Drivers often rely on their airbags to protect them in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, airbags do not always deploy correctly. A faulty airbag may cause serious injuries, particularly to the head and neck. Can you sue a car manufacturer for airbags not deploying in Fort Walton Beach, Florida?
If your airbag didn't work correctly, you can talk to the Browning Law Firm about your legal options for getting compensation. In this case, our automobile accident attorneys may be able to help you get compensation.
Getting to the Bottom of Airbag Deployment Failure
To successfully sue a vehicle manufacturer for defective airbags, you must demonstrate:
- The airbag should have deployed but did not
- The airbag is defective
- You sustained significant injuries that were caused or exacerbated by the airbag's failure to deploy
- You incurred financial, bodily, or emotional harm.
If your airbag does not deploy in an accident, you may have a viable faulty airbag lawsuit against the manufacturer.
We may depend on expert evidence to help prove these and other crucial factors. An expert witness may testify about how the incident happened, why the airbag did not deploy, and how the failure to deploy caused or contributed to your injuries. Expert witnesses may include:
- Engineers
- Product designers
- Survey teams
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical experts
Common Errors That Cause Airbags Not to Deploy
Some frequent flaws that may cause deployment failure include:
Crash Sensor Failure
Crash sensors detect impact and provide a signal to the airbag, causing it to deploy. When the sensor is faulty, it may fail to alert the airbag to deploy. Such a flaw might result from the sensors' design or placement, or from faulty calibration.
It is vital to remember that airbag sensors must detect a certain angle and force of impact before deploying the airbags. To establish your case, you must demonstrate that the airbag should have deployed based on the facts of the incident.
Problems with computer control or electrical components
When a collision activates the sensors, an electronic signal is sent instructing the airbag to deploy. A flaw in any of the electrical components might prevent the airbag from receiving the crash sensor's message. In certain situations, manufacturers may route airbag cabling via narrow places where the wires get damaged, preventing the signal from the crash sensor from being sent.
Additional Airbag Flaws
Airbag module issues might also inhibit deployment. Because each component is critical to effective deployment, failure of practically any component inside the airbag module might cause this issue. This problem may be caused by flaws in the design or production, as well as issues with testing and other quality control methods.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Happen If Airbags Fail?
When an airbag deploys, it protects the person from being hit by the interior of the vehicle and other harsh objects. Injuries without it might include:
- Broken ribs, lungs punctured, and other chest traumas
- Whiplash, disc injuries, spinal cord injury, and other neck and back problems
- Arm and leg fractures or soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding and injuries
- Abrasions, fractures, and other persistent scars on the face
- Injuries to the eyes
- Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and various types of head traumas
Based on these injuries, you and your automobile accident lawyer may be able to seek and recover the following losses and costs:
- Current and future medical treatment and expenditures
- The cost of ongoing care
- Income loss and reduced earning ability
- Extra out-of-pocket expenses
- Suffering and pain
- Other indirect losses
If your airbag did not deploy in Fort Walton Beach, you may file a claim
If your airbags did not deploy in Fort Walton Beach, you should be aware that filing a lawsuit is not your only option. Your attorney may also engage with the insurance company that represents the airbag manufacturer to reach an agreement.
In many circumstances, bargaining with insurance agents may help you get the amount you deserve without having to go to court. Our staff will work hard to guarantee that you are treated properly during the negotiating process.
The experienced lawyers at Browning Law Firm can also fight to get you compensation from someone hitting your car. We may be able to contact insurance agents for other drivers involved in the collision in order to get further reimbursement for your damages. Please contact us right away so that we can go through all of your legal alternatives in this case.