Since 1999, frontal airbags have mandated in all new passenger cars in the US. In the event of a frontal crash, airbags are intended to deploy, preventing the head and chest from violently hitting hard objects. Even though airbags are intended to save lives, there are times when they can fail to provide adequate protection for passengers and even cause severe injuries or worse.
Defective airbag attorneys can assist you in seeking damages from the manufacturer of the faulty airbag that caused you or a loved one harm or death. Here are four methods a lawyer can support you in a claim involving a defective airbag:
Collecting Information
Putting together a solid defense is one of the most crucial parts a lawyer can play in a defective airbag lawsuit. Your attorney will look into the specifics of the accident and try to find anyone and everyone who might be accountable for your injuries. They will contact the manufacturer and critically examine the historical data involving injuries due to defective airbags. If there are two or more such cases involving the same manufacturer, the attorney will begin legal proceedings against them. To further strengthen your case, they will also gather supporting paperwork such as medical records, witness statements, and other records.
Negotiate Settlement
Manufacturers of faulty goods frequently offer a settlement to avoid going to court. However, their initial offers might not reflect the true extent of your physical, emotional, and financial damages. This is where your attorney can assist in negotiating a reasonable settlement that makes up for your lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages. Your attorney can give you advice on whether it is in your best interests to seek a trial if the settlement offer is insufficient.
Advocating in the Court
Your attorney will defend you in court if your case goes to trial. They will argue on your behalf and submit your case to a judge or jury. They will also cross-examine witnesses and offer proof in favor of your position.
Giving Legal Counsel
A lawyer can assist you with the process by giving you, appropriate legal counsel. They can help you understand your rights and options so that you can make well-informed judgments about what to do next. They can also help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various choices and provide advice regarding the possible outcomes of your case.
In the case of a serious crash, an airbag is supposed to deploy in about 1/20th of a second. When an airbag deploys, a lot of things that need accurate timings can go awry. For instance, a sensor problem could cause an airbag to activate prematurely, even in non-crash circumstances, impairing the driver’s ability to see the road in front of them. The sensor could malfunction and fail to activate the airbag as intended, which is another potential risk.
The airbags in the car might not fully deploy, perhaps the driver’s airbag does, but the passenger’s airbag doesn’t. A microsecond too late for the airbag to activate could also cause serious injuries. A lawyer can be extremely helpful in a case involving a faulty airbag. Consult with a legal counselor who specializes in this field of law as soon as possible if you or a loved one has hurt due to a defective airbag.
