You were in a serious crash. The impact was hard. But your airbags never went off. Now you’re hurt, confused, and wondering — why didn’t they deploy? And does it affect your legal options?
The short answer: yes, it may. You could have a claim against the other driver, the car manufacturer, or both. At Atlanta Metro Law, we help accident victims understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Contact our car accident lawyers today for a free case review.
Reasons Why Airbags Don’t Deploy in a Car Accident
When airbags don’t deploy in a car accident, there are two possible explanations: the system worked as designed, or something went wrong. Understanding the difference is important — because it impacts who you can sue for your injuries.
Airbags May Not Deploy in Low-Speed Crashes
Airbags are not designed to deploy in every crash. They are built to fire only when the impact meets certain conditions. Your airbags may not deploy if:
- The crash happened at a low speed (usually under 8–14 mph)
- The impact was a rear-end collision
In these cases, the system likely worked as intended. However, if you were seriously hurt in a crash that should have triggered your airbags, it’s worth having the system reviewed by an expert.
Defective Airbags Fail
Sometimes airbags don’t deploy because there’s a problem in the vehicle. Common airbag defects include:
- Defective sensors — If the crash sensor doesn’t detect the impact correctly, the airbag won’t trigger.
- Faulty wiring — Damaged or broken wires can cut off the signal that sets off the airbag.
- Manufacturing defects — Sometimes the airbag unit itself is built incorrectly and simply won’t fire.
- Software errors — Modern vehicles rely on computer systems. A software bug can cause the system to fail.
- Improper repairs — If the airbag system was worked on after a previous accident, a bad repair job can disable it.
- Recalled parts — Some airbag components have known defects. The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest in U.S. history and affected millions of vehicles.
If any of these apply to your situation, you may have a claim against the manufacturer.
Can You File a Claim Against the Other Driver If Your Airbags Didn’t Deploy?
Yes. If another driver caused your accident, they are still responsible for your injuries — even if your airbags didn’t go off.
Georgia is a fault-based state. That means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for covering your damages. The fact that your airbags failed may have made your injuries worse. That can actually increase the value of your claim.
An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer will gather evidence to build a strong case. This can include:
- The police report
- Your medical records
- Photos from the scene
- Data from your car’s black box (Event Data Recorder)
Can You Sue the Car Manufacturer If Your Airbags Didn’t Deploy?
If a defect caused your airbags to fail, the car manufacturer or another company in the supply chain may be held responsible. This is called a product liability claim.
In Georgia, there are three ways to hold a manufacturer liable:
- Design defect — The airbag system was poorly designed from the start
- Manufacturing defect — The design was fine, but something went wrong during production
- Failure to warn — The manufacturer knew about a problem and didn’t tell consumers
These cases can be complex. They often require expert witnesses and a detailed inspection of your vehicle. Georgia’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a product liability claim, so acting quickly matters.
Importantly, you can pursue a claim against the other driver and the manufacturer at the same time. You don’t have to choose.
How to Prove Your Airbags Failed in a Car Crash
Evidence is everything in these cases. Here’s what you need to do:
- Don’t repair your car. The vehicle is evidence. Have it inspected before any repairs are made.
- Preserve the black box data. Your car’s Event Data Recorder captures speed, braking, and impact data from the moments before and after a crash.
- Get an independent inspection. A qualified engineer can examine the airbag system and determine if it failed.
- Work with an accident reconstruction expert. These specialists can show exactly what happened during the crash and whether the airbags should have fired.
Your attorney can help you obtain evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. Lawyers consult with specialists like crash reconstruction experts and engineers to build airbag failure cases.
What Compensation Can You Recover If Your Airbags Didn’t Deploy?
Low-speed crashes that don’t trigger the airbag can still cause injuries like back and neck pain. Your car needs to be repaired. If your airbags failed in a serious crash, you are likely dealing with severe injuries and extensive medical bills.
You may be able to recover the following compensation in a car accident case:
- Medical bills — Both current treatment and future care costs
- Lost wages — Income you missed while recovering
- Loss of earning capacity — If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering — Physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage — Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Punitive damages — In cases where a manufacturer knew about a defect and did nothing
Every case is different. The best way to know what your claim is worth is to speak with an attorney.
Severe Injuries Happen When Airbags Don’t Work
Airbags exist for a reason. Without them, the human body takes the full force of a crash. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — From hitting the steering wheel or dashboard
- Facial fractures and cuts — Direct impact with hard surfaces
- Chest and rib injuries — The steering wheel can cause serious trauma to the chest
- Spinal and neck injuries — Whiplash and more severe spinal damage
These injuries can change your life. In the most serious crashes, airbag failure can be fatal. Families can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover financial compensation and demand accountability.
Call Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review
If your airbags didn’t go off, you could have a claim against the other driver, the car manufacturer, or both. Insurance companies try to minimize car crash injuries, especially if your airbags didn’t deploy in a low-speed collision. Airbag defect cases are complicated and involve technical experts.
You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. At Atlanta Metro Law, our car accident lawyers can build a compelling case, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 864-894-2045 or fill out our online form to schedule your free case review. There’s no fee unless we win.
source https://atlantametrolaw.com/airbags-didnt-deploy-in-a-car-accident/
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