Airbags are designed to save lives. They are a critical part of a vehicle’s safety system, meant to deploy in moderate to severe collisions to cushion the impact for occupants and reduce serious injuries. But what happens when your airbags did not deploy in a crash, and you suffer injuries as a result? Can you file a claim?
The short answer is yes, you may have a claim. But like most legal questions, the full answer depends on the specific circumstances of your accident, the severity of the impact, and whether the airbags should have deployed under normal conditions.
In this read, we’ll break down how airbag systems work, when you may have a valid claim if your airbags failed to deploy, and how working with a knowledgeable Aiken car accident lawyer at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs can help protect your rights.
How Do Airbags Work?
Airbags are part of your car’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which includes seat belts and other safety features. Airbags are triggered by sensors that detect rapid deceleration or impact. These sensors send a signal to an inflator, which rapidly fills the airbag with gas, thus cushioning the impact.
Not every accident will trigger airbags. For example:
- Frontal airbags may not deploy in side-impact or rear-end collisions.
- Side airbags may not go off unless the side of the car is hit with sufficient force.
- Low-speed collisions often don’t produce enough force to activate the system.
However, in a moderate or severe crash, airbags should deploy—and if they don’t, it could indicate a serious defect or malfunction.
When Airbags Should Have Deployed—But Didn’t
If your airbags did not deploy and you suffered significant injuries, your situation may involve a product defect, negligent maintenance, or a combination of both.
You may have grounds for a personal injury or product liability claim if:
- The crash involved enough force that airbags should have deployed under normal conditions.
- Your injuries were made worse or occurred directly because the airbags failed.
- The airbag system was faulty, disabled, or had been recalled by the manufacturer.
Common Reasons for Airbag Failures
Understanding why your airbags did not deploy is key to determining whether you have a claim. Some common causes include:
Defective Sensors or Electronics
Airbag sensors may malfunction, fail to detect a collision, or miscommunicate with the system. Faulty wiring or control modules can prevent deployment even in a qualifying crash.
Previous Deployment Without Replacement
If a car was in a previous accident and the airbags deployed at the time, they need to be replaced. Used vehicles that were not properly repaired may have missing or disabled airbags.
Airbag Recall or Manufacturing Defect
Manufacturers sometimes issue recalls for defective airbags. The Takata airbag recall is a prime example of how widespread airbag issues can become. If your airbag had a known defect and wasn’t replaced, the automaker could be liable.
Aftermarket Repairs or Modifications
Improper vehicle repairs after an accident or modifications to the electrical system can interfere with airbag functionality.
Crash Type or Impact Angle
In some cases, the direction or severity of the impact doesn’t meet the airbag system’s internal criteria for deployment—even if the crash was serious.
Do You Have a Claim if Your Airbags Did Not Deploy?
To pursue a claim successfully if your airbags did not deploy, you must show that:
- You were injured in the accident.
- The airbags should have deployed, but didn’t.
- The failure contributed to or worsened your injuries.
- There was a defect in the vehicle, negligence by a repair shop, or a breach of duty by another party.
Depending on the findings, you might be able to file against:
- The vehicle manufacturer (product liability).
- A repair shop or dealership (negligent maintenance).
- Another driver if their actions caused the crash.
If your case involves a defective airbag, your claim could be part of a larger product liability issue, which may involve multiple plaintiffs and more substantial damages.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages, in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct
Calculating damages accurately is vital. An experienced attorney can ensure no losses are overlooked and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How to Strengthen Your Faulty Airbags Case
If you suspect that your airbags did not deploy when they should have, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Your medical records will be key evidence in your claim.
- Preserve the vehicle. Don’t repair or get rid of the car before it’s been inspected. Your attorney will need the vehicle examined by an expert.
- Document everything. Take photographs of the scene, the vehicle interior, your injuries, and anything unusual about the crash.
- Consult an attorney early. Don’t wait, as important evidence can be lost over time, and legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) vary by state.
What Role Does an Attorney Play?
Airbag failure cases are complex. They often involve automotive engineers, crash reconstruction experts, and corporate defense teams.
A personal injury attorney with experience in defective product claims can help by:
- Investigating the crash and consulting experts.
- Identifying liable parties, which may include manufacturers or repair shops.
- Gathering and preserving evidence before it’s lost.
- Filing claims or lawsuits within the proper legal timeframe.
- Negotiating settlements or litigating in court if necessary.
At JJWLS, we’ve helped countless accident victims understand their rights, investigate complex cases, and pursue justice. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial and emotional burden of an injury that could have been prevented by functioning safety equipment.
Don’t Ignore a Safety Failure! Contact Us if Your Airbags Did Not Deploy
Airbags are meant to protect you. When they don’t deploy in a serious accident, it’s not just a mechanical failure—it can be a matter of life and death. If you’re injured in a crash and believe your airbags did not deploy or work as intended, you may be entitled to compensation.
Don’t rely on assumptions or wait for someone else to act. Call the dedicated legal team Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, and Staggs (803) 649-5338 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you evaluate your case, explore your legal options, and take action against those responsible for your injuries. You deserve answers and justice as well.
