Unfortunately, road traffic accidents are frequent in Florida. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), in 2019, there were more than 400,000 of them in the state of Florida alone. Furthermore, car accidents can be traumatic for people to experience, and the resulting injuries can drastically alter someone’s life. For this reason, the government requires all motor vehicles to have specific safeguards, which are designed to minimize or prevent serious injuries and fatalities.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets road regulations. It wasn’t until 1989 that all motor vehicles were required to have seatbelts. From 1995 all new vehicles were required to have dual front airbags designed to protect both the driver and the passenger. Modern models tend to have side airbags as well to protect people from side-on collisions.
Airbags are highly effective; in 2016 alone, around 2,756 lives were saved because of front airbags. Most people feel safer in cars with the most up-to-date safety features. However, airbags can fail because of defective manufacturing, design, or materials, and many people suffer serious injuries as a result.
If you were in a car accident where your airbag didn’t deploy, and you suffered serious injuries, you could have a case against a liable party such as the car manufacturer or airbag manufacturer. Get in touch today with an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Place to book a free consultation.
Call us now on 941-444-4444.
Airbags Didn’t Deploy in Front End Collision
One of the perplexing scenarios in a car accident is when airbags don’t deploy during a front-end collision. It’s natural to expect airbags to provide protection in such incidents, but there are several reasons why they might not activate.
Understanding Airbag Mechanics
Airbags are designed to deploy in certain types of collisions based on specific criteria, including the angle and severity of the impact. They are meant to inflate rapidly in moderate to severe crashes to provide a cushion for occupants and prevent more serious injuries. However, in front-end collisions that are not severe enough – typically under a certain speed threshold – the sensors might not trigger the airbags. This is because deploying airbags can itself be dangerous in minor collisions, and their activation is reserved for instances where they are most needed to prevent injuries.
Sensor Position and Collision Angle
The positioning of sensors plays a crucial role in airbag deployment. In some front-end collisions, the impact may not sufficiently activate the sensors, especially if the collision occurs at an angle or a part of the vehicle not directly in front of the sensors. This can result in airbags not deploying even in a seemingly significant front-end collision.
System Malfunctions and Recalls
In certain cases, airbags might not deploy due to system malfunctions, which could be due to electrical issues, sensor problems, or defects in the airbag system. It’s important to be aware of recalls related to airbag systems, as these can indicate known issues with the deployment mechanisms.
Car Totaled But Airbags Didn’t Deploy
When a car is totaled but the airbags didn’t deploy, it can be confusing and concerning for the vehicle owner. Understanding why this occurs requires a look into the nature of collisions and airbag design criteria.
Even in a situation where a car is totaled, the airbags might not deploy if the collision does not meet the necessary criteria for deployment. For instance, if the impact is not direct to the front or side sensors or is below the severity threshold needed to trigger the airbags, they may not deploy. This can happen in cases where the car sustains significant damage in a way that avoids triggering the sensors, such as a gradual but forceful push rather than a sudden impact.
It’s important to remember that airbags are designed as supplemental restraint systems, meant to work in conjunction with seat belts. Their primary purpose is to prevent occupants from sustaining severe injuries against hard surfaces in the vehicle. In cases where seat belts are enough to protect the occupants, or the nature of the crash doesn’t pose a risk of such injuries, airbags may not deploy.
Different vehicles have varying thresholds and designs for airbag deployment. Some cars have more sensitive systems than others, and understanding your vehicle’s specifications can provide insight into why airbags may not have deployed in a crash.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
How Do Airbags Work?
Airbags function when used in combination with seat belts. In a crash, airbags inflate, which stops you from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. When your car is impacted, a sensor is activated, which sends out an electric signal that releases nitrogen gas, inflating the airbag.
Airbags inflate within 20-40 milliseconds, and after deploying, they should deflate, avoiding the risk of suffocation. In the event of an accident, the information regarding the functionality of your airbags will be stored in the airbag module.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Why Would Airbags Sometimes Fail to Deploy?
