Can You File A Claim For A Defective Airbag?

We always expect a safe and secure journey when we drive to our desired location. However, with thousands of accidents occurring each year, there’s always a slim chance that something may happen. One of the critical safety features every driver relies on is the airbag, designed to protect you and reduce the chance of severe injury. But who is responsible for your damages if it fails to activate when you need it? Learn everything you need to know about these types of claims and how to seek justice for your injuries.     

Why Didn’t Your Airbags Deploy?

With 67 million airbags being recalled over the years, faulty airbags are relatively common. These failures happen for many reasons, such as:

Electrical Issues

Your vehicle’s airbag system relies on your vehicle’s electrical system to work correctly. If your car has a wiring issue, malfunctioning fuse, or other electrical problems, your airbag’s sensors may fail to deploy during a crash.

Age

Like other vehicle safety equipment like tires, airbags naturally wear out over time, especially if you drive an older model. Additionally, most airbags are single-use only. If it was deployed in a previous accident, you must replace it immediately to ensure you and your passengers are safe. Failure to do so could lead to your airbag malfunctioning during a future accident.

Accident Speed

Most manufacturers design airbags to work in moderate to high-speed accidents. That said, if your accident happened while driving at a low speed, your car’s system may not have triggered the airbags.

Fake Airbags

While counterfeit airbags make up 0.1 percent of all airbags installed, any car owner who has these should replace them immediately. These poorly constructed fakes are made with cheap materials, fail to deploy when needed, and can cause severe injuries if you’re ever in an accident.

Average Settlement For Damaged Airbags

Every situation is different, and it can be challenging to determine an average settlement for a defective airbag claim. But like any case, some major factors will influence the amount you’ll receive, including:  

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Costs for your medical treatments
  • Lost earnings due to inability to work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Who Is Held Liable For Defective Airbags?

Any party can be liable for defective airbags, from auto manufacturers to dealerships. A detailed investigation will determine who’s at fault for your injuries. If you win your defective airbag claim, you may be eligible to recover a broad range of damages. These include medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, property damages, etc. In certain situations, you may be eligible for additional punitive damages if the other party’s actions were incredibly irresponsible.

Navigating a defective airbag claim takes time and requires experienced attorneys familiar with the legal system. Our New York personal injury lawyers are ready to help evaluate your case and hold the other party responsible for their actions. If you or someone you know has been injured by a faulty airbag during an accident, please contact us online or at (866) 574-0809 to schedule a free consultation today.