Navigating Your Options After an Airbag Injury in New Jersey

Airbags are designed to save lives in the event of a car accident, but they can also cause injuries. If you've suffered an airbag injury in New Jersey, you may be facing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. Understanding your options asa is crucial.

Understanding Airbag Injuries

Airbags deploy with significant force, and while they are essential for preventing fatalities, they can cause various injuries, including:

1. Facial Injuries: The impact of an airbag can cause bruises, cuts, or even fractures to the facial bones. These injuries can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement.

2. Chest and Rib Injuries: The force of an airbag can result in broken ribs, sternum fractures, or damage to internal organs.

3. Head and Neck Injuries: Whiplash, concussions, and other traumatic brain injuries can occur due to the rapid deployment of an airbag.

4. Upper Extremity Injuries: Airbags can cause fractures, dislocations, or other injuries to the arms and hands.

5. Chemical Burns and Irritations: The chemicals used to deploy airbags can cause burns, respiratory issues, or eye injuries.

As Rochelle Park lawyer Michael Epstein points out, “Given the potential severity of these injuries, it's important to understand your legal rights and options when it comes to an airbag injury.”

Immediate Steps to Take After an Airbag Injury

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get a thorough medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent.

2. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatments, and any conversations with medical professionals. Photographs of injuries and the accident scene can also be valuable.

3. Report the Accident: Ensure the accident is reported to the police and your insurance company. Be truthful and provide all necessary details, but avoid speculating about the cause of the accident or your injuries.

Legal Options for Airbag Injury Victims

In New Jersey, you have several legal avenues to pursue compensation for airbag injuries:

1. Personal Injury Claim: If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you could file a personal injury claim against them. This claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

2. Product Liability Claim: If the airbag malfunctioned due to a design or manufacturing defect, you might have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer. This claim can address the defective product and the resulting injuries.

3. Insurance Claim: New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own insurance policy may cover your medical expenses and lost income regardless of who was at fault. However, serious injuries that meet certain thresholds can allow you to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver.

4. Workers’ Compensation: If the accident occurred while you were performing work-related duties, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages.