Airbags are one of the most important safety features in modern vehicles. They are designed to reduce the risk of serious injury during a crash, but when they fail or deploy incorrectly, they can cause serious injuries instead of preventing them. Many drivers and passengers assume an airbag will always protect them in a crash. The reality is far more complicated.
At Zehl & Associates, we’ve recovered Billions for accident victims, including some of the largest car and truck accident verdicts and settlements in Texas and U.S. history. We’ve seen firsthand how defective airbags, improper deployment, and manufacturer failures can leave victims with lasting or even permanent consequences — and we never back down until we hold every at-fault party fully accountable.
Knowing a few key facts about airbags can help you stay safer on the road and avoid preventable injuries.
Fact #1: Airbags Are Designed to Work with Seat Belts, Not Replace Them
Airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Instead, they are part of a larger safety system designed to work together during a collision. Seat belts help restrain your body and keep you properly positioned, while airbags provide additional cushioning to reduce impact forces.
If you are not wearing a seat belt, your body may be thrown forward too quickly, increasing the risk of severe injuries when the airbag deploys. In some cases, airbags alone cannot prevent occupants from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.
Using both a seat belt and an airbag significantly improves your chances of avoiding serious harm in an accident.
Fact #2: Airbags Deploy with Significant Force and Can Cause Injuries
Airbags deploy extremely quickly—often within milliseconds of a crash. This rapid inflation is necessary to protect you during the initial impact, but it also means airbags deploy with considerable force.
While airbags are designed to save lives, they can sometimes cause injuries such as:
- Burns or abrasions from the airbag material
- Bruising or minor fractures
- Facial or upper body injuries
- Penetrating injuries
The risk of injury is higher if you are sitting too close to the airbag or are not positioned correctly. Children and smaller adults are especially vulnerable.
To reduce the risk, drivers should sit upright and maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel, while passengers should avoid leaning forward or placing their feet on the dashboard.
Fact #3: Different Types of Airbags Provide Different Protection
Not all airbags are the same. Modern vehicles often include multiple types of airbags, each designed to protect specific areas of the body during different types of collisions.
Common types of airbags include:
- Front airbags: Protect the head and chest in frontal collisions
- Side-impact airbags: Protect the torso during side crashes
- Curtain airbags: Deploy from the roof to protect the head in side impacts or rollovers
- Knee airbags: Help protect the lower body and reduce leg injuries
Each type plays a unique role in reducing injury risk. Together, they create a more comprehensive safety system that protects occupants from multiple angles.
Fact #4: Defective Airbags Can Lead to Serious Injuries or Death
Although airbags are designed to improve safety, defective airbags can be extremely dangerous. Malfunctions can occur due to manufacturing defects, faulty sensors, or recalled components.
Some of the most serious airbag issues include:
- Failure to deploy during a crash
- Unexpected deployment without a collision
- Explosive deployment that sends shrapnel into the vehicle
These defects have led to widespread recalls and, in some cases, severe injuries or fatalities. That is why it is important to stay informed about recalls and have your vehicle inspected if a defect is suspected.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe Around Airbags
Understanding how airbags work is only part of the equation. Taking simple precautions can help you maximize their effectiveness and reduce your risk of injury.
To stay safe:
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Sit upright and maintain proper posture.
- Keep at least 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel.
- Never place children in the front seat if your vehicle has active airbags.
- Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
By following these steps, you can ensure that airbags function as intended and provide the protection they were designed to deliver.
Contact Zehl & Associates to Schedule a Free Consultation With an Undefeated Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Airbags are a critical part of modern vehicle safety, but they are most effective when used correctly and understood clearly. From working alongside seat belts to the risks associated with improper use or defects, these safety devices play a complex role in protecting passengers.
Airbags are meant to protect you, but when they malfunction or contribute to an injury in Texas, the consequences can be serious. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact Zehl & Associates today. We offer a free consultation with an undefeated Houston car accident lawyer.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours