Side airbags often deploy when the vehicle is hit along the side with high impact. It takes quite a bit to release them, and many cars aren’t even equipped with this safety feature. The idea is that a side airbag will help prevent head or limb damage from being jostled within the vehicle. For example, if you are t-boned at high speed the side airbag should deploy in the effort of protecting your passenger’s heads from hitting the nearby window on that side of the vehicle. Experienced Richmond car wreck attorney can help you weave through the legal pitfalls of resolving a crash.
Which Vehicles Have Side Airbags?
Many vehicles have side airbags or curtain airbags, including most Mazda 3 models after 2016, and Toyota Camrys following the same year. In total modern Toyota Camrys will typically have ten airbags throughout the vehicle.
When looking for a vehicle that has side airbags, look for a mid-sized sedan and then go through the safety stats. Typically you’ll find that most cards built after 2015 will have side airbags, but not all safety equipment is built equal. Some require greater force to set off, and others require the vehicle to be hit in a certain spot, which reduces the likelihood that it would go off.
Why Are They Not As Common As They Were Before?
So in the mid-2000s, it seemed like every vehicle was advertised with side or curtain airbags. Since then, the greater public really hasn’t heard much on the development of side airbags, and often it’s only mentioned when brought up during a purchase.
Vehicle manufacturers are using more airbags than ever before, including side airbags. But, consumers just aren’t hearing about it because of the other safety features hitting the market at the same time. Consider side airbags the quiet superhero in many situations. Just note that we haven’t lost side airbags. They just aren’t the shiny new thing anymore. However, you shouldn’t just expect that a mid-sized sedan or SUV to come with them. Always ask when shopping if the vehicle has a curtain or side airbags or not.
Hazards and Risks of Side Airbag Deployment
One of the big things that people discuss is that airbags can potentially do more harm than good. It’s been myth busted again and again; a lack of airbags is never the better option. IIHS, one of the authorities on driving and vehicle safety, has acknowledged that airbags are crucial for an impact. They’ve also found that side airbags can reduce the driver’s risk of death by 37%.
The hazard that people look at is the force of inflation. While people regularly break noses or experience facial bruising because of an airbag, it is nothing compared to the damage that would have happened if they’d struck the driver’s wheel or dashboard.
When it comes to side airbags, the general thought is that the force of inflation will propel or force the person in the direction of the impact away from the sides of the vehicle increased whiplash effects. That’s not the case. You’re moving at the rate of speed already, and the airbag does not make contact with the person’s head or side instantaneously.
Can a Richmond Car Wreck Attorney Assess Injuries Caused By Airbags?
If there are any injuries as a result of the airbag deployment, they will count as an injury associated with the car accident while you or the passenger would have experienced more substantial injury without the airbag, the injury still took place because of the initial crash.
Essentially, any injury from your wreck should go onto your demand letter. Your Richmond car accident lawyer helps assess the damage as you work together, preparing that demand letter.
Contact the Richmond Car Wreck Attorney at Virginia Injury Law to Help With Your Case
Virginia Injury Law law offices have a full team of Richmond car wreck attorney, that can aid you and your family. Usually, people feel pretty confident handling car accident claims on their own, but in recent years the greater public has come to realize how often they’re missing out on large chunks of compensation that they need and deserve. With that in mind, you can talk to an attorney before committing to a full legal battle.
Call Virginia Injury Law to discuss your side collision and get a consultation on whether you even need a case. Rely on an attorney to help you through the legal struggles that many Americans face.
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