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Why Didn’t My Airbags Deploy In My Car Accident?

Abandoned car on the roadside forest after accident

Airbags are crucial safety devices designed to protect drivers and passengers during car accidents. They deploy in milliseconds, cushioning the impact and preventing severe injuries. But what happens when they fail to deploy? This failure can result in significant injuries and unanswered questions. If your airbags didn’t deploy during an accident, understanding why and determining liability are critical. Contact Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers for legal guidance and support if you’ve experienced such an incident.

Understanding How Airbags Work

Airbags are critical safety features that rely on advanced technology to protect occupants during crashes. They are activated by sensors that detect the severity and direction of a collision.

The Mechanics of Airbags

Airbags deploy when crash sensors detect a significant impact. These sensors send a signal to an electronic control unit (ECU), which ignites a gas, inflating the airbag within milliseconds. This rapid deployment provides a protective cushion, reducing the risk of severe injuries.

Types of Airbags and Their Purpose

  • Frontal Airbags: Protect against head-on collisions by cushioning the driver and front passenger.
  • Side-Impact Airbags: Provide protection during lateral crashes by shielding the torso and pelvis.
  • Curtain Airbags: Deploy along the sides of the vehicle to protect occupants during rollovers and side-impact accidents.

Each airbag type is specifically designed to reduce injuries by safeguarding critical parts of the body in different collision scenarios.

Common Reasons Airbags Fail to Deploy

While airbags are highly effective, they don’t always deploy, even in serious accidents. Understanding the reasons behind this failure can provide clarity.

  • Collision Severity and Sensor Thresholds: Airbags are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe crashes. If the impact doesn’t meet the required force threshold, the sensors may not trigger deployment. This is to prevent unnecessary injuries from airbag activation in minor accidents.
  • Impact Location and Angle: The positioning of crash sensors plays a significant role in airbag deployment. If the collision occurs at an angle or in an area where sensors are not located, the airbags may not activate, even in seemingly severe accidents.
  • Defective Airbag Systems: Manufacturing defects, poor calibration, or faulty wiring can lead to airbag system failures. These defects may prevent the airbags from deploying, putting occupants at greater risk.
  • Maintenance and Replacement Issues: Airbags are designed for one-time use. If they are not replaced after deployment or the vehicle has not been properly maintained, the system may fail to function correctly during subsequent accidents.

Injuries Caused by Airbag Failures

When airbags fail to deploy, the injuries sustained can be catastrophic, affecting various parts of the body.

Common Injuries from Airbag Failure

  • Head Trauma: Includes concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Chest Injuries: Such as broken ribs and internal organ damage.
  • Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries: Often caused by whiplash or forceful impact.
  • Facial Injuries: Includes fractures, lacerations, and other trauma to the face.

These injuries can have lasting physical and emotional impacts on victims.

Emotional and Financial Impact

Beyond physical injuries, victims often endure emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, which can affect their overall well-being. They also face significant financial burdens, including mounting medical bills for treatments, rehabilitation costs, and necessary medications. Additionally, lost wages from time off work and the potential for reduced earning capacity due to long-term injuries can create lasting financial challenges.

 

Legal Liability in Airbag Failure Cases

Determining who is responsible for airbag failure is crucial for seeking compensation. Liability can lie with multiple parties.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Car manufacturers may be liable for defective systems, while airbag manufacturers can be held accountable for faulty designs. Additionally, mechanics or service centers might share responsibility for improper maintenance.

Proving Liability in Airbag Failure Cases

To build a strong case, it’s essential to prove that the airbag was defective, its failure caused injuries, and the injuries resulted in financial damages. This often involves working with experts to analyze the system and determine faults.

Legal Theories for Airbag Failure

Liability in airbag failure cases can fall under product liability theories, including strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty. Recalls and past incidents can also support a case.

What To Do If Your Airbags Didn’t Deploy

Taking the right steps after an accident can strengthen your case and ensure you receive fair compensation.

  • Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident: Seek medical attention for injuries, document the accident scene, and preserve the vehicle for further inspection. These actions are critical for building a strong case.
  • Collecting Evidence for Your Case: Gather evidence such as police reports, photos, witness statements, and medical records. Expert analysis of the airbag system can also provide valuable insights.
  • Consulting a Lawyer: An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and options. At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling airbag failure cases.

Compensation in Airbag Failure Cases

Victims of airbag failures may be entitled to compensation to help cover the costs of their injuries and other damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses caused by airbag failures and related injuries.

  • Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, therapy, ongoing treatments, and medications.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Includes income lost during recovery and future earning potential if injuries affect long-term workability.
  • Vehicle Repairs or Replacement Costs: Covers repair expenses or the market value for totaled vehicles.
  • Out-of-Pocket Costs: Includes transportation to medical appointments, childcare, household help, and assistive devices like wheelchairs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of the accident.

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and long-term discomfort from injuries.
  • Emotional Distress: Covers anxiety, depression, and PTSD caused by the accident.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For restrictions on hobbies, travel, and daily activities due to injuries.
  • Loss of Consortium: Acknowledges the impact on relationships and loss of companionship or intimacy.

Seek Justice for Airbag Failures

If your airbags fail to deploy during a car accident, it’s essential to take action to protect your rights and seek compensation. At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we have the expertise and resources to help you navigate this complex process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.

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