Anatomy of a Side-Impact Airbag (SAB)
Side-impact airbags (SABs) are inflatable devices that are specifically designed to protect the head and chest of a vehicle occupant in the event of a side-impact collision. There are three main types of SABs: 1) chest or torso, 2) head SABs, or 3) the head and chest combination, otherwise known as the “combo.”
The chest or torso SABs are mounted in the side of the vehicle’s seat or inside the door areas and are designed to provide protection for the chest in the event of a serious side-impact collision. The head SABs are frequently mounted above the side windows and are designed to protect the head in a side-impact collision. There are two types of head SABs, the curtain and tubular. Curtain SUBs are designed to protect the front and rear occupants in the event of a side-impact collision, while some of them provide protection from ejection after a vehicle has been struck on its side. The head and chest “combo” SAB is typically mounted in the side of the seat and are generally larger than chest SABs. Combo SAVs protect both the head and chest, thus drastically reducing the risk of brain injuries.
Side-impact airbags inflate in less than a second and they are designed to protect your head and chest from being struck by objects outside and inside of the vehicle in serious side-impact collisions. These SABs are controlled by sensors and unlike frontal airbags, a number of curtain SABs remain inflated for several seconds during the collision in order to provide additional protection in the event a rollover occurs.
see how we've made a difference
If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
-
$335,000 $335k for a Man Rear-Ended by a Landscape Truck
For a Man Rear-Ended by a Landscape Truck
-
$140,000 $140k for Man Injured When He Was Assaulted by Employee of Large Retail Store
For Man Injured When He Was Assaulted by Employee of Large Retail Store
-
$1,320,000 $1.32 Million for Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
-
$115,000 $115k Settlement for Individual Struck in the Rear by Intoxicated Driver
Settlement for Individual Struck in the Rear by Intoxicated Driver
-
$400,000 $400k for Woman Who Sustained Neck Injury in Motor Vehicle Accident
For a Woman Who Sustained Neck Injury in Motor Vehicle Accident
Benefits of Side-Impact Airbags
Today, some vehicles on the market are equipped with both front and side airbags. Although frontal airbags have been standard in all passenger vehicles since 1998, and all vans, pickups, and SUV’s since 1999, side-impact airbags are now being offered as optional or standard equipment on a number of newer vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that if all of the vehicles in the United States were equipped with side-impact airbags offering head protection, then 700 to 1,000 lives would be saved each year in side-impact crashes.
Unfortunately, unlike frontal airbags, side-impact airbags are not required by the NHTSA yet. However, with side-impact crashes taking approximately 10,000 lives each year, manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the necessity for SABs and legislation is expected to eventually standardize side-impact airbags in all vehicles, as they are with front airbags.
Due to the vast numbers of people that die in side-impact collisions each and every year, the manufacturers are aware of the importance of this safety feature, yet a number of vehicles are still produced without this life-saving feature. As a result of this failure, a large number of traumatic brain injuries continue to occur in foreseeable side-impact crashes, many of which are from young children who routinely sit in the rear of the vehicle.
-
Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
-
Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
-
Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
-
Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
-
Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
-
No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
-
"Van Sant is the place to go."
R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
- Chase V. -
"From the first phone call to getting my settlement check the customer service was great."
They checked in throughout my care and gave updates as well, the process was truly a breeze! I cant thank you guys enough!
- Tareckia S. -
"I am beyond grateful for the exceptional service provided by Van Sant Law firm."
From the beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my case and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Their attention to details, professionalism, and expertise was truly remarkable.
- Tina R. -
"Van Sant Law was the right support to call after my car accident with my daughter."They were referred to me by a close friend of mine. Extremely professional, and asked the language I feel comfortable to discuss my case in. Alex Rusanov was my case manager and explained every aspect of my case during the process. I would highly recommend to use this law firm if you were injured in a car accident. Drive safe and stay alert!- Angela
-
"David and his crew worked so hard to come to a great conclusion on my case."
I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office.
- Mary -
"We were thrilled with the support from Van Sant."
The team really helped us as we navigated the claims process after our oldest child had his car totaled by a drunk driver! They were incredibly professional and helped us through every step of the process! Would absolutely recommend their services! Thank you!
- Josiah B. -
"My results have been positive & I would highly recommend Van Sant Law to family & friends."
I had a head on collusion that left me with a totaled car & very bad injuries. From the first time I spoke to David Van Sant to the end I have been totally satisfied. I worked with Patricia she was very compassionate yet professional she was always ready to answer any concerns that I might have. I am grateful that my daughter found this law firm for me.
- Karen J. -
"Van Sant Law took care of everything."
Back in March I was involved in a rear end collision accident. The are very professional and will do whatever it takes to get the best possible offer when it comes with the insurance. 5/5 will recommend to everyone
- Juan S.
Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.
Schedule a Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney
According to the IIHS, safety equipment has become increasingly standard in 92 percent of 2011 models and 94 percent of SUV’s, and 56 percent of pickup trucks now come equipped with standard head and torso side airbags. When one considers the fact that lifesaving side-impact airbags have been available on the market since the early 2000’s, and yet they are only slowly being incorporated into motor vehicles, then it makes one wonder why auto manufacturers have failed to incorporate SABs when they can save lives, especially the lives of children riding in the rear of the vehicle.
The fact that this key safety measure has been avoided due to cost cutting measures is simply unacceptable, and many fatal head injuries have occurred and continue to occur in foreseeable side-impact collisions to this day which is absolutely unreasonable. If you or someone you love has been injured in a side-impact collision, then we urge you to contact an Alpharetta personal injury lawyer immediately for assistance.
.2410180755550.png){kind=logo}
.2410171551550.png)
