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What if my airbags didn't deploy?

Published in Vehicle Safety & Legal Recourse 5 mins read

If your airbags did not deploy during a vehicle accident, it's a serious concern that could indicate a malfunction or specific crash circumstances. Importantly, you may have grounds for legal action if your airbags failed to do their job.

Understanding Airbag Deployment Principles

Airbags are vital safety devices engineered to inflate rapidly in certain types of collisions to cushion vehicle occupants and mitigate severe injuries. However, they are not designed to deploy in every single crash. Several critical factors determine whether an airbag system will activate:

Factor Description
Impact Severity Airbags are typically designed to deploy in moderate to severe frontal or side impacts that exceed a specific deceleration threshold. Low-speed collisions, often below 8-14 mph (13-22 km/h) for frontal airbags, might not generate sufficient force to trigger deployment.
Angle of Impact The direction of the crash force is crucial. Frontal airbags primarily deploy in head-on or near-head-on collisions, while side airbags are designed for side-impact crashes. Rollovers or rear-end collisions typically do not trigger frontal or side airbags.
Sensor Malfunction Airbag systems rely on a network of sensors (e.g., accelerometers, pressure sensors, impact sensors) to detect a crash. If these sensors are damaged, faulty, or incorrectly calibrated, they may fail to detect the crash forces or send the necessary signal to the airbag control unit (ACU).
Vehicle Speed There is usually a minimum speed threshold for airbag deployment, which varies by vehicle model, airbag type, and specific crash conditions. These thresholds are carefully calibrated to prevent unnecessary deployment in minor incidents.
Type of Collision Not all collisions are designed to trigger airbags. For example, rollover sensors are needed for curtain airbags in rollovers, and a rear-end collision typically won't trigger frontal airbags unless the impact is severe enough to cause secondary forward motion that mimics a frontal crash for the occupants.
Electrical Issues A fault within the vehicle's electrical system, the wiring connecting the sensors to the ACU, or the ACU itself can prevent the deployment signal from being sent or received, leading to non-deployment.
Seatbelt Use While airbags supplement seatbelts, some advanced airbag systems may adjust deployment force or timing based on whether seatbelts are fastened, though seatbelt use is generally not a sole determinant of deployment.

Immediate Actions Following an Airbag Non-Deployment Incident

If you've been involved in a collision and your airbags did not deploy, take these critical steps:

  1. Prioritize Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Seek immediate medical evaluation, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, especially internal ones, may not be apparent until hours or days after the accident.
  2. Document the Scene Thoroughly:
    • Take extensive photos and videos of the accident scene, including detailed images of vehicle damage, your position in the vehicle, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
    • Note down contact information for any witnesses present.
    • Obtain the official police report number.
  3. Preserve Your Vehicle: Do not authorize any repairs to your vehicle or allow it to be scrapped. Your vehicle is crucial evidence in determining why the airbags failed to deploy. It needs to be inspected by qualified experts.
  4. Report the Incident: Inform your insurance company about the accident, explicitly stating that the airbags did not deploy.

Legal Recourse for Non-Deployment

If your airbags failed to do their job in an accident where they should have deployed, you do have a case and may pursue legal action. This situation often points to a potential defect in design, manufacturing, or installation, or a malfunction of the airbag system.

You may be able to pursue a legal claim against:

  • The Airbag Manufacturer: If the defect lies within the airbag component itself, such as a faulty igniter, inflator, or fabric.
  • The Car Manufacturer: If there was a flaw in the vehicle's overall design, the sensor system integration, the airbag control unit (ACU), or the installation of the airbags during assembly.
  • Another Liable Party: Depending on the specific circumstances, other entities involved in the vehicle's supply chain, distribution, or even a service center that performed recent maintenance on the airbag system could potentially be held responsible.

Building a Strong Case

To successfully pursue a claim for airbag non-deployment, it is crucial to gather and present compelling evidence:

  • Expert Vehicle Inspection: Arrange for an independent automotive safety expert to inspect your vehicle's airbag system, sensors, and the event data recorder (EDR), often referred to as the "black box." The EDR can provide vital information about crash forces, vehicle speed, and the status of the airbag system at the moment of impact.
  • Accident Reconstruction Analysis: An accident reconstruction expert can analyze the dynamics of the collision to determine if the impact severity and angle met the criteria for airbag deployment according to the vehicle's specifications.
  • Comprehensive Medical Records: Maintain meticulous records of all injuries sustained in the accident and how those injuries might have been mitigated if the airbags had deployed correctly.
  • Legal Consultation: It is highly recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney specializing in product liability or automotive defect cases. An experienced attorney can evaluate your specific situation, help navigate the complex legal process, secure necessary expert testimony, and determine the best course of action to protect your rights.

Proactive Measures

While you cannot control airbag deployment during a crash, being aware of your vehicle's safety features and ensuring proper maintenance can help:

  • Promptly address any illuminated airbag warning lights on your dashboard.
  • Respond immediately to all recall notices for your vehicle, especially those concerning safety systems like airbags.
  • Always wear your seatbelt, as airbags are designed to work in conjunction with seatbelts, not as a replacement for them.

Understanding the factors influencing airbag deployment and knowing your legal options after a non-deployment incident is crucial for your safety and potential legal recourse.