Can I File a Claim If My Airbags Didn't Deploy During the Crash?
Most drivers assume that if they're involved in a serious accident, their airbags will deploy and help protect them from severe injuries.
Unfortunately, that's not always what happens.
If you were injured in a car accident and your airbags failed to deploy, you may be wondering whether the vehicle malfunctioned and whether you have a legal claim. The answer is: possibly.
Here's what you need to know if your airbags didn't deploy during a crash in Los Angeles.
Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy in Every Accident?
Not necessarily.
Airbags are designed to deploy under specific conditions. Factors such as speed, angle of impact, and crash severity all play a role.
For example, airbags may not deploy in:
Minor fender benders
Certain side-impact collisions
Rear-end crashes with limited force
Low-speed accidents
However, if you were involved in a significant collision and suffered serious injuries, a failure to deploy could indicate a problem that deserves further investigation.
Why Would an Airbag Fail to Deploy?
Several issues can contribute to airbag failure, including:
Defective airbag sensors
Electrical system failures
Manufacturing defects
Improper repairs after previous accidents
Faulty crash detection systems
In some cases, vehicle manufacturers have issued recalls after discovering widespread airbag defects affecting thousands of vehicles.
Can Airbag Failure Make Injuries Worse?
Absolutely.
Airbags are designed to reduce the force of impact and help protect occupants from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or other parts of the vehicle.
When an airbag fails to deploy, accident victims may suffer:
Traumatic brain injuries
Facial injuries
Broken bones
Neck injuries
Chest injuries
Severe lacerations
These injuries can lead to significant medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery challenges.
Who Could Be Responsible?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend beyond the at-fault driver.
Potentially responsible parties could include:
The vehicle manufacturer
An airbag manufacturer
A repair shop that improperly serviced the vehicle
Another company involved in vehicle maintenance
These cases often involve product liability laws and technical investigations that require experienced legal representation.
What Should You Do After an Airbag Failure?
If you believe your airbags should have deployed during a crash, take these steps:
Seek medical attention immediately.
Preserve the vehicle whenever possible.
Take photographs of the damage and interior.
Save repair records and maintenance documents.
Avoid authorizing major repairs until the vehicle can be inspected.
Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The vehicle itself may become important evidence.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Airbag failure cases are often more complicated than standard car accident claims. Multiple insurance companies, manufacturers, and experts may become involved.
An experienced personal injury attorney can:
Investigate whether the airbag system malfunctioned
Review recall history and manufacturer records
Work with engineering experts
Identify all liable parties
Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Injured in a Crash Where Your Airbags Didn't Deploy?
If you were injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, or surrounding communities and believe your airbags failed to deploy when they should have, Crowley Law PC can help.
We'll investigate what happened and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.
Here to make it right, when you've been wronged.
And Justice for All! ⚖️
Crowley Law PC
📞 (213) 325-5248
