Jennifer Schmit’s Airbag Allegedly Delayed in Deployment After Crash at Friend’s Birthday Party, Resulting in Life-Altering Injuries
A driver suffered the loss of her left eye when her car’s airbag failed to deploy immediately upon impact in a severe crash.
Following Jennifer Schmit’s collision with a crash barrier, it is claimed that the airbag activated after the intense impact, causing a laceration to her left eyeball. Despite surviving the crash with no other injuries, Jennifer, 32, experienced her left eye gradually “shrinking” over the subsequent months, leaving her right eye strained from compensating for both.
Jennifer initially sought legal action against the company responsible for the airbag’s design but later opted against pursuing it, citing her struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder. The crash, occurring on her way home from a friend’s birthday celebration, has irrevocably altered Jennifer’s life.
Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “Every morning, tears welled in my eyes as the world seemed to crumble around me. I was in a state of utter shock and overwhelmed by guilt, knowing the news would deeply affect my family and boyfriend. During the car accident, the airbag failed to deploy immediately, activating seconds after the impact. The forceful deployment thrust my face backward. While my seatbelt spared me from further harm, the delayed airbag deployment cost me my eye forever. I was devastated.”
Jennifer, hailing from Belgium, explained that she ultimately lacked the resolve to pursue legal action against the company. Now, she’s sharing her journey to assist others who have gone through similar car accidents.
“In the first year post-accident, I experienced traumatic flashbacks while driving again. I’d envision myself reliving the crash, leading to anxiety attacks and palpitations behind the wheel. Yet, through perseverance and therapy, I’ve managed to regain a sense of calm while driving,” Jennifer disclosed.
“Crowds and bustling environments posed challenges for me. My limited vision heightened my anxiety. Initially, I confined myself indoors, fearing the unpredictability of outdoor settings, like crossing streets. It took time to reorient myself, to meticulously assess my surroundings, and gauge distances to avoid collisions.”
In October 2020, Jennifer underwent surgery, as depicted in the image from Jam Press. Initially, she received nine stitches in her left eye, finding solace in the eventual healing of its surface. However, she soon observed the gradual “shrinking” of the eye and experienced diminished vision in her remaining eye.
Confronting this reality, she made the courageous choice to undergo the complete removal of her left eye in October 2020, primarily due to the significant impact on her appearance. Reflecting on her decision, she expressed, “Few could grasp the depth of my experience, except someone who also navigates the world with one eye. During the initial month, I battled exhaustion as my right eye compensated for both. Screen time was limited to an hour before needing a rest due to photosensitivity.”
Jennifer continued, “Disparity between the two eyes persisted, accompanied by recurring inflammation. I believed that by opting for eye removal and obtaining a prosthesis, I would find greater acceptance with my altered appearance. I longed to rediscover my sense of self. Witnessing my face post-surgery filled me with profound joy—it marked a deeply emotional moment. I felt as though I had reclaimed my true identity, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.”
Jennifer, seen in the photograph prior to the car accident, is eager to share her journey to assist others.