Safety mechanisms such as airbags are vital as they reduce the severity of accident injuries. If they fail, it’s imperative to understand why, hold someone accountable, and pursue legal remedies.
What are Airbags?
Lifesaving devices and airbags cushion impact in a crash. They are installed in different vehicle parts and work with seat belts to protect you from head, neck, and chest injuries. Frontal airbags, for example, prevent your upper body from striking the steering wheel or dashboard. Airbag failures are so common that Anchorage attorneys often handle such cases, and it’s important to note that airbags are a critical safety feature.
How Do Airbags Deploy?
Airbags depend on a network of sensors, control units, and chemical fuel. When sensors are hit, they measure the force, and the control module decides if deployment is needed. The airbag is inflated in milliseconds by a controlled explosion that produces gas. The reaction is so swift that it protects you from many crashes.
When Airbags Don’t Deploy
Modern vehicles have state-of-the-art airbag systems, which can fail for reasons. These failures can put you in harm’s way and make your claim process even more confusing.
Defective Sensors
Accuracy in sensor input plays a major role in airbag systems. If sensors are improperly installed, poorly calibrated, or defective, they may fail to detect a collision. For example, if the sensor misreads a side collision as minor, the airbag may not deploy, and you will be unprotected.
Electrical Problems
Airbag functionality is critical to electrical systems. It can break the circuit, preventing deployment by frayed wires, corroded connections, or blown fuses. What if your airbags don’t work because of a faulty electrical connection, and you are exposed to greater risks? In such cases, proving a defect depends on thorough inspection and expert testimony.
Previous Vehicle Crash Damage
If you have had a prior accident, your vehicle’s airbag system can weaken, especially if repairs are not performed properly. For example, if a deployed airbag is not replaced or the wrong components are used, the system will not function in a future crash. High-quality repair is the top priority for vehicle owners to make airbags reliable.
Defective Software
Modern airbag systems have software as their brain. Misfunctions can cause delayed or failed deployments. For instance, a software bug could misread crash data, preventing the airbags from deploying. Often, such errors result in legal action against manufacturers.
Driver and Passenger Factors
The placement of the occupant, use of seatbelts, and weight affect airbag deployment. If you or your passenger sit too close to the airbag module, the system may deactivate to prevent injury. An unbuckled seat belt will also have the same effect, as the system will calculate risk differently.
Vehicle Factors
Many factors play a role, including your vehicle’s age, condition, and maintenance. An older vehicle or one with infrequent servicing may have undetected faults. For example, an airbag may not be triggered in a severe collision if the sensors in a car are out of date. It is important to maintain a vehicle regularly to identify and fix possible issues.
Manufacturing Errors
Airbag functionality can be compromised by manufacturing defects like improperly installed components or faulty inflators. Often, these errors result in recalls and lawsuits. When an Anchorage car accident involves manufacturing defects, you need legal representation to hold manufacturers accountable. Technical experts work with experienced lawyers to identify defects and seek compensation for affected victims.
Serious safety risks exist when airbags fail; therefore, it’s important to understand the causes. Consulting with knowledgeable professionals when failures occur protects your safety, legal rights, and potential compensation.
Featured Image Source: https://ackodrive.com/car-guide/airbags-in-cars
