Yes, airbags can cause a concussion even when they work exactly as intended. While airbags are designed to save lives, the force they deploy with can sometimes cause serious head injuries, including mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), also known as concussions.
A concussion happens when a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull. When an airbag deploys during a crash, it can strike a person’s head or cause their head to whip violently forward and backward. This rapid motion or blunt impact can disrupt brain function, leading to symptoms that may appear immediately or develop over time.
At the Law Office of Paul Previte, our Fort Worth-area accident attorneys understand how frightening and confusing it can be to suffer a head injury after a crash. If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion after a car accident involving airbag deployment, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Contact us today at (817) 335-4357 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
How Do Airbags Cause a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when the brain experiences a sudden jolt or impact that disrupts its normal function. Airbags deploy extremely quickly to protect occupants during a crash. This rapid inflation can cause the head to strike the airbag with significant force or cause a violent whipping motion of the head and neck.
When this happens, the brain moves abruptly within the skull, which can cause bruising, nerve damage, or chemical changes leading to concussion symptoms. Even though airbags are designed to cushion and reduce injuries, the very force that saves lives can also create secondary injuries, such as concussions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledges that while airbags significantly reduce fatalities, they can sometimes contribute to head injuries, especially in certain crash types or when the occupant is positioned too close to the steering wheel or dashboard. Additionally, recalls like those involving faulty Takata airbags show that defective airbags can deploy erratically or with excessive force, increasing the risk of injury.
What Are the Signs That You Have an Airbag-Related Concussion?
Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion after airbag deployment is crucial because many signs can be subtle or delayed. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, and memory problems. Victims may also experience sensitivity to light or noise, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns.
It’s important to understand that concussion symptoms may not appear immediately. In fact, some people notice symptoms hours or even days after the accident. This delay can cause many to underestimate the severity of their injury or delay seeking medical care.
What Kinds of Accidents Can Lead to Airbag Concussions?
Airbag-related concussions can occur in a variety of crash scenarios. The most common are front-end collisions, where airbags deploy directly in front of the driver or passenger. Side-impact crashes, also known as T-bone collisions, can cause side airbags to inflate suddenly, potentially striking the head. Rear-end collisions can cause the head to whip back and forth, sometimes triggering the airbags and causing impact injuries. Even rollover accidents can lead to multiple airbag deployments, increasing the risk of concussion.
Less common but important scenarios include low-speed accidents where airbags deploy unexpectedly with enough force to cause injury. Child passengers may also be at risk when passenger airbags deploy, especially if they are seated too close to the dashboard. Malfunctioning airbags that deploy without impact or delayed deployment can also cause head injuries. In some cases, simultaneous deployment of multiple airbags can create combined forces that increase concussion risk.
Where Do Airbag-Related Concussions Most Often Occur in Fort Worth and Surrounding Areas?
Airbag-related concussions frequently happen in high-traffic zones around Fort Worth, including along major highways such as I-820, Highway 287, and Highway 121. These roads see a significant number of collisions annually due to heavy commuter traffic and frequent congestion. Intersections near Haltom City, North Richland Hills, and Arlington are also common sites of crashes where airbags deploy.
According to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) data, the Fort Worth metropolitan area experiences over 30,000 vehicle crashes each year, many involving airbag deployment and resulting head injuries. Local statistics show that airbag-related injuries are particularly prevalent during peak travel hours and in construction zones, where sudden stops and lane shifts increase collision risk.
Why Should You Choose Paul Previte as Your Airbag Injury Lawyer?
Choosing the right attorney after suffering an airbag-related concussion can make all the difference in your recovery and compensation. Paul Previte is a compassionate and experienced Fort Worth personal injury lawyer who has successfully represented clients injured in a wide range of vehicle accidents involving airbag deployments.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a concussion can take. That’s why we prioritize personalized attention, thorough investigation, and aggressive advocacy to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. Our team knows how to work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and insurance companies to build a strong case tailored to your unique circumstances.
What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have a Concussion from an Airbag?
If you believe you have a concussion caused by airbag deployment, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention. Concussions are serious injuries that require professional evaluation, diagnosis, and sometimes specialized treatment to prevent long-term complications.
After your medical care, it’s important to document everything related to the accident and your injuries. This includes medical records, accident reports, photos of the scene and injuries, and any communication with insurance companies. Detailed documentation strengthens your case and helps prove that the airbag deployment caused or contributed to your concussion.
How Is Compensation Determined for Airbag-Related Concussion Claims?
