Were you injured by a defective or malfunctioning airbag in Santa Ana, California? Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers represents individuals who have suffered injuries in accidents involving airbags. Contact us today at (714) 263-3700 for a free consultation with an experienced Santa Ana airbag injury lawyer.
Airbags are designed to protect drivers and passengers, but they can sometimes cause serious injuries. When an airbag deploys improperly, fails to deploy, or contains a defect, the consequences can be devastating. If a defective airbag or another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
How Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Airbag Injury in Santa Ana, CA
At Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients. Our Santa Ana personal injury attorneys understand the challenges accident victims face and provide personalized legal guidance throughout the claims process.
Our Santa Ana car accident lawyers can help by:
- Investigating the accident and identifying potential airbag defects
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Identifying potentially liable parties
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Calculating your damages
- Representing you in court when necessary
Our team is committed to protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation. Contact our Santa Ana, CA, office today for a free case review.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Airbag Injuries?
Airbag injuries can occur when safety systems malfunction or airbags deploy with significant force during an accident.
Common causes include:
- Defective airbags: Manufacturing or design defects can cause airbags to malfunction.
- Unexpected deployment: Airbags that deploy without a collision may cause injuries.
- Failure to deploy: An airbag that fails to activate during a qualifying collision may increase injury risks.
- Excessive deployment force: Airbags can cause burns, fractures, and other injuries when they inflate.
- Defective inflators: Faulty components may rupture and release dangerous metal fragments.
- Improper installation: Incorrectly installed airbags may fail to function properly.
- Sensor malfunctions: Defective sensors can interfere with airbag deployment.
Determining what caused your injuries is an important step in establishing liability and pursuing compensation.
What Types of Injuries Can Defective Airbags Cause?
Defective airbags can cause serious injuries, particularly when they deploy unexpectedly or release dangerous debris.
Common injuries include:
- Facial injuries and fractures
- Eye injuries and vision problems
- Burns and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Chest and rib injuries
- Broken bones
- Hearing damage
- Internal injuries
- Permanent disabilities
Some injuries may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care. Seeking medical attention promptly can help protect your health and document your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Airbag Injury in California?
Several parties may be responsible for an airbag injury, depending on what caused the malfunction or accident.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Airbag manufacturers: Companies responsible for defective airbags or components.
- Vehicle manufacturers: Automakers whose defective safety systems contribute to injuries.
- Distributors and retailers: Businesses involved in selling defective products.
- Repair shops: Facilities responsible for negligent airbag installation or repairs.
- Negligent drivers: Motorists whose careless actions cause accidents and resulting injuries.
Our Santa Ana car accident attorneys can investigate your case and help determine who may be legally responsible.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Airbag Injury in California?
If a defective airbag or another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be available. Our attorneys can help identify your losses and pursue compensation under California law.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Santa Ana Airbag Injury Lawyer?
Personal injury attorneys commonly handle airbag injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means you generally do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, your lawyer receives an agreed-upon percentage of any compensation recovered.
If your case does not result in compensation, you generally do not owe contingency attorney’s fees. Responsibility for additional expenses depends on your fee agreement.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you may recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% responsible, your recovery would generally be reduced to $80,000.
In defective airbag cases, fault may involve both the collision and the airbag’s performance. Evidence such as crash reports, vehicle inspections, and expert analysis can help determine responsibility.
How Long Do I Have to File an Airbag Injury Lawsuit in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation.
Certain exceptions may apply, and claims involving government entities can have shorter notice deadlines. The time available to file depends on the circumstances of your case.
Preserving evidence is also important. A damaged airbag, vehicle components, repair records, and recall information may help establish whether a product defect contributed to your injuries. Seeking legal guidance early can help protect this evidence.
Contact Our Santa Ana Car Crash Lawyers for a Free Consultation
An airbag injury can leave you facing medical expenses, missed work, and questions about whether a defective safety system contributed to your injuries. Understanding your legal options can help you decide how to move forward.
Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers can review the circumstances of your accident, investigate potential defects, and explain your options for pursuing compensation. Contact our Santa Ana airbag injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.