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Written by TK Injury Lawyers, reviewed by Brian on August 6, 2025
The feelings associated with suffering airbag burns in a car accident are overwhelming; physically and emotionally, these injuries are often overlooked, yet they need attention and care. At TK Injury Lawyers, we will be able to help you understand your rights and take you through your legal options after such injuries. Let’s explore more.
Airbag burns, sometimes called airbag dermatitis, happen when the heat, chemicals, and force from an airbag deployment affect the skin during a crash. These injuries may range from mild irritation to significant thermal or chemical damage.
Drivers and passengers sitting closest to the airbags face the highest risk. People with sensitive skin or conditions that weaken the skin’s protective layer may experience stronger reactions. Children or shorter adults are also more susceptible due to their seating position and proximity to the module.
Airbag burns result from the exposure of skin to heat, friction, or chemicals because of airbag deployment during a car accident. Burns caused by airbags occur in about 8% of the injuries during car collisions, generally due to thermal effects of high-temperature gases, chemical burns by particulate materials and alkaline corrosives such as sodium hydroxide, and friction injuries. This is highlighted in a study from the National Library of Medicine.
Airbags save lives but also may cause injuries, including
Yes, airbag burns can cause scarring. The severity depends on the depth of the burn and the sufficiency of treatment. It is brought out in the National Library of Medicine that skin injury and lengthier healing are caused by exposure to chemicals related to the deployment of airbags. Furthermore, rashes occur, most of them related to the chemicals in deploying airbags. These effects can be minimal with proper treatment.
Maintaining a safe seating distance, correctly using seat belts, and adjusting the seat to at least ten inches from the airbag module can reduce potential harm. Airbag deployment can cause various burns:
These burns may cause redness, swelling, pain, and blistering. Severe cases could result in scarring or infection. The rapid inflation of airbags involves a chemical reaction that produces heat, which, combined with force, can cause thermal burns on the skin, as highlighted by the National Library of Medicine.
Medical attention is necessary. To treat airbag burns:
Yes, if your burn was caused by a defective airbag or negligence on the part of another driver. Under Texan laws, victims can file personal injury claims against negligent parties or manufacturers.
Victims can recover compensation for the value of:
At TK Injury Lawyers: Austin Personal Injury Lawyer, we protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for airbag burn injuries. Call us at (512) 910-2000 to discuss your case with a trusted Austin personal injury lawyer. Schedule a free consultation here.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved. Years of experience: +15 years Location: Austin, TX
Trent Kelly
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Trent Kelly, who has more than 15 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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