How to File a Lawsuit for Defective Airbags in Georgia
For many Georgia drivers and passengers, defective airbags have caused catastrophic or fatal injuries. This includes airbags that deploy with too much force, airbags that deploy for no reason, and airbags that fail to deploy when needed.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a malfunctioning airbag, the accomplished personal injury lawyers at Butler Prather LLP can help you pursue fair compensation. And we have remarkably successful track record in these cases.
Why Defective Airbags Are Dangerous
Airbags are meant to cushion the blow in a collision. But when they’re defective, they can:
- Explode or rupture, sending metal shrapnel into the cabin
- Fail to deploy, leaving occupants unprotected
- Deploy without cause, causing a crash
- Overinflate, leading to facial or chest injuries
Some of the most infamous cases involve airbags manufactured with unstable propellant chemical that can degrade over time. This can turn your airbag into a deadly device.
The Biggest Recall in US History
In recent years, tens of millions of vehicles have been recalled across the U.S. due to defective airbags. This includes over 67 million Takata airbags that were recalled because they can explode when deployed.
According to the NHTSA, this was the “largest and most complex recall in U.S. auto history,” effecting 19 different brands, including Ford, Chrysler, Cadillac, Honda, Jeep, Maza, Lincoln, Nissan, Toyota, Dodge, BMW, Volkswagen, and Tesla.
Despite the recall, USA Today reports that over 150,000 vehicles with unfixed Takata airbags remain on the road on Georgia.
Injuries Caused by Defective Airbags
Georgia drivers have reported serious injuries linked to defective airbags. These cases involve:
- Facial lacerations
- Eye trauma
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Neck and spinal damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Airbag?
One of the first steps in filing a lawsuit is identifying the party responsible. At Butler Prather LLP, we investigate each layer of liability. In some cases, multiple parties may be named in a single lawsuit to ensure full accountability and fair compensation.
The Airbag Manufacturer
If the airbag was poorly designed or manufactured improperly, the company that made it can be held accountable under product liability laws.
The Vehicle Manufacturer
Automakers who knowingly install defective airbags may be liable for putting unsafe vehicles on the road.
Dealerships or Repair Shops
If a service center knowingly installed a faulty component or failed to properly fix a recalled airbag, they may share liability.
Filing a Lawsuit
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is a top priority. Get a full medical evaluation after any crash involving airbag deployment. Medical records provide solid evidence when it comes to proving your damages.
Preserve the Vehicle
Do not allow the vehicle to be repaired or sold until it has been inspected by your attorney. The airbag system may serve as key evidence.
Collecting Evidence After a Crash
If you feel up to it, use your cell phone to capture pictures of your vehicle, other vehicles involved in the accident, and the accident scene. You’ll also want to collect insurance information from other drivers and request contact information from any witnesses.
Consult an Experienced Columbus, GA Personal Injury Attorney
Your Columbus car accident attorney will collect evidence to build a solid case, which may include:
- Medical records and bills
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Dash cam and surveillance video
- Accident photos
- Witness interviews
- Expert testimony
- Accident recreations
- Airbag recall notices
Let Your Attorney Communicate With Insurance Agents
Insurance agents could ask you to sign and agreement or make a recorded statement about the accident – don’t do it! It’s best to have your attorney handle all communications and negotiations with insurance carriers.
The Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. If the claim involves wrongful death, the two-year clock usually starts from the date when the fatality occurred.
Early legal action gives you the best chance of success. As soon as you contact a Columbus auto defect lawyer, they can start investigating the accident, interviewing witnesses, and taking steps to preserve important evidence.
Compensation in Defective Airbag Injury lawsuits
A successful defective airbag lawsuit in Georgia may result in compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, therapy)
- Future medical costs
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
In cases where manufacturers acted egregiously by knowingly endangering the public, punitive damages could also be recovered.
Why Choose Butler Prather LLP?
Butler Prather LLP isn’t afraid to stand up to the big automakers. In fact, we’ve won some of the largest defective vehicle verdicts in history defending people who lost loved ones or were severely injured by defective vehicles.
What sets us apart?
- Trial-Ready Approach: We prepare every case like it’s going to trial. This signals to the opposition that we’re serious and helps us command stronger settlements.
- National Reputation: Our firm has been recognized for securing record-breaking verdicts across Georgia and the U.S.
- Personal Commitment: We invest time and resources in every case because we know what’s at stake for you and your family.
Whether you’re in Columbus, Georgia, or anywhere in the state, we’re here to help you fight back after a defective airbag has caused harm.
We know taking legal action can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to help you understand your options.
Speak With a Trusted Airbag Injury Lawyer in Columbus GA
If a faulty airbag caused you harm, you deserve answers, and you deserve justice. At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve been holding negligent vehicle manufacturers accountable for since 1988. Our legal team has an unmatched record of prevailing in complex product liability cases in Georgia and across the nation.
Call (706) 322-1990 or to learn more today.
It’s not just a case. It’s your life.