You expect your airbag to deploy when you need it most. So when it doesn’t, and you’re hurt because of that failure, you’re left wondering what went wrong and who’s responsible. If your airbag didn’t deploy during a collision, you might have a valid claim against the vehicle manufacturer or the company that made the airbag system. These cases aren’t straightforward, but they’re worth pursuing when a defective product made your injuries worse than they should’ve been.
Understanding Airbag Deployment Standards
Modern vehicles have sensors that detect the force and angle of an impact. When a collision meets certain thresholds, the airbag system should activate within milliseconds. That’s how it’s supposed to work, anyway. Airbags typically deploy in moderate to severe frontal crashes, usually when a vehicle hits a solid barrier at speeds above 8 to 14 mph. Side airbags and curtain airbags each have their own deployment criteria. But these systems don’t always function the way they should.
When Airbag Failure Creates Legal Liability
Not every non-deployment means you’ve got a defect case. Sometimes the impact just doesn’t meet the necessary threshold for activation. When an airbag should have deployed and didn’t, though, that’s different. Several parties could be held responsible. Potential liable parties include:
- The vehicle manufacturer
- The airbag component manufacturer
- The airbag system designer
- Companies responsible for recalls or repairs
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you figure out whether your case involves an actual product defect or simply a crash that didn’t trigger deployment.
Types Of Airbag Defects
Manufacturing defects happen when something goes wrong during production. Maybe a sensor was improperly installed. Perhaps there’s faulty wiring. These issues affect individual vehicles rather than entire product lines. Design defects are more widespread. If the airbag system itself has a fundamental flaw, you’re looking at thousands or even millions of vehicles that might be affected. We’ve seen major recalls involving defective airbag inflators that either failed to deploy or deployed with excessive force. Software problems can also prevent proper deployment. Modern vehicles rely on complex computer systems to control safety features, and a programming error might cause the system to misread crash data.
Proving Your Airbag Failure Claim
Product liability cases require strong evidence. You’ll need to show that the airbag system was defective and that this defect directly caused or worsened your injuries. Preserving the vehicle is essential. Don’t allow repairs or modifications before a qualified expert can inspect the airbag system. The physical evidence from your car will be central to your case.
Medical records that link your injuries to the airbag failure are equally important. If you suffered head trauma, facial injuries, or chest wounds that an airbag would’ve prevented or reduced, this documentation supports your claim. Crash reconstruction specialists and automotive engineers often need to analyze the collision. The Andres Lopez Law Firm works with professionals who understand the technical aspects of these failures and can explain them clearly to a jury if necessary.
Compensation Available In Airbag Defect Cases
When an airbag fails, injuries tend to be significantly more severe than they would’ve been with proper protection. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, both current and future. This includes emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment needs. Lost income matters too. If your injuries kept you out of work or reduced your earning capacity, you can seek recovery for these financial losses. Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries. Airbag failure cases often involve serious harm that affects quality of life for months or years.
Taking Action After An Airbag Failure
Document everything from the accident scene if you’re able to do so safely. Photos of the undeployed airbag, vehicle damage, and your injuries create a record you’ll need later. Report the airbag failure to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This creates an official complaint and contributes to safety investigations that might lead to recalls. Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and delaying treatment can harm your health and weaken your legal case.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can evaluate whether you’ve got grounds for a product liability lawsuit. These cases involve different legal standards than typical car accident claims, and having someone who understands that distinction makes a real difference. If your airbag failed during a crash and you suffered injuries as a result, contact our firm to discuss your situation and learn about the next steps in pursuing fair compensation for what you’ve been through.