Airbags are designed to reduce serious injuries in a crash—but they can also cause burns during deployment. According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, airbag deployment may release heat and chemical byproducts that can contribute to burn injuries.
While some burns are mild, others may require medical care and lead to longer-lasting effects. Understanding how these injuries happen and what to consider next can help you make more informed decisions after an accident.
What Causes Airbag Burns After a Car Accident?
Airbags deploy in a fraction of a second. This rapid deployment relies on a chemical reaction that fills the airbag with gas almost instantly.
During this process, both heat and chemical byproducts are released. When they come into contact with your skin, they may cause irritation or burns.
- As the airbag deploys, several reactions take place:
- The airbag inflates through a rapid chemical reaction that generates gas to fill the airbag almost instantly
- This reaction produces hot gas, which can lead to thermal burns
- It also releases alkaline substances, which may irritate or damage the skin
- A fine powder may be released, which can affect the skin, eyes, or lungs
Even in lower-speed collisions, this process can still result in noticeable injuries.
Types of Airbag Burns After a Car Accident
Because airbags release both heat and chemical residue, burn injuries can vary. The type of injury often depends on how the airbag makes contact with your body during the crash.
Each type of burn may require different care and may be assessed differently over time as symptoms develop.
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are caused by heat during airbag deployment and often affect the hands, arms, or face.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns are caused by substances released from the airbag and may worsen if not cleaned promptly.
Friction Burns
Friction burns (abrasions) are caused by the force of the airbag contacting the skin and can look like scrapes or road rash.
- Common symptoms may include:
- Redness or irritation
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Discoloration
Do Airbag Burns Leave Scars or Cause Rashes?
Many airbag-related burns improve with time. However, deeper injuries can leave lasting effects, especially if the skin is damaged beyond the surface.
- In some cases, the impact continues even after the initial healing process begins.
- Less severe burns may heal without permanent changes
- More significant injuries may lead to:
- ● Scarring
- ● Skin discoloration
- ● Ongoing sensitivity
- Chemical residue from the airbag may also trigger:
- ● Delayed skin reactions
- ● Rashes or irritation
Burns on visible areas, such as the face or arms, may have a greater long-term impact.
Who Is Most at Risk for Airbag Burns After a Car Accident?
Airbag burns can affect anyone involved in a crash. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood or severity of injury. Positioning inside the vehicle and the force of the impact often play an important role.
- People who may face a higher likelihood depending on the circumstances include:
- Drivers and front-seat passengers
- Individuals sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard
- Children and smaller adults
- People not wearing seatbelts
- Those with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions
Higher-speed crashes or stronger impacts may also increase the chance of more serious injuries.
Looking for Clear Answers After an Accident?
How to Reduce the Risk of Airbag Burns After a Car Accident
While you cannot prevent every accident, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of injury. Small adjustments in how you sit and drive can make a difference.
- Focusing on proper positioning and safety habits can help improve protection.
- Sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel
- Keep your hands in a safe driving position (avoid placing them over the airbag area)
- Make sure children are properly secured in the back seat
- Keep the dashboard and steering wheel area clear
- Maintain your vehicle to ensure the airbag system works properly
These steps can help lower the likelihood of injury if a crash occurs.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Airbag Burns
Some burns may not appear serious right away. In certain cases, symptoms can become more noticeable over time, especially when chemical exposure is involved.
Seeking medical care early can help reduce the risk of complications and support proper healing.
- You should seek medical attention if you notice:
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Severe or increasing pain
- Burns on the face, hands, or near the eyes
- Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge
Prompt care can help reduce the risk of scarring and support a proper medical evaluation.
How to Treat Airbag Burns After a Car Accident
The steps you take after a burn can affect how well it heals. Acting quickly may help limit the severity of the injury.
Immediate care
Rinse the affected area with clean water as soon as possible to help remove any chemical residue. Avoid scrubbing the skin, and gently clear away any visible particles to prevent further irritation.
Medical treatment
Seek evaluation by a doctor, especially if the burn is painful, blistering, or located on sensitive areas like the face or hands. A medical provider may recommend treatment for chemical burns, along with medications or protective dressings to support healing.
Ongoing care
Follow all wound care instructions closely to help the skin heal properly. Monitor the area for signs of infection or changes in symptoms, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge.
Proper treatment supports healing and helps monitor how the injury changes over time.
How Airbag Burn Injuries Can Affect a Personal Injury Claim
Airbag-related burns can have a lasting impact, even if they appear manageable at first. In many cases, these airbag injuries are considered as part of a broader personal injury claim.
As the injury develops over time, it may play a role in how the situation is viewed. For example, airbag burn injuries may be connected to medical expenses, pain and discomfort, or long-term scarring and disfigurement.
Because of this, documentation can be important. Photos that show how the injury changes over time, along with medical records and treatment history, may help provide a clearer picture of what you experienced. In some situations, more than one party could potentially be involved, including another driver or, in certain cases, a vehicle manufacturer.
Recommended Reading: How Airbag Deployment Affects Your Car’s Value and Insurance Claims
What These Injuries May Mean for You
After an accident, it’s not always clear how an injury like a burn may develop. Some symptoms may appear later, especially when chemical exposure is involved.
Having the right information early can help you better understand your situation and what to watch for.
If you experienced airbag burn injuries, speaking with a car accident lawyer can help you explore what may be available based on your circumstances. A free consultation can provide helpful guidance on what to expect moving forward.