Why Airbags May Not Deploy—and What Steps to Take After a Collision

Invented in the 1950s and widely adopted by the 1980s, airbags are devices engineered to instantly deploy during a crash to lessen the risk of fatalities and reduce injuries for drivers and side passengers. An airbag that fails to deploy can result in devastating injuries. If you or somebody you love was involved in a car accident where the airbag malfunctioned, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you get the financial compensation for damages and injuries you may be entitled to. Here’s an overview of the reasons why airbags malfunction, and what to do if you are involved in such a situation.

Top Reasons Airbags Fail To Work

Below are several common reasons why an airbag may malfunction during a collision:

Sensor Placement and Severity of Impact

There are sensors in your car that detect sudden impact or deceleration, which are responsible for deploying airbags when triggered. If the collision doesn’t cause enough force to trigger the sensors, then the airbags will not deploy. Sometimes the sensors are positioned suboptimally and do not register specific kinds of crashes like low-speed collisions or side impacts.

Manufacturing Defects

Defective airbag components, such as wiring problems, defective sensors, or faulty inflators, may prevent the airbag from deploying properly. There have been several major recalls due to manufacturing defects, with the Takata airbag recall being among the most notable.

Software or Electrical Malfunctions

Modern airbags rely on intricate communications between wiring, sensors, and the airbag control module. Any corrupted software or electrical failures disrupting this process can cause the system to malfunction.

Improper Installation or Previous Deployment

Cars that have been in a previous accident may have airbags that were not properly replaced. Or, the new airbags installed in the vehicle were not installed properly and resulted in a failure to deploy.

Intentional Non-Deployment

There are rare cases in which airbags are designed specifically not to deploy in low-speed crashes to protect against unnecessary injuries. While this is to prevent the driver from being harmed by the airbag force, it may be confusing in the haze of an accident.

What Should I Do If I Get In A Car Crash and An Airbag Fails?

If you get into a car accident and the airbag does not deploy, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect yourself.

  1. Seek immediate medical attention
  2. Have your car inspected by an expert to determine why the airbag system failed before any repairs
  3. Collect evidence of the accident, including photos of the vehicles and your injuries, the police report, and witness statements.
  4. Research recalls on your specific models
  5. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney to determine your best course of action.

Contact Us Today

In the case of an accident, malfunctioning airbags can result in devastating injuries. An experienced Florida car accident attorney will help you gather evidence and get you the maximum amount of compensation you are legally entitled to. Contact us at Your Damage Lawyer for a free consultation today.