While many car accident injuries are predictable—like whiplash or broken bones—others can be far less common and much harder to understand. In the chaos of a crash, unusual injuries can happen in an instant. Airbag-related injuries are a good example: painful, sometimes severe, and often confusing for victims who can’t immediately explain how they happened.
Fortunately, even rare or unexpected injuries can often be traced back to their cause through a careful investigation. By analyzing the crash scene, reviewing medical records, and consulting experts, it’s possible to uncover what happened and why. And while your injury might feel unusual, chances are, you’re not the first to experience it.
Still, proving that an injury was caused by another party’s negligence is essential to recovering compensation. That’s why it’s important to take any unusual or unexplained injury seriously and document it thoroughly. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at airbag burn injuries and other unexpected outcomes that can result from a car accident—and how working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help protect your rights.
Airbag Burns Explained
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Airbags are designed to save lives, but that doesn’t mean they’re without risk. Many people think of an airbag as a soft cushion filled with harmless air, but airbag inflation actually relies on a rapid chemical reaction involving substances like sodium azide or sodium hydroxide. These explosive compounds allow airbags to deploy in milliseconds, but they can also lead to chemical burns, especially if something goes wrong.
When an airbag ruptures or deploys improperly, hot gases can escape, leading to severe burns, disfigurement, and damage to the eyes, skin, and upper extremities. Sodium hydroxide, in particular, is highly corrosive and can cause lasting injury. Some victims report hair loss or facial damage that requires medical attention, including surgical intervention, skin grafts, or long-term dermatological care.
Friction burns are another danger. Because airbags deploy with incredible force, the rapid contact with skin—especially on the face, neck, and arms—can cause abrasions, contusions, and second-degree burns. The front seat tends to be especially vulnerable due to airbag position and the placement of ventilation holes near the steering wheel, where hands and wrists are typically located.
Even if there’s no visible trauma right away, the intense heat and pressure from a malfunctioning airbag system can cause delayed-onset injuries that require prompt medical evaluation. Redness, blistering, or lingering pain should always be evaluated by a medical professional, as some burn injuries worsen without treatment.
Airbag safety remains a critical part of vehicle design, and in most cases, the benefits outweigh the risks. But when airbags malfunction—whether due to a manufacturing defect, faulty design, or improper installation—victims should not be left to bear the burden alone. A qualified attorney can help determine whether your injuries were preventable and whether compensation is available for your pain, suffering, and medical bills.
Other Common Airbag-Related Injuries
While airbag deployment is designed to reduce the risk of life-threatening trauma, the force and chemical reaction involved can still cause a variety of injuries—some more common than others. Here are several injuries that frequently result from airbag deployment and shouldn’t be overlooked:
Facial Injuries
The face is often the first point of contact during airbag deployment. As a result, injuries like bruising, swelling, abrasions, and even facial fractures are not uncommon. Lacerations caused by the rapid expansion of the bag or contact with broken eyewear can require stitches or more advanced facial care.
Neck and Spine Injuries
The sudden force of an airbag inflating can cause the neck to jerk forward or backward, leading to soft tissue injuries such as whiplash or muscle strains. In more serious cases, cervical spine injuries or herniated discs may occur—particularly during high-velocity crashes. In one sad case, we represented the family of a woman who was killed by decapitation due to a late deploying airbag.
Chest Injuries
Even when wearing a seatbelt, the chest can absorb a significant amount of impact from the airbag. This can result in bruised or fractured ribs, chest wall contusions, or in rare cases, internal injuries to organs like the lungs or heart. Individuals with pre-existing conditions may be more susceptible to these types of injuries.
Burns and Skin Irritation
As noted above, thermal and chemical burns are another type of airbag-related injuries. These burns typically occur on the face, arms, or hands and may result from either the hot gases used during deployment or friction against the bag itself. In some cases, scarring may require medical treatment beyond first aid.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Although airbags aim to reduce head trauma, the force of contact can still cause concussions or closed head injuries—especially in high-speed collisions. Victims may experience dizziness, confusion, memory loss, or more serious symptoms requiring neurological evaluation.
Respiratory and Eye Irritation
The chemical reaction involved in airbag inflation can release irritants like sodium hydroxide, which may cause coughing, wheezing, or short-term breathing difficulty—especially in enclosed spaces. Some individuals also report eye irritation, blurred vision, or corneal abrasions from exposure to the gas or dust released.
Hearing Damage
Airbags deploy at roughly 160 to 180 decibels—loud enough to potentially damage hearing. Some victims report ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or temporary hearing loss after a crash.
Dental Injuries
Airbag deployment can strike the face with enough force to knock out or loosen teeth, fracture the jaw, or cause injuries to the gums and mouth. These injuries often require dental implants or reconstructive procedures.
Collapsed Lungs (Pneumothorax)
Though less common, a collapsed lung can occur if the chest experiences significant blunt force. Air leaking into the chest cavity prevents full lung expansion, leading to shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, and the need for immediate medical attention.
How A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
It’s a common misconception that personal injury attorneys are only for catastrophic injuries. In reality, whether you’re dealing with airbag injuries, smoke inhalation, a collapsed lung, or facial disfigurement, an experienced car accident lawyer can play a vital role in your recovery.
A legal team can investigate whether your injury resulted from a malfunction, such as defective airbags or seatbelt failure, and build a case supported by medical records, expert consultations, and accident reconstruction. Injuries like thermal burns, chemical burns, or hidden internal trauma can be difficult to explain to insurance companies without legal help—especially when those companies are focused on minimizing payouts.
Your lawyer can also ensure that your settlement accounts for all damages—not just immediate costs. That includes future medical care, ongoing pain and suffering, lost wages, and the emotional toll of long-term injuries. Whether you’re facing dermatology visits for airbag burns or rehabilitation for a shattered joint, your legal team works to ensure you aren’t left paying out of pocket.
Most reputable law firms offer a free case review to help you understand your rights and legal options without any financial pressure.
Working With Palermo Law Group
If you’re looking for a trusted car accident lawyer in the Chicago area, Palermo Law Group is here to help. Our experienced team has represented countless victims—including those dealing with rare, complex, and serious car accident injuries. From chemical burns to disfigurement and everything in between, we understand how disorienting these injuries can be—and we’re ready to help. We begin with a free consultation to evaluate your case, review your medical records, and determine the best path forward.
From there, we build a legal strategy tailored to your situation, working to uncover liability and pursue the full compensation you deserve. If your injuries were caused by a malfunctioning airbag, failed airbag safety systems, or another driver’s negligence, we’re here to advocate for your rights. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.
Contact Palermo Law Group today for a free case review—and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
For a free consultation, contact our law firm by calling (630) 684-2332 or visit our website at https://www.palermolawgroup.com/.
