Airbags are supposed to save lives during car accidents, but what happens when these critical safety devices fail to work properly? When airbags malfunction, the results can be devastating, turning what should have been a survivable crash into a tragedy. Understanding how airbags work and what can go wrong helps you recognize when you might have a legal case after an accident.
Modern cars rely heavily on airbag systems to protect drivers and passengers during crashes. When these systems fail, the injuries can be much more severe than they would have been with properly functioning airbags. If you’ve been hurt in an accident where airbags didn’t deploy or caused additional injuries, you may be entitled to compensation from the car manufacturer.
Breaking Down Common Types of Airbag Failures
Airbags can fail in several dangerous ways, each creating different risks for vehicle occupants. The most obvious failure is when airbags don’t deploy at all during a serious crash, leaving occupants to hit hard surfaces without any protection. This type of failure often results in severe head injuries, broken bones, and internal damage that could have been prevented.
Another serious problem occurs when airbags deploy too late, after occupants have already moved forward in their seats. Late deployment can actually cause more harm than no deployment at all, as people may be struck by rapidly inflating airbags when they’re in vulnerable positions. Airbags can also deploy with too much or too little force, either causing injuries themselves or failing to provide adequate protection.
Common Injuries Caused by Airbag Malfunctions
When airbags fail to work properly, the injuries can be severe and life-changing. Without airbag protection, crash victims often suffer traumatic brain injuries from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Broken ribs, punctured lungs, and internal bleeding are also common when airbags don’t deploy to absorb the impact of a collision.
Defective airbags can also cause direct injuries when they malfunction. Airbags that deploy too aggressively can break bones in the face, arms, or chest. Chemical burns from airbag propellants, hearing loss from loud deployment sounds, and eye injuries from debris are other serious consequences of airbag failures. In the case of exploding airbags, victims may suffer cuts from metal fragments that can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Who Is Responsible for Airbag Failures?
When airbags fail, determining responsibility often involves investigating the car manufacturer, airbag supplier, and sometimes the dealership or repair shop. Car manufacturers have a legal duty to design and install safe airbag systems that meet federal safety standards. If they knew about defects and failed to issue recalls or warnings, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries.
Airbag suppliers like Takata can also be held liable when their products are defective or dangerous. In some cases, dealerships or repair shops may share responsibility if they failed to perform required recall repairs or installed airbags incorrectly. An experienced attorney can investigate all potentially responsible parties to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Proving Your Airbag Case
Successful airbag failure cases require thorough investigation and expert testimony to prove what went wrong. Your attorney will need to examine the vehicle, review crash data, and work with engineering experts who understand airbag systems. This investigation often reveals whether the airbags should have deployed based on the severity and type of crash.
Preserving evidence is crucial in these cases, which is why you should avoid having your car repaired or disposed of immediately after an accident. The vehicle itself is often the most important piece of evidence, and expert examination of the airbag system can reveal exactly what malfunctioned and why.
Different Types of Legal Claims
Airbag failure cases can involve several types of legal claims, depending on the specific circumstances. Product liability claims focus on defective design or manufacturing of the airbag system. These cases argue that the airbag was unreasonably dangerous or didn’t meet reasonable safety expectations for this type of product.
Breach of warranty claims may apply when airbags fail to perform as advertised or promised by the manufacturer. Negligence claims can be filed when manufacturers knew about problems but failed to warn consumers or issue timely recalls. In cases involving fraudulent concealment of known defects, additional damages may be available beyond just compensation for injuries.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Airbag failure cases are complex and require specialized knowledge of automotive engineering, federal safety regulations, and product liability law. Car manufacturers have teams of lawyers and experts working to minimize their liability, making it essential to have experienced legal representation on your side.
These cases often involve multiple defendants, extensive technical evidence, and complicated expert testimony. An attorney who handles automotive defect cases regularly will know how to investigate properly, identify all responsible parties, and present your case effectively. Many airbag failure cases also become part of larger class action lawsuits or multidistrict litigation, requiring attorneys with experience in complex litigation.
Take Action and Partner With Dominguez Law Today
Like all personal injury cases, airbag failure claims must be filed within specific time limits. In New Mexico, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but there may be exceptions depending on when you discovered the airbag defect. Some cases may also be affected by federal recall timelines or statute of limitations rules for product liability claims.
Don’t wait to investigate your case if you suspect airbag failure contributed to your injuries. Contact Dominguez Law today for your free consultation. Call us at (505) 850-5854 or fill out our online contact form. We’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve – and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