There are many factors involved in an airbag being activated, including the direction of the impact, the speed at which the vehicles were moving, the location of the crash sensor and the airbag system design. They are not intended to deploy in all collisions. For example, sometimes they shouldn’t deploy if:
- The impact of the crash was not severe enough to trigger the inflation of the airbag. Airbags are designed not to inflate for minor collisions because seat belts should provide sufficient protection.
- Some advanced systems will turn off the airbags if they detect a child, a small-statured person, or no occupant in the front passenger seat. They could also do this if they detect that someone is sitting too near to the side airbag. Airbags are made for adults, and they can be powerful when inflated, which could be dangerous for a small child.
- Airbags and the airbag module should always be replaced after they have been deployed. However, in a used car, they may not have been replaced and, therefore, won’t deploy.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Airbag Defects and Malfunctions
Airbags do not deploy in every accident. However, when the impact is strong enough, it is important that they do, or people can be left with serious injuries. If an airbag fails to deploy in an accident that causes injury, it must be reported to NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation.
Malfunction happens in several ways, including:
- The airbags could fail to deploy when they should.
- Deploying accidentally, such as if you hit a large pothole or curb. Inflating unnecessarily can cause injuries and could even cause the driver to lose control of the car.
- Airbags could deploy too aggressively. This could be particularly harmful to children.
- They could deploy late after the person has already hit the dashboard or wheel. This might cause even more damage, then if the airbags had not deployed at all.
- In some rare instances, they can explode.
Injuries From Airbag Malfunctions
When an airbag malfunctions, people can be injured in several ways, such as broken bones, internal bleeding, organ damage, brain injuries, or even death. Some of the most common are:
- Face: When you are in a collision, if your airbag failed to deploy, then your face could hit the windshield, which could leave permanent damage. On the other hand, an airbag may also cause damage to the face and eyes, especially when they deploy too aggressively or in a minor crash.
- Chest: Airbag failure may cause soft tissue damage or broken bones in your chest.
- Neck and back: If an airbag failed, it could also injure your neck and back, causing herniated disks and spinal damage.
- Arms and legs: Your arms and legs may also be injured in a crash and could themselves slam into the dashboard if the bag airbag deployment failed.
- Internal injuries: Internal bleeding is also common in these types of accidents.
What Happens if You Are Injured as a Result of an Airbag Malfunction?
When airbag deployment fails, or it deploys at the wrong time, the car manufacturer or airbag manufacturer may have legal liability.
In accordance with the statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits in Florida is two years, which means that following an injury, you have two years to make a claim. We understand that the laws around product liability are complex, which is why we offer a free consultation.
There are three legal theories for holding them accountable:
Strict Product Liability
In Florida, manufacturers are held strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products. Strict liability means that the design or car manufacturer could be liable for damages even if they were not aware of the defect.
The law recognizes three types of defects for product liability claims:
- Manufacturing defects. A product becomes unreasonably dangerous due to a defect in how it was made.
- Design defects. When a product is unreasonably dangerous when used for its intended purpose.
- Inadequate instructions or warnings.
The plaintiff (the person who initiates a lawsuit), needs to show that the product was defective, that the product was used for its intended purpose, and that the defect caused the victim’s injuries.
Negligence Explained
In accordance with Florida Statute 768.81, the victim may also claim for damages under negligence, these cases can be harder to prove, and they will need to show that:
- A duty of care was owed to the victim via the product.
- Someone, usually the manufacturer or designer, breached that duty of care in the producing or handling of the product.
- The breach of duty was the cause of the injury suffered by the plaintiff.
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of their injuries.
For example, if a mechanic failed to properly replace an airbag, then this could be a cause for a negligence case.
Breach of Warranty
The victim may have a claim against a person they have a direct contractual relationship with. However, breach of warranty is the rarest type of liability lawsuit.
