How Serious Does a Motor Vehicle Accident Have to Be for Airbags to be Deployed?
Motor vehicle accidents can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions, each presenting unique challenges and potential risks to those involved. One crucial safety feature designed to mitigate the impact of a crash is the deployment of airbags. However, many drivers and passengers may wonder just how serious a motor vehicle accident must be for airbags to deploy.
Contact The Law Office of Hillel Traub for guidance if you were injured in a Maryland motor vehicle accident. With over three decades of experience in personal injury law, Attorney Hillel Traub has successfully represented countless clients in obtaining the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Attorney Traub understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a motor vehicle accident can take on you and your family, and he is committed to advocating for your rights and fighting for the justice you deserve.
How the Airbags in Your Vehicle Work
Airbags are an essential safety feature in modern vehicles designed to inflate rapidly in the event of a collision to protect occupants from serious injury or death. The deployment of airbags is triggered by sensors strategically placed throughout the vehicle, which detect sudden changes in speed, deceleration, and impact forces. When a crash occurs, these sensors send signals to the vehicle’s airbag control module, which analyzes the data to determine whether to deploy the airbags.
Once the decision to deploy the airbags is made, the airbag control module sends an electrical signal to initiate the deployment sequence. This signal activates an igniter, which ignites a chemical reaction that produces nitrogen gas. This gas rapidly inflates the airbag, causing it to expand and deploy within milliseconds.
The inflated airbag acts as a cushion, absorbing the force of the impact and reducing the risk of occupants striking hard surfaces within the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. The goal is to provide a softer, more controlled surface for occupants to collide with, minimizing the risk of serious head, neck, and chest injuries.
After deployment, airbags deflate rapidly to allow occupants to exit the vehicle safely. Once deployed, airbags must be replaced, as they cannot be reused. Additionally, the airbag system in modern vehicles may include multiple airbags throughout the vehicle, including frontal airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags, to provide protection in various types of crashes and impact scenarios.
Thresholds for Airbag Deployment
The deployment of the airbags is based on several factors, including the severity and direction of the impact, the location of the occupants within the vehicle, and the speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the time of the crash. Additionally, some vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies such as rollover and side impact sensors, which further enhance the accuracy of airbag deployment decisions.
While the specific thresholds for airbag deployment vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model, as well as the type of crash involved, airbags are typically deployed in moderate to severe accidents where significant impact forces are present.
What To Know About Airbag Injuries
Airbags are critical safety devices designed to reduce the severity of injuries in motor vehicle accidents. However, despite their life-saving potential, airbags themselves can sometimes cause injuries, particularly when they deploy with excessive force or at improper angles.
Common airbag injuries include abrasions, contusions, and burns, which can result from the rapid inflation and impact of the airbag against the occupant’s body. Additionally, airbags can cause more serious injuries, such as fractures, concussions, and internal organ damage, especially if the occupant is not properly restrained by a seat belt or is positioned too close to the airbag at the time of deployment.
While airbag injuries are relatively rare compared to the number of lives saved by airbags each year, occupants should be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to minimize their likelihood, such as wearing seat belts properly and maintaining a safe distance from the airbag deployment zone.
Partner With a Skilled Car Accident Attorney in Maryland to Protect Your Rights
With over 30 years in the field and experience as a former MVA lawyer, Attorney Hillel Traub has what it takes to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, he will work tirelessly to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us today by calling (410) 580-1100 or filling out our convenient contact form.