Most passengers have done it at some point—leaning back, feet on the dashboard, relaxed for a long ride. What feels harmless can become devastating in an instant. Airbags deploy at speeds of more than 150 miles per hour, turning comfort into catastrophe for anyone out of position. According to Phoenix injury lawyers, these kinds of injuries are far more common than people realize, often resulting in shattered bones, head trauma, and long-term disabilities after otherwise survivable crashes.
Here’s why this simple mistake can lead to life-changing injuries, how airbags contribute to the danger, and what passengers in Arizona should know about their rights after a serious accident.
Why Dashboard Feet Are So Dangerous
Airbags are designed to deploy upward and outward from the dashboard within milliseconds of a collision. When a passenger’s feet rest in that space, the airbag’s deployment path becomes a direct impact zone.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this combination can cause serious orthopedic trauma, including:
- Compound leg, knee, and hip fractures
- Pelvic dislocations
- Facial or skull fractures from secondary impact
- Severe internal or spinal injuries
Even moderate-speed collisions can cause catastrophic damage when the body is positioned incorrectly at the moment of impact.
Real-World Consequences
Trauma specialists across the country have documented cases of severe dashboard-related injuries. Many involve shattered femurs, broken pelvises, and nerve damage requiring years of rehabilitation.
In one widely reported case, a Georgia woman resting her feet on the dashboard suffered broken femurs and a fractured pelvis when the airbag deployed during a minor crash. Her story made national headlines, yet similar injuries occur quietly throughout the United States each year—including right here in Arizona.
Airbags Save Lives—When Used Correctly
Airbags are one of the most effective life-saving technologies ever developed, reducing fatal crash injuries by more than 30 percent, according to NHTSA data. The danger arises only when passengers sit too close to the dashboard or change their posture in ways that the airbag system was not designed to accommodate.
To stay safe:
- Sit upright with your back against the seat.
- Keep your feet on the floor, never on the dashboard.
- Avoid reclining your seat excessively.
- Always wear a seatbelt properly.
Small adjustments in posture can make the difference between protection and serious harm.
Why These Injuries Often Lead to Complex Legal Cases
Dashboard-related airbag injuries frequently lead to high medical costs and long-term complications. They can also create complicated liability issues.
Even when another driver clearly caused the crash, insurance companies may argue that the injured passenger’s seating position contributed to the extent of the injuries. These tactics are used to reduce settlement amounts or deny claims altogether.
Experienced attorneys understand how to counter those arguments. Skilled Phoenix injury lawyers can collect medical records, consult biomechanical experts, and demonstrate that the true cause of injury was the collision itself, not the passenger’s posture.
Protecting Your Rights After a Crash
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a crash where dashboard position or airbag deployment played a role, it’s essential to act quickly:
- Get medical care immediately. Some injuries take hours or days to appear.
- Preserve all evidence, including photos of the vehicle interior, airbag damage, and seating position.
- Obtain the police report and any crash data available from the vehicle’s onboard systems.
- Avoid recorded statements with insurers until you understand your legal options.
Having clear documentation and professional representation strengthens your case and helps ensure fair compensation.
The Bottom Line
Airbags are engineered to save lives, yet their power can cause devastating harm when used incorrectly. Something as simple as keeping your feet off the dashboard can prevent life-changing injuries.
Awareness and proper posture are key to safety, and understanding your legal rights after a crash ensures you’re not left to face the consequences alone. If you’ve been injured because of another driver’s negligence, reaching out for professional help can make all the difference in your recovery—both physically and financially.
