My Airbags Didn’t Deploy in a T-Bone Car Accident – Will That Affect My Case?

Yes, if your airbags didn’t deploy in a T-bone car accident, it can significantly affect your case by increasing your injuries and creating a product liability claim against the vehicle or airbag manufacturer. To seek compensation from both the negligent driver and the manufacturer, you need to gather photos of the crash and a vehicle inspection report to support your claims.

At Uptown Injury Law, PLLC, we have 15 years of proven experience handling serious accidents involving airbag malfunctions caused by negligent car manufacturers. Our team gathers police reports, medical records, witness statements, and consults accident reconstruction and product safety experts to build a strong case. Whether you want to book your consultation at your home, in the hospital, or virtually, we will make it convenient for you. Call us at 917-540-8728 to pursue legal action and seek compensation for severe injuries.

How Does a Failed Airbag Impact Your T-Bone Car Accident Claim?

A failed airbag can significantly strengthen your T-bone car accident claim by showing that a defective safety system worsened your injuries. These injuries justify your claim for additional damages such as lost wages or medical care. It also allows you to pursue liability claims against the airbag manufacturer for producing defective airbags.

However, to prove airbag failure caused these injuries, you need strong evidence such as crash sensor data, expert inspections of the airbag module, and vehicle maintenance history. Furthermore, working with Uptown Injury Law, PLLC lawyers ensures every detail of your case is carefully handled. Our legal team conducts in-depth investigations into airbag failure cases, analyzing vehicle defects, maintenance records, and crash data. Reach out today, and let us help you recover maximum compensation for your medical costs.

What Are the Most Common Reasons Airbags Don’t Deploy?

The airbag system may fail to deploy due to incorrect impact angle (like rear-end collision), sensor malfunctions, electrical problems, or defective components. Other causes include improper airbag replacement, manual deactivation, or dashboard obstructions that prevent airbag deployment during a car accident.

Airbags are specifically designed for moderate to severe crashes, so minor collisions may not trigger airbag deployment. Moreover, frontal airbags are designed for head-on crashes, not side or rear impacts. Therefore, collisions like rollover accidents may not provide the extreme force to trigger deployment. When airbags failed to deploy in such cases, you may experience severe injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bone fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Herniated discs
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Chest Injuries
• Severe Lacerations

Victims who suffered injuries due to airbag failure often face long-term medical treatment, emotional distress, and financial burdens. In these situations, understanding the reasons behind airbag defects is essential to prove negligence and seek financial compensation.

Are Airbag Failures More Common in Older Vehicles?

Yes, airbag failures are more common in older vehicles because aging components, sensor malfunctions, and deteriorating inflators increase the risk of malfunction. Moreover, lack of regular maintenance and outdated safety technology also make older cars more vulnerable to faulty airbags. The NCBI case study shows that a faulty airbag can cause penetrating injuries by metal fragments from the airbag inflators, which acted like projectiles and led to two fatalities. Four victims were in head-on collisions, and most injuries happened in vehicles that were older than nine years.

How Can You Prove Your Claim If Airbags Fail to Deploy?

To prove a claim when airbags do not deploy in a car crash, you must gather evidence showing a manufacturing defect and the connection between the injuries and your accident. Collect photos of the motor vehicle accident scene, the damaged steering wheel, and the vehicle’s cabin.

Unlike slip and fall cases, proving liability in airbag failure claims is highly technical, making legal guidance essential to ensure fair compensation. You can also consult accident reconstruction experts who can analyze how airbags work and whether the impact has triggered deployment. Since injury victims often face high medical costs and soft tissue damage after auto accidents, a product liability attorney can help establish who is legally responsible, challenge the findings of an insurance adjuster, and deal with the insurance company.

Who Can You Sue If Airbags Didn’t Deploy In A T-Bone Accident?

If airbags didn’t deploy in a T-bone accident, you can sue the vehicle manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or even a repair shop in case faulty maintenance caused the failure. These parties can be held legally responsible for defective airbags that increase the risk of serious injuries.

Beyond the manufacturers, liability could also fall on the car dealer who sold you a vehicle with known defects or the insurance company if they wrongfully deny your claim. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. Therefore, you must consult our personal injury lawyer. We will help you investigate crash reports, sensor data, and vehicle recalls to determine strict liability. Schedule your meeting today and let us help you pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills.

Can Defective Airbags Result in Class Action or Mass Tort Lawsuits?

Yes, defective airbags can lead to class action or mass tort lawsuits in New York, especially when multiple victims suffer serious injuries due to the same defect. These lawsuits hold manufacturers accountable for negligence and help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain.