Compensation for concussion injuries caused by airbags depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, the impact on your daily life, and the circumstances of the crash. Damages may cover medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages if negligence or defective airbags are involved.
We carefully assess how the concussion has affected your physical health, mental well-being, and ability to work. Evidence such as medical records, expert opinions, and accident reports plays a key role in proving the extent of your damages. Local factors like accident statistics on highways such as I-820 or Highway 121 can also support your claim by showing patterns of dangerous conditions.
What Are Common Myths About Airbag Injuries and Concussions?
Many people believe airbags only protect and cannot cause injuries, but that’s not entirely true. While airbags save lives and reduce serious injuries overall, they can also cause harm, including concussions. Another common myth is that if you feel fine right after the crash, you couldn’t have a concussion. In reality, concussion symptoms often develop hours or days later, making prompt medical evaluation essential.
Some also assume that only high-speed crashes cause airbag-related concussions. However, even low-speed collisions can result in significant airbag impact due to the rapid inflation force. Lastly, many think that insurance companies will automatically cover all injury costs. Unfortunately, insurers often downplay concussion claims, making experienced legal help vital to secure fair compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for an Airbag-Related Concussion in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those involving airbag-related concussions, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within this period or risk losing your right to seek compensation.
There are exceptions, such as cases involving government entities, which may have shorter deadlines and require special notice procedures. Because concussion symptoms can sometimes appear later, it’s important not to wait too long before consulting an attorney who can help protect your legal rights.
What Are Some Uncommon Cases Involving Airbag-Related Concussions?
While most airbag-related concussion cases arise from typical car accidents, there are several less common but important scenarios to be aware of. For example, defective airbags that deploy without a collision or deploy with excessive force have led to serious head injuries. Another uncommon situation involves side or curtain airbags causing concussions during relatively minor side impacts.
Children and shorter adults are also at higher risk because airbags are calibrated for average adult sizes, which can increase the force of impact on smaller bodies. Additionally, rental cars or leased vehicles with older or malfunctioning airbags sometimes fail to protect occupants properly, leading to injuries.
How Can the Law Office of Paul Previte Help with Your Airbag Concussion Case?
At the Law Office of Paul Previte, we are dedicated to helping victims of airbag-related concussions in Fort Worth and surrounding areas get the justice and compensation they deserve. We handle every case with compassion and attention to detail, understanding the physical and emotional challenges you face.
Our attorneys work closely with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to uncover how the airbag deployment caused or worsened your injury. We know how to navigate insurance company tactics and fight for the maximum settlement or verdict possible.
With years of experience representing clients injured on highways like I-820, Highway 121, and local streets in Haltom City and beyond, we have the local knowledge and legal skill to build a strong case tailored to your situation.
Contact us today at (817) 335-4357 for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.
What Are the Next Steps After Contacting Our Firm?
Once you reach out to the Law Office of Paul Previte, we begin by offering a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case details. During this meeting, we listen carefully to your story, answer your questions, and explain how we can help with your airbag-related concussion claim.
Next, we gather essential evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. Our team may collaborate with experts to reconstruct the crash and analyze airbag deployment to clearly demonstrate liability.
We handle all communications with insurance companies to protect you from unfair tactics and work diligently to negotiate a fair settlement. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your rights.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and supported, ensuring you understand each step and feel confident in your legal representation.
How Can You Schedule a Free Consultation with Paul Previte?
Scheduling a free consultation with Paul Previte is simple and convenient. You can call our office directly at (817) 335-4357 to speak with a friendly team member who will find a time that fits your schedule. We understand that injuries can make travel difficult, so we also offer virtual consultations to accommodate your needs.
During the consultation, you can ask questions about your airbag-related concussion case and learn about your legal options without any pressure or obligation. We will explain how our firm can help you pursue fair compensation and support your recovery.
Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact us today to take the first step toward justice and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many clients have questions about their rights and the legal process after experiencing a concussion caused by an airbag. Common concerns include:
- Can I still file a claim if my concussion symptoms appeared days after the accident?
Yes. Concussion symptoms can be delayed, and you have the right to file a claim once the injury is diagnosed. - How do I prove the airbag caused my concussion?
Medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony help establish a direct link between airbag deployment and your injury. - What if the airbag malfunctioned or deployed unexpectedly?
Cases involving defective airbags often require product liability claims against manufacturers, and our firm has experience handling these complex matters. - Will my case go to trial?
Many cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure you receive fair compensation. - How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe fees if we win your case.
If you have more questions or concerns, our team at the Law Office of Paul Previte is here to provide clear, compassionate answers
