Airbags are incredibly essential safety features in vehicles. These devices prevent significant injuries and death every day in Massachusetts and throughout the United States. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, there were more than 138,000 total car accidents reported during the latest year of data available. However, what happens if your airbag does not properly deploy? At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., our car accident attorneys in Boston, MA want to discuss what you can do if this happens to you.
Reasons An Airbag May Not Deploy
There are various reasons why an airbag may not deploy in a crash. This can include:
1. The Nature Of The Collision
The type of crash that occurs can affect whether or not an airbag is deployed. Depending on where a vehicle is struck, airbag sensors may not be triggered. In some instances, frontal airbags will not deploy in rollover collisions or during side or rear impacts. However, many newer vehicles have airbags located throughout the vehicle that will deploy regardless of where an impact occurs.
2. Defective Airbag Sensors
Sensors are an important part of the airbag deployment process. Unfortunately, there are times when sensors are faulty and fail to send appropriate signals. This could be the result of a manufacturing design error, inadequate testing, or improper installation.
3. Defective Electrical Components
There are many electrical components and wires designed to communicate from the sensors to the airbags. If any of these components are faulty or improperly installed, airbag deployment failure can occur.
4. Severed Wiring
In some cases, airbag failures occur because vehicle manufacturers route wires through areas that make them susceptible to being severed during a crash. This would prevent the airbag from receiving the proper signals to deploy.
5. Defective Airbag Modules
If an airbag module itself is defective, it very well may not deploy in the event an accident occurs. There have been cases when an airbag is properly signaled but fails to deploy after an accident. There have been many airbag recalls over the last few decades. The largest auto parts recall of all time is still ongoing and involves airbags manufactured by Takata.
Let us get started on your case
If you or a loved one have been harmed due to an airbag not deploying, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., our skilled team has vast experience handling faulty product cases and will work to secure any compensation you are entitled to. This can include:
- Cost of your current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and benefits if you are unable to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against a company or manufacturer
Our team understands that these cases could revolve around product liability and that there will need to be an extensive investigation into the cause of the airbag failure. If you need a Boston car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 617-917-3917.