Airbags are a critical safety feature designed to protect you in a car accident. When they fail to deploy, the consequences can be severe, leaving you with unanswered questions about liability and your legal options.
Determining who is at fault in such cases can be complex, involving manufacturers, vehicle maintenance, and the circumstances of the crash itself. If you’ve experienced this in California, understanding your rights is essential.
Contacting a car accident lawyer in Beverly Hills is recommended to help with this matter.
Why Do Airbags Fail to Deploy?
Airbag deployment depends on various factors, including the collision’s nature and the vehicle’s condition. Common reasons for failure include:
- Defective Airbags: Manufacturing defects can prevent airbags from functioning properly, even in severe crashes. This includes faulty sensors, wiring issues, or poor-quality components.
- Crash Circumstances: Airbags are designed to deploy in specific collisions, such as frontal or side impacts. In low-speed accidents or rear-end collisions, deployment may not occur as intended.
- Improper Maintenance: If a vehicle’s airbag system is tampered with or improperly maintained, it could malfunction. This might happen if the car was repaired after a previous accident.
Understanding why the airbags didn’t deploy is the first step in determining fault.
Who Could Be Liable?
When airbags fail, liability can rest with multiple parties depending on the circumstances:
1. The Manufacturer
Manufacturers have a legal obligation to produce safe vehicles. If a design flaw or defect caused the failure to deploy, the automaker or airbag supplier may be liable. This often involves filing a product liability claim, which requires evidence that the defect directly caused your injuries.
2. A Maintenance or Repair Shop
The repair shop could share responsibility if recent repairs or maintenance compromised the airbag system. For instance, a mechanic may have improperly installed a replacement part or failed to identify a system malfunction.
3. Another Driver
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may bear primary liability. The at-fault driver’s insurance could cover your damages even if your airbags fail.
4. You, the Driver
While rare, a driver’s actions could play a role. For instance, if you knowingly disabled the airbag system or ignored recall notices, this could impact liability.
Steps to Take After Airbag Failure
If you were in an accident where your airbags failed to deploy, taking the following steps can strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical care and document your condition.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Include the steering wheel and dashboard images to show that the airbags were not deployed.
- Preserve Evidence: Do not repair your vehicle immediately. Instead, inspect the airbag system to determine why it failed.
- Check for Recalls: Look up your vehicle’s recall history to see if the airbag system was subject to any recalls.
- Consult a Lawyer: A car accident lawyer in Beverly Hills can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also coordinate investigations and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Potential Compensation for Airbag Failures
Victims of airbag failures may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covers the cost of immediate and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle.
A Beverly Hills auto accident attorney can assess the value of your case and fight for maximum compensation.
Proving Liability in Airbag Failure Cases
Establishing fault in an airbag failure case requires thorough investigation and strong evidence. Key steps include:
- Examining the Vehicle: An expert will inspect the airbag system to identify defects or malfunctions.
- Collecting Crash Data: Many modern vehicles store crash data that can provide insight into what happened during the accident.
- Reviewing Repair History: Records of previous maintenance or repairs may reveal negligence on the part of a mechanic or repair shop.
- Analyzing Manufacturer Records: Recalls, complaints, or lawsuits against the automaker can support a product liability claim.
Why You Need a Beverly Hills Auto Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal complexities of an airbag failure case can be daunting. A skilled attorney understands how to handle the challenges that arise, including:
- Dealing with Manufacturers: Automakers often have teams of lawyers to defend against claims. A car accident lawyer in Beverly Hills knows how to build a strong case and overcome corporate opposition.
- Working with Insurance Companies: Insurers may try to minimize payouts by arguing that the airbag failure didn’t contribute to your injuries. Your attorney can counter these tactics.
- Pursuing a Fair Settlement: Whether through negotiation or litigation, an experienced lawyer will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Attorney Right Away
Airbags are designed to save lives, but the consequences can be devastating when they fail. Determining who is at fault requires carefully analyzing the circumstances, from potential manufacturer defects to repair shop negligence.
If you’ve been injured in a crash where your airbags didn’t deploy, working with a Beverly Hills auto accident attorney can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to recover.
Don’t face this challenge alone—reach out to a car accident lawyer in Beverly Hills today to discuss your case and explore your options.
