Car accidents are a jarring experience, and the injuries they cause can disrupt every aspect of life. One of the most overlooked yet significant injuries from car crashes is a concussion caused by an airbag deployment. While airbags are lifesaving devices designed to reduce fatal injuries, the force of deployment can result in concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If a negligent driver caused the crash that led to your airbag deployment and subsequent injury, you deserve accountability and support.
For those living in Long Island, understanding how a Long Island car accident lawyer can assist you with an airbag deployment case is essential. Whether your accident occurred on the Long Island Expressway near Ronkonkoma or Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, a skilled attorney can guide you through the process of recovering compensation for your injuries.
Understanding Airbag Deployment Concussions
Airbags deploy with explosive force, quickly expanding at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. This rapid inflation protects occupants from more severe injuries but can lead to blunt-force trauma to the head, neck, and chest. A concussion occurs when this impact causes the brain to move within the skull, leading to symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Sensitivity to light or sound
While these symptoms may appear mild, concussions are a type of TBI that can have long-lasting effects if not treated promptly. People injured in accidents along Sunrise Highway in Patchogue or Jericho Turnpike in Syosset may find themselves struggling to perform everyday tasks due to lingering cognitive and physical impairments.
Common Misconceptions About Airbag Injuries
Airbags save lives, but their deployment can also cause injuries, particularly in the event of a car crash. Unfortunately, misconceptions about airbag injuries can prevent victims from recognizing the severity of their situation or taking appropriate steps to protect their rights.
One common misconception is that airbag injuries only happen in high-speed crashes. In reality, airbags are designed to deploy even in moderate-speed collisions, typically starting at 10-15 mph. A crash at these speeds, such as a rear-end accident on Jericho Turnpike, can still result in significant force and lead to injuries like concussions, facial fractures, or burns.
Another myth is that airbag injuries are always minor. While airbags are designed to cushion impacts, they deploy with explosive force. This can lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, neck sprains, and even broken bones. Symptoms of these injuries may not appear immediately, causing victims to delay seeking medical attention.
Some people also assume that airbags only cause injuries when there’s a defect. While defective airbags can pose risks, most airbag injuries occur during normal deployment. Factors such as the driver’s proximity to the airbag, the angle of the collision, and the speed of impact contribute to the severity of the injury.
Finally, many believe that insurance companies will automatically compensate airbag injury victims. In truth, insurers often downplay the severity of airbag-related injuries to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you may struggle to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Understanding the realities of airbag injuries is key to making informed decisions. If you’ve suffered injuries after an airbag deployment, consulting a lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled with care.
When Negligence Causes the Accident
Airbag-related concussions often result from accidents caused by another driver’s negligence. In areas like Huntington Station or Riverhead, common causes of accidents leading to airbag deployment include:
- Distracted driving: A motorist glancing at their phone near Walt Whitman Shops or along Veterans Memorial Highway can quickly cause a rear-end collision.
- Speeding: Drivers racing through residential areas in Massapequa or along Montauk Highway increase the force of impact in a crash, making airbag deployment more likely.
- Drunk driving: A night out at popular Long Island spots like Montauk Brewing Company can turn dangerous when someone gets behind the wheel while impaired.
- Failure to yield: Ignoring traffic signals at busy intersections, such as those in Hicksville or Smithtown, can lead to T-bone collisions, deploying side airbags.
People injured in accidents caused by another person’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills and other losses through a car accident claim.
Challenges Victims Face After an Airbag Deployment Concussion
Living with a concussion is challenging enough without the added stress of dealing with the financial and legal aftermath of an accident. Victims may face:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room visits at hospitals like Stony Brook University Medical Center or Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center can be costly. Follow-up appointments with neurologists, imaging tests, and rehabilitation add to the financial burden.
- Lost income: Those working ion Long Island industries such as hospitality, retail, or healthcare may need time off to recover. A concussion can also impact their ability to focus, perform, or return to their previous role.
- Emotional distress: Concussions can leave victims anxious about driving, fearful of another accident, or frustrated by the disruption to their daily lives.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters often undervalue claims or attempt to deny responsibility. Without legal representation, victims risk settling for less than they deserve.
The Long-Term Effects of Airbag Deployment Concussions
Airbag deployment concussions can have long-lasting consequences that disrupt your daily life. While some individuals recover within a few weeks, others may develop post-concussion syndrome, a condition where symptoms linger for months or even years. This can include chronic headaches, memory problems, dizziness, fatigue, and emotional changes such as anxiety or irritability.
These ongoing issues can make returning to work or managing daily responsibilities incredibly challenging. For example, you might struggle with tasks requiring focus or experience difficulty keeping up with fast-paced environments. Social interactions and hobbies may also take a backseat as you cope with persistent symptoms.