There are three types of warranties:
- Express warranty – Warranties contained within the sales contract.
- Implied warranty of merchantability – The product must reasonably function as the buyer expected. This exists without it needing to be written down.
- Implied warranty of fitness – Arises when the buyer asks for something for a specific purpose, and the seller provides.
Airbag Safety Tips
- Airbags are designed for average-sized adults. Children should not sit in the front; they should be in a child seat in the back of the car. Any child under 13 years old or a person less then 153cm tall should sit in the back, or the front airbags should be disabled.
- Do not put anything in the car that could interfere with an airbag or cause injury if the airbag does deploy. Common culprits are phone holders and magnets.
- An airbag warning light on your dashboard could indicate a fault, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
- Read your car manual and make yourself aware of your airbag system. You should know where they are located and what they can and cannot do.
- Make sure your vehicle is not affected by the Takata airbag recall, where millions of cars have had to have their faulty airbags replaced. Florida was one of the most affected states, and many injuries and even deaths have been suffered as a result.
Why Didn’t My Airbags Deploy During My Accident? FAQ
What are the common reasons why airbags fail to deploy during a car accident?
Airbags fail to deploy during a car accident typically due to factors like the angle or severity of the impact not meeting the deployment threshold, malfunctions in the airbag system, or issues with the sensors. In some cases, the nature of the collision may not necessitate airbag deployment for safety.
Could defective airbags be a reason for airbag deployment failure?
Yes, defective airbags can be a significant reason for airbag deployment failure. Manufacturing defects, design flaws, or issues with the airbag system’s components can prevent airbags from deploying when they should.
What should I do if I suffered injuries in an accident where the airbags failed?
If you suffered injuries in an accident where the airbags failed, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Following this, consider consulting with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss potential legal options, especially if the failure was due to defective airbags.
How can an experienced car accident attorney help if my airbags fail to deploy?
An experienced car accident attorney can help by investigating the reasons behind the airbag failure, gathering evidence from the accident scene, and determining if a defect or negligence was involved. They can assist in filing a claim for damages or injuries caused due to the failure of the airbags.
Can airbags fail to deploy during a car accident due to low-impact collisions?
Yes, airbags can fail to deploy during low-impact collisions if the force of the impact does not reach the threshold required to trigger the airbags. Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe crashes to prevent additional injuries.
What are the risks of traumatic brain injuries when airbags fail to deploy?
The risk of traumatic brain injuries increases when airbags fail to deploy in a severe accident, as airbags are meant to cushion the head and upper body during a collision. Without this protection, occupants are more vulnerable to hitting hard surfaces inside the vehicle.
How can I determine if there was an airbag deployment failure after an accident?
Determining airbag deployment failure typically involves a technical inspection of the vehicle. An experienced mechanic or automotive expert can examine the airbag system, review the car’s data recorder, and assess whether the airbags should have deployed given the specifics of the crash.
Are passenger airbags designed to deploy differently than driver airbags?
Yes, passenger airbags are designed to deploy differently than driver airbags. They often have different thresholds for deployment based on factors like the passenger’s weight, the seat’s position, and the severity of the impact.
Can certain car features automatically deactivate airbags in some situations?
Certain car features can automatically deactivate airbags in specific situations, such as when the passenger seat is unoccupied or when a child seat is detected. This is a safety measure to prevent airbag-related injuries to children or in unnecessary situations.
The Law Place
Auto product liability claims are complex and are often difficult to prove. It could be difficult to prove why an airbag did not deploy. You may need a professional to examine your car and the airbag mechanism.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident because of a defective airbag, then you deserve proper compensation. At The Law Place, you will find experienced personal injury lawyers with a vast knowledge of product liability law in Florida. We offer a free consultation so that you can make an informed decision about your next steps. If you do decide to hire us, we will guide you through the complex process of putting together a strong product liability lawsuit.
Contact us today on 941-444-4444.
