Airbag Injuries - 7 Common Car Accident Injury Claims

If you’ve been injured by an airbag in a car accident, you might be wondering: Is this normal? Can I file a claim? What compensation am I entitled to?

In this post, we’ll break down 7 of the most common airbag injuries, what causes them, and what to know if you’re pursuing a claim.

Keep reading as it’s information worth having before you get back behind the wheel.

Why Airbags Can Cause Injuries

Airbags are engineered to reduce fatal injuries, not eliminate harm entirely.

To do their job effectively, airbags must deploy with incredible force, often at speeds of 150 to 200 mph in just milliseconds.

That force, combined with body positioning at the moment of impact, is what makes airbag-related injuries possible.

Here are the most common types of injuries airbags can cause:

1. Facial injuries

The airbag inflates so quickly that it can strike the face before a person has time to react.

This may lead to broken noses, fractured cheekbones, bruising, eye injuries, or dental damage, especially if you’re sitting close to the steering wheel.

2. Chest injuries

Airbags are designed to absorb impact, but the blunt force to the chest can still cause bruised or fractured ribs, sternum injuries, or breathing difficulty.

These are particularly common in older adults or those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.

3. Neck and spinal injuries

The sudden jolt of airbag deployment can cause whiplash, cervical spine strain, or even disc injuries.

If your head snaps forward while the airbag deploys, the combined motion can place extreme pressure on your neck and upper spine.

4. Soft tissue injuries

Common but often overlooked, these include strains, sprains, and muscle tears in the shoulders, arms, and upper torso.

This can be caused by the force of impact or the way you’re positioned at deployment.

5. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

In severe crashes, the head can still strike hard surfaces even with airbag cushioning.

In such cases, concussions or more serious TBIs may occur, particularly if the airbag deploys late or malfunctions.

6. Internal injuries

Though rare, the airbag's force can cause internal bleeding or organ trauma, especially in the abdomen or chest, depending on your body size and position at impact.

7. Burn injuries

Airbags release hot gas and chemical residues when deploying.

This can cause thermal burns, chemical burns, or abrasions on the face, neck, arms, and chest if you’re wearing short sleeves or exposed skin.

While airbags significantly reduce the risk of death in a collision, they can still cause serious injuries.

Understanding how these injuries happen can help you know what symptoms to watch for after a crash and whether you may be eligible to file an injury claim.

Steps To Take After an Airbag Injury

If you’ve been injured by an airbag during a car accident, your next steps matter, both for your recovery and for any claim you may need to make.

Even if the crash seemed minor, airbag-related injuries can have lasting effects.

Here’s what to do immediately after:

1. Seek medical attention

Always get checked by a medical professional, even if the injury seems minor. Airbag injuries like burns, facial trauma, or soft tissue damage may not fully show up until hours later.

More serious issues like internal injuries or concussions, require urgent diagnosis and treatment.

2. Preserve evidence

If possible, take photos of your injuries, the deployed airbag, and the condition of the vehicle interior.

Don’t discard burned clothing or medical supplies, as they could be useful if you pursue a claim.

3. Document the accident

Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. Include your position in the vehicle, whether you were wearing a seatbelt, the speed at impact, and how the airbag deployed.

Request a copy of the police report, as it provides an official record of the crash.

4. Contact your insurance company

Notify your insurer promptly and provide a basic account of the accident and any visible injuries.

Be factual but avoid speculating or assigning blame during initial conversations.

5. File a settlement claim

You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage.

If your case is straightforward, our AI claims service can help you navigate the paperwork, estimate damages, and file your claim quickly.

For more serious or disputed claims, legal advice may be necessary.

Delays in reporting or treatment can weaken your case, and your recovery. Prompt action ensures your health is protected and your rights are preserved.

Who Is Liable for Airbag Injuries?

Airbag injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, from the sheer force of deployment in a high-speed crash to defects in the airbag system itself.

Determining who’s responsible depends on what caused the injury. In some cases, liability may fall on the driver who caused the accident, while in others, it may involve the manufacturer or even a repair shop.

Here are the main parties that could be held liable:

1. Vehicle manufacturer

If the airbag system was installed with a known defect or failed to deploy as intended, the carmaker may be legally responsible.

A major example is the Takata airbag recall², which affected millions of vehicles across brands like Honda, Toyota, and Ford. These airbags were linked to at least 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries due to defective inflators.

Similarly, General Motors has faced lawsuits over faulty airbag sensors that failed to trigger in serious crashes.

2. Airbag manufacturer

If the airbag unit itself is defective, even if the vehicle was otherwise safe, the airbag supplier can be held liable.

This includes faulty inflators, sensor malfunctions, or delayed deployment.

Takata Corporation, for example, has faced global legal action and bankruptcy following widespread injuries caused by exploding airbags.

3. Mechanic or repair shop

If a vehicle was recently serviced and the airbag system was installed incorrectly, disabled, or damaged during repair, the shop may bear responsibility.

Improper installation or failure to recalibrate safety systems after a crash or recall can lead to malfunction.

4. Another driver

If the airbag deployed properly but caused injury during a crash that wasn’t your fault, the at-fault driver may be liable for both the accident and any airbag-related injuries.

Their insurance would typically cover your damages through a third-party claim.

Liability for airbag injuries isn’t always clear-cut. It depends on whether the injury was caused by a defect, human error, or the crash itself. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility.

If you suspect a defect or improper repair played a role, it’s worth investigating further, especially if your injuries are serious or permanent.

Compensation for Airbag Injuries

If you’ve suffered an airbag-related injury in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation even if the crash itself was relatively minor.

