Rs Law Offices/Our blog/Who is Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy During a Car Accident?

Who is Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy During a Car Accident?

05/10/2020

An airbag is an automobile device designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. The airbag prevents a person from hitting their face on the dashboard or steering wheel. They’re customarily hidden but inflate instantly when a crash begins.

When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy?

As soon as the Airbags work by inflating vehicle starts to slow down. They must deploy very quickly, generally within the first ten milliseconds of a side crash. That means they have to deploy quicker than a car can crash. 

All airbags have a sensor that tells the bag to inflate. Sensors respond to several different sets of stimuli, including sudden stopping and increased pressure. The sensor works by sending an electric signal to the canister that contains a small amount of an igniter compound. The canister is linked to a small explosive device that releases nitrogen gas. The gas acts as an impact-absorbing cushion rather than a springy surface off.

Is an Airbag Manufacturer Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy?

Failure of an airbag to deploy in a crash may be due to a manufacturer defect. Consequently, a liable airbag manufacturing company may owe crash victim compensation. If the victim suffered much more severe injuries, the airbag manufacturer should be responsible as well. The victim may also file a lawsuit against the carmaker or any other connected parties.

Many manufacturer defects can lead to such a scenario. First, the airbag’s electrical system may be installed improperly or consists of faulty parts. In other cases, the sensors were not installed properly, or they were not calibrated correctly. Furthermore, airbags may not be designed for average-sized adults. Another defect is if the propellant in these airbags became unstable and started to deteriorate. 

In California, manufacturers of defective airbags can be held strictly liable. This can happen if the airbag failed to deploy or deployed at the wrong time. Either way, you have to prove that the airbag failed to deploy due to a manufacturer defect.

Airbags and Product Liability Laws

Consequently, several potential liability causes of action against auto manufacturers will be evaluated. For instance, your car accident claim may assert that something went wrong in implementing the design or that the product was dangerous and that it caused your injury. 

Product liability laws state that products must come with warnings to alert users to the risks. However, the airbags would have to fail before you can claim compensation for the injuries suffered. That means the court will have to investigate whether non-deployment was the proximate cause of injuries and death.

Get Compensated

If you believe your injuries or the death of a loved one may be linked to airbag failure, contact us immediately. Our car accident lawyers will examine every element of your case and represent you as the victim of a car accident.

blogs

You might like

4 Common Mistakes that Ruin Workers Compensation Claims

Thousands of workers are injured annually while at the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one worker succumbed to workplace injuries every 99 minutes in 2019, while over 99,000 others retained non-fatal injuries. Despite the prevalence of workplace injuries and the increasing number of workers compensation claims, only a few victims are usually […]

25/01/2021
Read more

Do Lemon Laws Apply in Auto Dealer Frauds

Most state and federal laws penalize fraudulent marketing, sales, and financing schemes. Knowing your rights and if the state’s lemon laws apply is critical to getting compensated. We explain more about auto dealer frauds, the different types, and the best time to hire an attorney. What is an Auto Dealer Fraud? It’s an unlawful and […]

21/12/2020
Read more

Five Apps for Bicyclists

Bicycle accidents happen all the time in the United States, and practicing bicycle safety is relatively simple – it just involves a lot of mindful riding and the safest possible equipment. Another part of safe bicycle riding is making sure you have your routes planned out and, in the case of an emergency, it doesn’t […]

06/09/2022
Read more

Ridesharing Services May Help Lower Drunk Driving Accidents

Research has been done in Chicago showing a correlation between ridesharing and drunk driving incidents. The study looks at the relationship between rideshare participants on the road and accidents over about a year’s time. It is no secret that drunk driving leads to catastrophic damages and injury on a regular basis in America. If you […]

21/02/2022
Read more

Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls

Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls Purchasing a car calls for careful consideration if you are to find a reliable model that suits your needs. More importantly, you need to understand existing laws concerning the warranty, equity, insurance, and various other crucial aspects. Lemon laws are designed to protect buyers from […]

10/08/2020
Read more

Finding the Right Mechanic

In a state like California, which is full of drivers, it is interesting that finding a trustworthy mechanic is such a difficult task. There are many inscrutable technicians out. It is not uncommon to be informed, months after the supposed installment, that your “brand new brakes” have actually never been changed. And, surprisingly, even in […]

03/01/2022
Read more

5 Things to Avoid After a Car Accident in California

After an auto accident in California, you’ll get all sorts of advice on what to do next. Some people will advise you to contact the police, exchange driver information, talk witnesses into giving their statement, call 911, and many other tips. While they’re all looking out for you, rarely does anyone tell you what not […]

26/10/2020
Read more

Top Five Most Common Car Accidents

Despite the plethora of traffic rules and safety measures implemented, car accidents are still quite rampant in the country. According to a report on the World Health Organization website, over three million people are injured in auto-accidents yearly, while 30,000 others succumb to their injuries.  As experienced car accident attorneys, we’ve handled our fair share […]

22/03/2021
Read more

Facts About Ridesharing Accidents

Even in cities that are considered to be “car cultures,” rideshare services are quickly becoming a solid alternative for those who don’t want to abandon their car after a night out, or don’t want to take public transportation. For some, Uber and Lyft, etc are their best bet for timely arrival to work or a […]

27/06/2022
Read more

Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles as a mode of transportation are inherently moredangerous than others. Because of this, motorcycle drivers have an extra onus on them to be the safest drivers possible. Many motorcycle accidents are caused due to careless motorcycle driving, and while you may think you’re one of the safe ones, anyone can be caught off guard. […]

17/03/2023
Read more

contact form

Get in touch

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from RS Law Offices. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. View our Privacy Policy.