Airbags are designed to reduce the risk of serious injury during a collision. When they deploy properly, they can significantly lessen head, chest, and facial trauma. But when airbags fail to deploy—or deploy improperly—the results can be catastrophic.
Airbag non-deployment and airbag defect claims often involve complex investigations into vehicle systems, crash dynamics, and manufacturer responsibility. These cases frequently fall under product defect law rather than ordinary driver negligence.
When Airbags Fail to Deploy
Airbags may fail to deploy for several reasons, including:
- Faulty crash sensors
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Defective control modules
- Software or calibration errors
- Prior unresolved recall issues
In other cases, airbags deploy with excessive force or at the wrong time, causing additional injury. Both failure-to-deploy and improper-deployment scenarios may support a product liability claim.
Modern vehicles rely on electronic data systems to determine when a crash meets deployment thresholds. If those systems malfunction, the consequences can be severe.
Injuries Commonly Linked to Airbag Failures
When airbags do not deploy in a serious crash, occupants may suffer:
- traumatic brain injury
- spinal cord injuries
- facial fractures
- chest trauma
- internal bleeding
These injuries often qualify as serious and catastrophic injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Even when airbags deploy, defects in design or manufacturing can cause burns, chemical exposure, or shrapnel injuries from faulty inflators.
How Airbag Defect Cases Are Investigated
Airbag cases require prompt and careful evidence preservation. Critical materials may include:
- The vehicle’s event data recorder
- Sensor modules
- Control units
- Physical airbag components
- Manufacturer recall records
Obtaining the official accident report is typically one of the first steps. In more complex cases, experts may conduct crash reconstruction to determine whether the impact met deployment criteria.
Because vehicles are often repaired or salvaged quickly, preventing spoliation of evidence is critical. Once components are altered or destroyed, proving a defect becomes more difficult.
Establishing Liability in Airbag Defect Claims
Liability in airbag cases may involve:
- The vehicle manufacturer
- The airbag system manufacturer
- Component suppliers
- Dealerships or maintenance providers
Unlike a typical negligence case, product defect claims focus on whether the product was unreasonably dangerous when it left the manufacturer’s control.
Texas law also applies comparative negligence principles in certain situations. However, in true defect cases, driver fault may not be the central issue.
Damages in Airbag Defect Cases
When an airbag fails and severe injury occurs, compensation may include:
- economic damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages
- non-economic damages for pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Long-term care planning and permanent impairment analysis
In cases involving reckless disregard for safety, courts may consider punitive damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a claim if the crash was partly my fault?
Possibly. Airbag defect cases focus on whether the safety system failed, not solely on who caused the collision. Even if another driver caused the crash, a defective airbag may create additional liability.
What if the vehicle was part of a recall?
A recall does not automatically establish liability, but it can be important evidence. Investigating recall history and compliance is a critical part of these cases.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Texas imposes a statute of limitations for injury claims. Acting promptly helps preserve both legal rights and physical evidence.
Contact an Airbag Defect Attorney
Airbag non-deployment and airbag defect cases are technically complex and often involve large manufacturers with significant resources. Early investigation and expert analysis are essential.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents individuals injured by defective vehicle safety systems and serious crash-related injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to an airbag failure, call 713-804-9306 to schedule a confidential consultation.
You may also contact us online to discuss your legal options and next steps.