Airbags save lives, but in Texas car accidents they can also cause facial, dental, and eye injuries due to rapid deployment. These injuries may involve fractures, burns, vision damage, or permanent scarring and are often underestimated by insurance companies.
How Airbags Cause Facial and Eye Injuries
Airbags deploy at speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour. When a crash occurs, the airbag inflates instantly to prevent occupants from striking hard surfaces. That force can still cause significant trauma to the face and head.
In Texas car accidents, airbag injuries are most common in front-end collisions but also occur in side-impact crashes where curtain airbags deploy. Improper seating position, proximity to the steering wheel, or failure to wear a seatbelt increases injury risk.
Common Airbag-Related Injuries After Texas Car Accidents
Airbag injuries vary widely in severity. Common examples include:
- Facial fractures, including nose, jaw, and orbital bones
- Dental injuries, such as cracked or knocked-out teeth
- Eye injuries, including corneal abrasions and retinal damage
- Burns and abrasions from chemical propellants
- Soft-tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, and forehead
Some injuries heal quickly. Others result in permanent damage or scarring.
Delayed Symptoms Are Not Unusual
Not all facial or eye injuries are immediately obvious. Swelling, bruising, and vision changes may worsen over several days. Eye injuries, in particular, can progress after the initial trauma.
Delayed treatment often leads insurers to question whether the injury was caused by the accident. Medical evaluation as soon as symptoms appear is critical.
Why Insurance Companies Downplay Airbag Injuries
Texas insurance companies often argue that airbag injuries are:
- Minor or cosmetic
- Temporary irritation rather than structural damage
- Unrelated to long-term impairment
Dental and eye injuries are frequently undervalued despite their lasting impact. Vision loss, nerve damage, and facial scarring significantly affect quality of life.
Medical Evidence That Strengthens an Airbag Injury Claim
Strong documentation includes:
- Emergency room records noting facial trauma
- Dental and ophthalmology evaluations
- Imaging such as CT scans or X-rays
- Photographs documenting bruising or scarring
- Follow-up treatment records
Specialist opinions are especially important in eye and dental injury cases.
Long-Term Impact of Facial and Eye Injuries
Facial injuries affect more than appearance. Victims may experience chronic pain, difficulty eating, speech problems, or emotional distress related to disfigurement.
Eye injuries can lead to partial or permanent vision loss, affecting work, driving, and daily independence. Texas law allows recovery for both physical and emotional harm when properly supported.
Why Legal Guidance Helps After an Airbag Injury
Insurance companies often attempt to resolve these cases quickly with minimal compensation. Legal guidance helps ensure the full scope of injury is considered, including future dental care, vision treatment, scarring, and emotional distress.
Proper legal handling also addresses arguments that airbags functioned “as designed” and that injuries were unavoidable.
FAQ (Schema-Ready)
Q: Can airbags cause serious facial injuries in car accidents?
A: Yes. The speed and force of airbag deployment can cause fractures, burns, and eye injuries.
Q: Are dental injuries covered in Texas car accident claims?
A: Yes. Dental treatment and future care are compensable damages.
Q: Can airbag injuries lead to permanent scarring?
A: Yes. Burns and facial trauma may result in lasting scars.
Q: Should I see a specialist for eye symptoms after a crash?
A: Yes. Early ophthalmology evaluation is critical.