The US has a car accident problem. Data from a Forbes article states that there were 35,766 fatal car accidents in 2020. There are also statistics that say that there were over 13,000 fatalities due to intoxicated driving. Numbers like this show that the average American driver seems to care considerably less for others on the road.
The odds of the average American being involved in a car accident are scarily high. When something unfortunate happens, it’s important to know how to fight for your rights. But managing this fight alone can be difficult. This is why you should get in touch with experienced car accident lawyers as soon as possible after the accident. They will help you prepare a strong case and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Yes, hiring a lawyer might be crucial, but so is avoiding it. There are multiple ways one can do that.
- Making sure the car undergoes regular maintenance
- Not getting behind the wheel when you’re drunk or impaired due to a prescription drug
- Avoiding distracting elements (like smartphones) while driving
- Following traffic rules
When the topic of maintenance comes up, there is so much focus on elements like tires, brakes, the steering system, oil changes, and so on. But one part that people ignore is airbag maintenance.
What is an Airbag?
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A revolutionary piece of safety equipment, airbags offer protection during vehicle accidents. They are triggered by impact, providing a cushion for the driver to lean on.
In addition to the usual driver-side airbags, modern cars also come with rear-window curtain bags and side airbags.
Airbags are instrumental in protecting the head, neck, or chest region. Although they may not offer complete protection, they help reduce the impact of the accident to a great extent.
The list of injuries that airbags prevent/minimize the impact of is mentioned below.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): This is one of the most serious injuries one could suffer in a car accident. TBIs have high chances of death or permanent disability. Airbags help reduce the impact on the brain in an accident, but they don’t offer protection against penetrating TBIs.
- Concussions: Although concussions are a type of TBI, they deserve special mention as they are more common. Concussions are usually mild, with victims suffering headaches, memory issues, and concentration problems.
- Facial Injuries: This includes injuries to the organs in the face, like the nose, eyes, mouth, and ears. Airbags help lower or completely avoid injuries to these vital organs.
- Fractured Ribs: Without airbags, victims have an increased risk of a rib fracture. Rib fractures are serious injuries because the shards from the broken bone or the fractured bone itself may damage the internal organs. The internal organs that have an increased chance of injury due to fractured ribs are
- Heart
- Lungs
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Spleen
- Bruises: These are the most common types of injuries victims suffer after a car accident. The collision with the steering wheel or the dashboard leads to bruises. Airbags play a major role in preventing these kinds of injuries.
Airbag Maintenance
Like all parts in a car, airbags are prone to wear and tear. It is vital to keep airbags in top condition, as you never know when disaster strikes.
One great way to identify this is by checking the light for the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in your car. If this light is on, then it’s a sign that you need to check the airbags in your car. Not just airbags; an SRS light could also mean the issues mentioned below.
- Issue with the seatbelt latch
- Corrosion in SRS components
- A dead or low SRS battery
- Issues with the passenger seat occupancy sensor
- Problems with the SRS computer
- Faulty clock spring
If you find the SRS light on in your car, get it over to the local mechanic immediately. Operating the car while the SRS light is on is flirting with danger.
Final Thoughts
Airbags are vital to surviving a car accident. But just because you survived doesn’t mean you can go on with your life. You should file a car accident claim to obtain fair compensation for all the losses you have sustained. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer today to get the necessary legal assistance.
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