Injuries like facial fractures, burns, whiplash, or internal trauma can lead to significant medical costs and long-term discomfort.

The compensation process is designed to help you recover those losses.

What can you claim?

Compensation for airbag injuries may include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital visits, treatments, physical therapy, and future care
• Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently
• Pain and suffering: For physical discomfort, emotional distress, or lasting trauma
• Property damage: If your vehicle was also damaged in the crash
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Such as travel to medical appointments or medication costs

How does the claims process work?

1. Seek medical attention and document your injuries
   This creates a medical record, which is essential for any claim.
2. Report the accident
   Notify your insurer promptly, and if the airbag malfunctioned, mention the defect.
3. Gather evidence
   Collect medical records, photos, accident reports, and repair invoices.
4. File a claim
   You can submit your claim through your insurer or, in defect cases, directly to the manufacturer or a third party.
5. Negotiate the settlement
   The insurer may offer a settlement, which you can accept or challenge based on your documented losses.

How an AI claims helper can assist

An AI claims assistant simplifies the process by:

• Guiding you through what documents to submit
• Estimating the value of your claim based on injuries and expenses
• Helping you avoid common paperwork errors
• Tracking your claim and communication with insurers

It’s especially useful for straightforward cases, saving time and stress. For complex or serious injuries, you may still want to consult a lawyer — but AI can be a powerful tool to get started.

What’s a Typical Settlement Amount for Airbag Injuries?

Settlement amounts for airbag injuries can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the injury, medical costs, and impact on your life.

While every case is unique, here are average payout ranges based on injury type in U.S. car accident claims involving airbag deployment:

1. Facial injuries

• Includes broken noses, dental damage, eye trauma, and facial fractures.‍
• Typical settlement: $10,000 – $50,000
• Higher payouts apply if there’s permanent scarring or reconstructive surgery required.

2. Chest injuries

• Includes bruised or fractured ribs, sternum injuries, or difficulty breathing from blunt airbag impact.‍
• Typical settlement: $5,000 – $25,000
• More serious injuries affecting the lungs or heart can exceed this range.

3. Neck and spinal injuries

• Includes whiplash, herniated discs, or cervical spine trauma.‍
• Typical settlement: $15,000 – $100,000+
• Payouts depend heavily on long-term impact, ongoing treatment, and work limitations.

4. Soft tissue injuries

• Includes strains, sprains, and muscle tears in the shoulders, neck, or upper body.‍
• Typical settlement: $2,500 – $15,000
• Usually on the lower end unless recovery takes weeks or months.

5. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Includes concussions, cognitive impairment, or permanent neurological damage.‍
• Typical settlement: $75,000 – $500,000+
• TBI claims can reach six figures, especially when symptoms are long-lasting or disabling.

6. Internal injuries

• Includes internal bleeding, organ damage, or complications from blunt-force trauma.‍
• Typical settlement: $25,000 – $250,000
• Higher payouts apply when surgery or intensive care is involved.

7. Burn injuries

• Includes thermal or chemical burns from airbag deployment.‍
• Typical settlement: $10,000 – $100,000+
• Severity, scarring, and location of the burn affect the amount significantly.

These figures are general estimates. Your actual settlement will depend on medical documentation, insurance limits, lost income, pain and suffering, and the strength of your claim.

Anything Else You Need to Know About Airbag Injuries?

While airbags are designed to protect you, it’s important to understand that injury from a safety device doesn’t necessarily mean something went wrong.

But in certain cases, the injury may point to defective equipment, improper installation, or negligence, and those details matter.

Here are a few final points to keep in mind:

1. Not all injuries are immediately visible

Burns, soft tissue damage, concussions, or internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. Always seek medical attention after an airbag deployment, even if you feel fine at first.

2. Airbags should work with seatbelts, not instead of them

Many serious airbag injuries occur when occupants aren't wearing seat belts or are seated too close to the steering wheel.

Proper seat belt use reduces the risk of injury significantly.

3. Children and small adults are more vulnerable

Front airbags can be dangerous for small children or shorter adults seated too close. It’s safest for children under 13 to ride in the back seat with appropriate restraints.

4. Keep an eye out for recalls

Vehicle and airbag recalls (like the Takata recall) are more common than you might think.

Check your car’s VIN on the NHTSA recall website to make sure your airbag system is safe.

5. You don’t need a lawyer for every case — but don’t rule it out

If your injuries are mild and liability is clear, an AI claims assistant may be all you need to manage your claim.

If your injury is severe, long-lasting, or linked to a defective airbag, speaking to a personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and improve your outcome.

Airbags save lives, but when they cause harm, it’s worth taking the injury seriously, medically, legally, and financially.

Getting the right care and filing a well-documented claim can make all the difference in your recovery.

Should You File a Claim for Your Injuries or Contact a Lawyer?

Whether you should file a claim on your own or involve a lawyer depends on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and how the insurance company responds.

If your injuries are minor, like bruises, mild whiplash, or airbag burns, and the claim is straightforward, you can likely handle it yourself.

Our AI claims service can guide you through the process, helping you submit medical records, estimate compensation, and communicate with insurers efficiently.

This is often the fastest and most cost-effective route for minor cases.

However, if your injuries are moderate to serious, involve long-term treatment, or you’re facing denied or lowball offers, it’s wise to speak with a personal injury lawyer.

A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, gather expert evidence, and push for full compensation, especially if you’re dealing with a defective airbag or a manufacturer recall.

Use a claims assistant for simple cases. Contact a lawyer when the stakes are higher or insurers don’t play fair.

Sources

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/appxa.pdf

2. Takata Airbag Recall - https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/takata-recall-spotlight