Airbags, used in conjunction with seat belts, have become essential safety tools for motorists.
Front driver and passenger airbags have been required equipment in U.S.-manufactured cars since 1998.
Today, some vehicles feature more than ten different airbags – some, with airbags right in the seat belt itself.
The NHTSA estimated that in 2017 alone over 2,790 lives were saved because of airbags.
How Does An Airbag Work?
Airbags are lightweight, fabric structures designed to protect a driver or passenger by inflating before a person contacts something hard inside the vehicle – such as the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, door panel, etc.
When a vehicle is in a collision, a signal is sent from the airbag’s electronic control unit to its inflator.
The inflator then triggers a chemical reaction, producing a gas that inflates the airbag.
On average, it takes only about 20 to 30 milliseconds for a driver’s side airbag to inflate.
The gas used to inflate the airbag is like rocket booster fuel.
What to Do If Your Vehicle’s Airbag Deploys?
If your airbag deploys during a collision, chances are the impact was sufficient to cause a disabling personal injury. As a Louisiana personal injury attorney, most serious accidents that we work with include airbag deployment.
- The first thing you should do is call 9-1-1 and stabilize any serious problems. If necessary, seek medical attention.
- In some vehicles, when the airbag inflates, the engine automatically shuts off. This is to prevent any fires from possible fuel leaks. If your vehicle does not automatically kill, turn off the engine.
- If the airbags have deployed, the car should NOT be driven. You need to obtain an alternative way home or to medical care.
After the Collision
- Do NOT drive the vehicle again until your car is inspected by a mechanic.
- Your vehicle should be inspected to determine the extentof the damage.
- You should take pictures of the vehicle’s damage in case it is needed later.
- I also recommend writing down as much as you remember about the circ*mstances of the accident as soon as possible after the collision. This helps you not forget the important aspects of the situation.
- You should also follow your doctor’s advice and recommendations regarding treatment for any injuries that you received.
If you or someone you love was in an accident in Louisiana and suffered a disabling personal injury that required hospitalization and missed work, give our team of Metairie car accident attorneys a call at 985-240-9773.
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