushions the occupant against hard surfaces in the vehicle. It then deflates to absorb the occupant’s energy and reduces the risk of injury. This is called deflation.
Why Is How an Airbag Works Important?
Understanding how an airbag works is essential in comprehending the types of injuries it can cause. This knowledge is crucial in assessing the extent of harm caused by airbags and seeking appropriate medical treatment and legal assistance for any resulting injuries.
Common Types of Airbag Injuries
When airbags deploy in a car accident, their purpose is to protect people from getting seriously hurt. But the force and quick expansion of airbags can cause different types of injuries, including:
- Sprained fingers/wrists: When the airbag comes out suddenly, people might put their hands up and hurt their fingers or wrists.
- Eye injuries: The airbag can push things into the eyes or directly hit them.
- Abrasions/lacerations: Because airbags come out so quickly, they can scrape or cut the skin.
- Contusions (bruises): The impact of an airbag can lead to bruising on various parts of the body.
- Organ/internal bleeding injuries: The force of the airbag deploying can cause injuries or bleeding inside the body, like in organs, as well as the head or brain.
- Concussions/brain swelling: If someone’s head hits the airbag hard, it could give them a concussion or make their brain swell.
- Loss of consciousness: A sudden and strong hit with an airbag might make someone pass out.
- Whiplash: The neck might jerk forward and backward very fast because of the airbag, which can give someone whiplash.
- Broken bones: When someone’s body hits an airbag with a lot of force, it can break bones in their face, neck, spine, or other areas.
- Hearing loss: The loud sound when an airbag goes off can damage someone’s hearing.
- Burns or asthma attacks: The chemicals used in airbags might burn the skin; people with asthma could have attacks because of those chemicals.
Individuals must understand that while the severity of these injuries may vary, each one can significantly impact an individual’s health and quality of life. Therefore, seeking immediate medical assistance is paramount in addressing these injuries effectively and mitigating potential long-term consequences.
What To Do After an Airbag-Related Incident
Immediately after an airbag deploys, it is crucial to prioritize your health and legal interests. Here are the essential steps:
- Seeking medical attention: Do not underestimate the impact of an airbag; injuries may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical evaluation is vital, as some symptoms of trauma can manifest hours or days later. This proactive approach ensures your well-being as well as establishes a record of the incident and its effects on your health.
- Documenting injuries: If injuries are visible, take photographs as soon as possible. Be sure to keep detailed records of all your medical visits, treatments, and payments. These serve as tangible evidence of the harm sustained and can be critical in substantiating your claim.
- Consulting an attorney: Engage with a Denver car accident attorney who can provide comprehensive legal advice tailored to your situation. An experienced lawyer will help you understand your rights, the potential for compensation, and how to navigate the complexities of personal injury law related to airbag incidents.
By taking these steps, you create a strong foundation for any necessary legal action while prioritizing your health and recovery.
Legal Rights for Compensation in Airbag-Related Injury Cases
Victims of airbag deployment injuries have specific rights to compensation under Denver law. They can seek reimbursement for the expenses they have incurred as a result of these injuries. It is important to know and understand these rights in order to ensure fair treatment and receive appropriate compensation.
Seeking Compensation through Personal Injury Claims
After being injured by an airbag in a Denver car crash, there are several steps a person can take to seek compensation through their insurance or through legal action.
Dealing with an Insurance Company for Compensation
Notify your auto insurance provider about the accident and the injuries caused by the airbag. Your auto insurance coverage may help cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault in the accident.
If your insurance company refuses to pay your claim or offers an insufficient settlement amount, you may need to consider taking legal action against them. In such cases, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from a Denver car accident attorney.
If efforts to resolve the dispute fail, you may proceed to file a lawsuit against the insurance company, attend mediation or arbitration if required, and potentially proceed to trial where a judge or jury will make a decision on the case. Given the complexity of suing an insurance company, having expert legal representation will improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
If you have sustained airbag-related injuries in a car accident in Denver caused by the negligence of another driver, filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver is a crucial step toward seeking compensation for your damages.
Consulting with a Denver car accident attorney experienced in personal injury claims is essential in the legal process. They file the lawsuit against the responsible party, seeking the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Proving Your Case in Airbag Injury Lawsuits
Proving fault in airbag injury lawsuits requires meticulous presentation of evidence through expert testimony. Demonstrating liability for injuries caused by airbag deployment is a complex process that involves strategic elements.
1. Evidence
A strong collection of evidence is crucial in airbag injury cases. This includes:
- Photographs of the accident scene, showing the positions of vehicles and any road conditions that may have contributed to the incident.
- Images of the damaged vehicle, highlighting areas of impact and potential defects.
- Pictures of the deployed airbag, indicating its condition after the crash.
- Medical records documenting the injuries sustained by the victim.
Additionally, maintenance records for the vehicle can provide insights into any neglect or failure to keep safety systems in proper working order.
2. Expert Testimony
Expert witnesses specializing in automotive safety and medical fields play a vital role in supporting claims. They can provide:
- Testimony from an automotive engineer explaining how an airbag should function correctly and identifying any design or manufacturing flaws.
- Medical experts linked the victim’s injuries directly to the airbag deployment, ruling out other possible causes during the accident.
Denver car accident attorneys aim to establish fault for a defective product or unnecessary airbag deployment by presenting elements effectively, ultimately demonstrating a direct connection between the responsible party’s behavior and their client’s injuries.
How Denver Car Accident Attorney Assist Victims
Denver car accident attorneys provide a range of specialized legal services to support victims in their recovery process. They work diligently to ensure that every client receives the compensation required for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages incurred due to an airbag-related injury. These legal professionals possess the skills and experience to:
- Thoroughly investigate the details of the accident
- Gather crucial evidence
- Work with medical experts to understand the extent of injuries
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent victims in court if necessary
The attorney’s primary aim is to alleviate the burden on victims, allowing them to focus on recovering while the legal aspects are handled meticulously. With a specific emphasis on airbag-related injury cases, these attorneys are well-versed in navigating complex personal injury laws and fighting for their clients’ rights.
The Importance of Hiring a Denver Car Accident Attorney with Airbag Injury Experience
When you’re dealing with injuries caused by airbags, it’s essential to hire a Denver car accident attorney. Having a legal expert airbag injury experience can make a huge difference in how your case turns out. Here’s why:
1. They Know the Law Inside and Out
Lawyers who focus on car accidents have a deep understanding of state traffic laws. They also know all about personal injury rules and time limits.
2. They Can Build a Strong Case
An experienced attorney gathers the right evidence, talks to medical professionals, and recreates the accident scene if needed. All of this helps them build a solid argument for your side.
3. They’re Skilled Negotiators
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to pay as little as possible. But with a seasoned lawyer on your side, you can be confident that they’ll fight for your rights and push for fair compensation.
4. They’re Ready for Court
If negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory settlement, a Denver car accident attorney is fully prepared to take your case to trial. They’ll present your arguments effectively in front of a judge or jury.
By having a qualified legal expert on your team, you’ll have someone who can handle all aspects of your claim with care and attention to detail. This allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries while they deal with the legal side of things.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
If you have suffered airbag-related injuries in a car accident, it is important to act quickly. Our team of skilled Denver Car Accident Attorneys is ready to provide the legal guidance necessary to seek justice. We encourage you to take advantage of our free consultation service. Reach out today online or by phone at (720) 500-HURT and allow us to assist you in securing the compensation you deserve.
