Can You File a Claim After an Airbag Injury Accident in Florida?

July 17, 2026

Dennis Hernandez

Airbags help prevent fatalities in thousands of accidents each year. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), airbags have protected and saved more than 50,000 people in the United States since they were first introduced. They’re engineered to inflate within milliseconds, helping cushion occupants and reduce the force of a major impact during a crash.

Still, airbag deployments don’t always work the way they should. In certain situations, an airbag can deploy and cause significant injury, sometimes due to a defective part, improper installation, or a malfunctioning sensor. If that occurs, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a claim. At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we have recovered millions upon millions for clients, and we aggressively work to get you paid.

How Do Airbags Work and Why Can They Cause Injuries?

Airbags operate via a swift chemical reaction activated by impact sensors. When the vehicle detects a crash, the system deploys and fills the airbag in a split second. This near-instant expansion helps lower the chance that your body will slam into rigid interior surfaces.

However, the very power that protects you can also injure you. Airbag injury accident Florida claims frequently include harm such as:

Burns caused by chemical propellants.
Fractures or severe bruising from the airbag’s impact.
Eye trauma or hearing damage due to the explosive noise.
Lacerations and scrapes from the airbag material.

When an airbag is faulty, the likelihood of major injuries rises. Malfunctions may make it deploy with excessive force, not deploy at all, or trigger without warning.

What Are Typical Reasons Airbags Cause Injuries?

Knowing what led to your injury can help identify who may be at fault. Some frequent causes include:

Faulty Airbags

Automakers and suppliers are required to make sure airbags are safe and reliable. If an airbag injury or crash claim reveals that a bad design, substandard materials, or improper manufacturing and installation caused the injury, the manufacturer could be responsible. A well-known case is the Takata airbag recall, impacting millions of cars across the globe.

Incorrect Installation

If someone installs an airbag incorrectly during manufacturing or after a repair, it may not work as intended to keep you safe. In these situations, the car manufacturer or the mechanic and repair facility may bear responsibility.

Defective Sensors

Airbag systems rely on precise sensor data. If the sensors cause deployment too early, too late, or not at all, the consequences can be severe and life-changing.

Recalled Airbags

If your car was equipped with an airbag subject to a recall and you suffered injuries, that can help support your case. Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, those responsible may be liable for defective products that lead to injury.

What Steps Should You Take After an Airbag Injury?

Following any crash, your well-being should be the top priority. At the same time, safeguarding your legal rights is equally important.

Seek Medical Care Right Away

Even if your injuries look minor, visit a doctor immediately. Medical documentation can serve as crucial evidence to support your claim.

Save and Protect Evidence

Photograph the car, the airbag after deployment, and your injuries. Hold onto medical invoices, receipts, and any repair or service records.

Document the Incident

Notify your insurer and look into any active airbag recall notices.

Reach Out to a Personal Injury Law Firm

A seasoned attorney can evaluate your claim, collect key evidence, and determine responsible parties. Acting quickly improves your position and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

What Types of Damages Can You Seek?

If your case is approved, you could qualify for compensation covering:

Medical expenses (previous and upcoming)
Lost wages and reduced earning potential
Physical pain and suffering
Mental anguish and emotional harm
Car repairs or a replacement vehicle

The severity of your injuries, the strength of your evidence, and how much the crash affects your daily activities influence your claim’s value.

How Does Florida Law Apply to Airbag Injury Claims?

In Florida, product liability law typically governs defective airbag cases. Florida Statutes § 95.11(3) usually gives you a four-year window to bring a personal injury lawsuit.

Florida also applies comparative negligence principles. That means if you were partly responsible, the court may reduce any recovery based on your share of the blame. For instance, in West v. Caterpillar Tractor Co., 336 So. 2d 80 (Fla. 1976), the Florida Supreme Court confirmed that the law still holds manufacturers liable for flawed products, even when the injured person also shares some fault.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters After an Airbag Injury Crash

Airbag injury claims frequently include several liable parties, such as vehicle manufacturers, airbag suppliers, and maintenance or repair facilities. Each typically comes with lawyers and insurance adjusters focused on limiting what they pay.

An experienced attorney can:

Examine the suspected defect.
Collect expert opinions and testimony.
Handle negotiations with insurance companies.
Get your case ready for court if necessary.

At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we use our proven experience to pursue the compensation you deserve.

How Much Time Do You Have to Submit a Claim?

Florida’s statute of limitations is unforgiving. In most situations, you have four years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. In wrongful death matters, the deadline is two years. If you delay too long, you could lose the right to collect compensation, even if the facts strongly support your claim.

Next Steps After a Defective Airbag Crash Claim

If you or someone close to you was hurt by an airbag, take action right away. Record what happened, get medical attention, and reach out to a personal injury law firm without delay. With skilled legal guidance, you can handle the complicated claims process and pursue a reasonable settlement or a court award.

We work to help you get compensated!