Can You Sue if Airbags Didn’t Deploy During a Car Accident?

Airbags are designed to protect you in the event of a crash. When functioning correctly, they inflate quickly to absorb impact and reduce the likelihood of serious injury. However, sometimes when a crash happens, the airbags may not deploy. In such cases, you might wonder whether you have grounds for a legal claim.

So, can you sue if the airbags didn’t deploy during a car accident? In Florida, you could pursue a lawsuit if a faulty airbag system played a role in your injuries. The key is determining why the airbags failed to deploy in the first place.

How Airbags Are Meant To Work

When the airbag system senses a severe enough collision, the airbags inflate in a split second. This swift inflation helps to reduce the risk of occupants hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces inside the vehicle.

Reasons Airbags May Not Deploy

It’s crucial to understand that airbags are not meant to deploy in every accident. In certain scenarios, the system may determine that inflation is unnecessary or could even be harmful.

Nevertheless, there are times when airbags do not deploy due to issues within the vehicle’s safety system. Some common reasons airbags don’t deploy include:

Sensor malfunctions

Crash sensors measure the severity of an impact. If these sensors are damaged, misaligned, or malfunctioning, they may not signal the airbag to deploy. Electrical issues or wiring problems can also disrupt sensor functionality.

Software or computer errors

Modern vehicles rely heavily on software to control the deployment of airbags. A programming error or system malfunction could hinder the deployment of airbags.

Low-Impact Collisions

Airbags are generally designed to activate only during moderate to severe crashes. If the impact is minor or occurs at a low speed, the system might not deploy the airbags since seat belts alone can provide adequate protection.

Understanding the reason for the failure is crucial when assessing the possibility of a legal claim.

When You May Be Able To File a Lawsuit

If an airbag system malfunctions due to a defect and someone is injured, pursuing legal action may be an option. These cases are typically treated as product liability claims involving defective or unsafe products.

You may have grounds for a claim if:

• The crash was severe enough that the airbags should have deployed
• The airbag system had a defect or malfunction
• You suffered injuries in the accident
• The failure to deploy contributed to or worsened pre-existing injuries

Establishing these elements often requires a thorough investigation of the vehicle and its safety systems.

Who Could Be Held Responsible?

Several parties may be responsible if airbags fail to deploy. This could include;

• The vehicle manufacturer, if the car’s safety system was defectively designed
• The airbag manufacturer, if the airbag component itself was defective
• A repair shop or dealership, if improper maintenance or repairs damaged the system
• Another driver, if their negligence caused the accident and your injuries

An experienced attorney can help you determine who to hold responsible and how to hold them accountable.

Contact Us for Legal Help

If you were injured in a crash and believe your airbags should have deployed, contact a Jacksonville car accident attorney at The Pendas Law Firm for help understanding your legal options.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Miami, Tampa,  Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Melbourne areas.

Source:

nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/air-bags#:~:text=Generally%2C%20when%20there,begins%20to%20deploy.