Long-term effects aren’t just physical; they can impact your mental health and overall quality of life. A concussion may lead to mood swings or depression, especially when dealing with the frustration of slow recovery or uncertainty about the future.
Seeking specialized medical care from neurologists or therapists can help you manage symptoms and improve your prognosis. These professionals can provide treatments such as physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and medication to address lingering effects.
It’s also important to document these long-term challenges, as they can significantly impact your injury claim. An experienced lawyer will work with your medical team to include the ongoing effects of your concussion in your case, ensuring that any settlement or court award accounts for the full scope of your suffering.
Whether your accident occurred on busy Long Island highways or quiet neighborhood streets, you deserve compensation that reflects the true extent of your injuries. Long-term consequences should not be overlooked when pursuing justice and financial recovery.
How a Lawyer Can Help After an Airbag Deployment Concussion
An experienced lawyer can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and the compensation you can receive. Their role goes beyond simply filing paperwork—they serve as your advocate and guide during a difficult time. Here’s how a lawyer can assist with your case:
Investigating the Accident
Building a strong case requires a thorough investigation. A lawyer will gather evidence from the scene of the crash, whether it happened near Jones Beach State Park or on Northern State Parkway. This evidence may include:
- Police reports: These provide critical details about the accident, including statements from responding officers.
- Eyewitness accounts: Testimonies from those who saw the crash at intersections like Route 110 in Farmingdale or Broadway in Amityville can corroborate your version of events.
- Traffic camera footage: Long Island roads often have cameras that can capture negligent driving behavior.
- Vehicle damage analysis: Examining the force of impact and airbag deployment helps establish the severity of the collision.
Determining Liability
Proving negligence is central to any personal injury case. A lawyer will analyze the facts of your case to show how the at-fault driver’s actions—be it texting on their phone or ignoring speed limits—caused the crash that led to your concussion. In some cases, additional parties, such as an employer of a commercial driver or a vehicle maintenance company, may share liability.
Documenting Injuries and Losses
Accurately valuing your claim requires detailed documentation of your injuries and their impact on your life. A lawyer will work with medical professionals, such as those at Peconic Bay Medical Center or Huntington Hospital, to obtain expert opinions on your prognosis. They’ll also calculate your economic and non-economic losses, which may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies, whether it’s GEICO or State Farm, are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than fairly compensating accident victims. Your Long Island car accident lawyer will handle all communications with insurers, using evidence to counter lowball offers and push for a settlement that covers your needs.
Representing You in Court
If negotiations fail, a lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial. With a deep understanding of Long Island’s legal landscape, they’ll present a compelling case before the court, advocating for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Local Representation Matters
Choosing a lawyer familiar with Long Island is crucial. They understand the unique challenges of navigating cases in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and have experience dealing with local courts, such as those in Riverhead, Central Islip and Mineola. A local attorney also knows the nuances of the area, from the traffic patterns along Ocean Parkway to the challenges posed by icy winters on William Floyd Parkway.
Protecting Your Rights After an Accident
If you were injured in an accident in which your airbag deployed, ideally, you’d have taken immediate action after the accident, such as calling 911, collecting evidence at the scene, and documenting your injuries. However, even if you couldn’t take these steps right away, you can still build a strong case by taking action in the days and weeks following the accident. Here are some steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Seek medical care promptly: Even if your symptoms seem minor, a medical evaluation can identify hidden injuries and establish a clear link between the accident and your condition. Follow all treatment recommendations to show you’re taking your recovery seriously.
- Gather evidence: If possible, revisit the accident scene to take photos or collect additional details. This might include noting traffic patterns, road conditions, or surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident.
- Keep a record of expenses and losses: Document all accident-related costs, including medical bills, transportation to doctor appointments, and lost income. Also, note any non-economic impacts, such as pain, anxiety, or diminished quality of life.
- Avoid discussing the accident with insurance adjusters: Insurance companies may use your statements against you. Direct all communication to your attorney to ensure your case isn’t compromised.
- Consult a lawyer as soon as possible: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, gather critical evidence, and handle negotiations with the insurance company. Acting quickly ensures you don’t miss key deadlines, such as New York’s statute of limitations for filing a claim.
Taking these steps can strengthen your case and position you to pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Discuss Your Case with a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer
Recovering from a concussion caused by airbag deployment is a challenging journey. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can focus on healing while they handle the legalities of your case. Whether your accident occurred near Port Jefferson or Babylon, Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP is here to support you every step of the way.
Our compassionate team has over 100 years of combined experience fighting for Long Islanders injured due to negligence. Our Long Island car accident lawyer understand how difficult life can become after an accident, and we’re dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your future. Contact us today at (631) 451-7900 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation.