However, New York courts may determine whether a class action or mass tort is more appropriate depending on the scope of the defect, the number of victims, and the extent of damages involved. In such cases, working with experienced product liability attorneys is essential to essential to present your claim strongly in court.

Can You File Two Separate Claims For The Same Accident?

Yes, you can file multiple claims after the same T-bone accident if more than one party is at fault, if you’re filing both an insurance and personal injury claim, or if you were a passenger. You can start with a first-party claim under your own insurance, such as PIP or collision coverage, to cover immediate medical expenses or vehicle repairs.

However, if your injuries qualify as “serious” under § 5102(d), such as permanent body organ damage or 90 days of disability, you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This allows you to pursue damages for pain and suffering or long-term medical care, which PIP doesn’t cover.

How Much Is the Average Settlement for Airbag Failure Cases?

The average settlement for airbag failure cases in New York can range from $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. It also depends on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and whether the defect caused long-term or permanent disability.

Moreover, in cases involving gross negligence or wrongful death, awards may be significantly higher. New York also follows comparative negligence laws, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you were partly at fault in the accident. Therefore, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to negotiate effectively with insurance companies or manufacturers.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for Airbag Non-Deployment?

In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for airbag non-deployment under the state’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries and losses. After the three-year limit, certain factors can affect the timeline. For example, if the claim involves a wrongful death, the filing period is reduced to two years. Claims against a government entity, such as a city-owned vehicle, require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within one year and 90 days.

How Do Insurance Adjusters Investigate Airbag Non-Deployment Cases?

Insurance adjusters investigate airbag non-deployment cases by reviewing accident reports and examining vehicle damage after a car collision. They also analyze crash data, interview drivers and witnesses, and consult with auto experts. Moreover, they assess whether faulty materials or crash dynamics caused the failure of airbags.

Beyond these basic inspections, adjusters may collaborate with forensic engineers to study crash reconstruction and event data recorder (EDR) readings, which show speed, impact force, and whether seat belts were used. They also check if curtain airbags or side airbags failed to deploy during a serious collision. This process helps determine whether the issue occurred due to product defects, maintenance problems, or accident circumstances.

What are Federal Safety Standards For Airbag Deployment Issues?

Federal safety standards under FMVSS 208 mandate the installation of advanced frontal airbags in new vehicles. These standards also require drivers to maintain at least 10 inches of safe spacing from the steering wheel and maintain the minimum speed for airbag deployment (8 to 14 mph) in a frontal crash. Besides this, federal regulations prohibit placing rear-facing car seats in front of active airbags. Also, it requires that children under 13 ride in the back seat. Automakers must ensure that airbag deployment meets strict performance tests, including inflation speed, crash scenarios, and passenger protection.

What Role Do Federal Investigations Play in Airbag Failure Claims?

Federal investigations play an important role in airbag failure claims by revealing safety defects, identifying faulty manufacturing practices, and holding automakers accountable. Reports from agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration often serve as key evidence in lawsuits, strengthening victims’ cases for compensation.

Beyond serving as evidence, federal investigations may trigger recalls, public safety warnings, and stricter compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These findings can significantly impact settlement values, mass tort or class action lawsuits, and guide courts in determining liability.

How Do Automakers Challenge Airbag Failure Lawsuits?

Automakers often challenge airbag failure lawsuits by disputing the cause of the malfunction. They may question whether the airbags deployed according to federal safety standards, or claim driver negligence, and reduce potential compensation. They may also use NHTSA findings to challenge the cause of the injury or show that the front or side curtain airbags met all mandatory safety standards. These defenses aim to shift responsibility from the manufacturer, often complicating litigation for plaintiffs.

Get Justice After a Failed Airbag in a T-Bone Crash With Uptown Injury Law, PLLC!

If your airbags didn’t deploy during a T-bone accident, you may face serious injuries like broken bones, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ damage. These injuries can have long-term consequences, and the lack of airbag protection can make your case more complex. In such cases, you must be compensated not only for medical bills and lost wages but also for the pain and suffering.

At Uptown Injury Law, PLLC, we specialize in handling car accident cases involving defective airbags. Our experienced team uses expert analysis, accident reconstruction, and proven legal strategies to hold negligent manufacturers and parties accountable. We’re dedicated to helping you recover the right compensation you deserve while guiding you through every step of the process. Visit us at 2417 Third Ave., Suite 505, Bronx, New York 10451, or call us at 917-540-8728 to schedule your consultation at any time of the day.

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