Automobiles offer many conveniences, which is why most people rely on vehicles on a day-to-day basis. Unfortunately, every drive has the potential to result in an auto accident.
Auto accidents often result in serious losses, ranging from property damage, to personal injury, and even death. Because the dangers of auto accidents are well documented, automobile manufacturers have increased safety measures over the years to minimize the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
Drivers rely on safety measures, such as airbags, to minimize injury in an auto accident. However, if an airbag is defective, not only will it be of no assistance, but it may actually cause additional harm.
In these cases, the attorneys at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks can investigate the cause of the auto accident and defective airbag so that our Provo, UT clients can be justly compensated for damages suffered.
Airbag Defects
When airbags work properly, they can truly be lifesaving devices. Unfortunately, there are many cases in which airbags fail to provide intended protection. In some cases, a defective airbag may even act as a catalyst for an auto accident or injury. Below are some of the most commonly reported airbag defects:
- Airbags fail to deploy upon impact
- Airbags deploy suddenly when there has been no auto accident
- Airbags explode, sending shrapnel into the vehicle
These defects have severe implications and put the drivers and passengers of these vehicles at serious risk for injury.
Airbag Injuries
Each auto accident is unique and has the potential to cause a wide range of injuries. When a defective airbag is involved, those injuries are likely to be even worse. Some injuries that may be caused, or worsened, by defective airbags include the following:
- Head trauma
- Brain injury
- Cuts or lacerations
- Eye injuries or loss of vision
One of the unfortunate things about defective airbags is that they can lead to these types of injuries in accidents that would have otherwise been unlikely to cause serious harm.
Who Is at Fault?
Utah is a no-fault state, which means that all drivers are required to carry insurance to cover the costs of property damage and personal injuries stemming from an auto accident. However, this insurance may not be enough to cover the total loss of damages.
If an auto accident or injuries are related to defective airbags, a third party may be held liable. Our attorneys can investigate the accident to determine the cause of the defective airbag.
In many cases, the defect is due to an error on the part of the manufacturer. However, there are also cases in which fraud is involved. There have been cases documented in which auto repair shops have falsely reported repairing a defective airbag that has been recalled.
Our attorneys will work with investigators to gather the evidence that is necessary to determine the cause of the defect and prove liability to the court so that our clients can be justly compensated for the full extent of their damages.
Contact Us
If you have been involved in an auto accident and you believe that a defective airbag either caused the accident or contributed to injuries, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
The experienced attorneys at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks have handled many product liability cases and are ready to fight to ensure that you are justly compensated for your damages. Contact us to discuss the details of your case and find out how we can help.