Harlene Labrum | June 5, 2025 | Car Accidents
My Airbag Didn’t Deploy in an Accident: Can I Sue?
Have you been in a car accident where your airbags failed to deploy? And you might be wondering if you have a legal case— the answer is yes. Airbags are essential safety features designed to protect you in the event of a crash. When they fail, the consequences can be devastating—resulting in more serious injuries, permanent disabilities, or even death.
At Labrum Law Firm, we understand how traumatic these experiences can be. If a defective airbag failed to protect you or a loved one during a crash, you have legal grounds to take action against the car manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or any other liable party. Holding the responsible parties accountable not only helps you recover financially—but also protects others from similar harm.
Our experienced Nashville car accident lawyers can help you file a claim and pursue damages for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Who Is Liable When Airbags Do Not Deploy During a Car Accident?
When airbags fail, determining liability is not always straightforward. Several parties could potentially be held responsible, including:
- The vehicle manufacturer – if the airbag system was inherently defective.
- The airbag manufacturer – if the component was faulty or improperly assembled.
- A mechanic or dealership – if the airbag system was previously tampered with or incorrectly serviced.
- A previous owner – if the airbag was removed or not replaced after a prior accident.
In some cases, more than one party may share liability. Our legal team investigates the unique facts of your case to determine who is at fault and ensure they are held accountable.
How Do You Prove Liability After Faulty Airbags?
Proving liability in a defective airbag case requires evidence that:
- The airbag system should have deployed based on the severity of the crash.
- A defect or failure in the airbag system prevented deployment.
- The lack of airbag protection directly contributed to your injuries.
- The responsible party was negligent in designing, manufacturing, or servicing the airbag system.
We work closely with accident reconstruction experts, automotive engineers, and product safety professionals to identify the root cause of the airbag failure and build a strong case on your behalf.
When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy?
Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines these as frontal or side impacts that occur at speeds of around 8 to 14 mph or greater if the seatbelt is in use.
Deployment depends on multiple factors, including:
- Type and location of impact (frontal, side, rear, rollover)
- Speed of the vehicle before impact
- Angle of collision
- Whether occupants are wearing seat belts
- Position and weight of occupants
Modern airbag systems are guided by sophisticated sensors that assess these variables in real time. If the conditions meet specific thresholds, the airbags should deploy. The circumstances surrounding every accident are different, so you need a skilled car accident attorney to investigate the details of your case. They can prove your airbags should’ve been deployed, but due to the defect, they didn’t.
What Prevents Airbags from Deploying?
Sometimes, airbags fail to deploy even in severe crashes due to technical problems. Common reasons include:
Computer Activation Problems
The airbag system relies on an onboard computer to interpret crash data. A glitch or software issue can cause the system to miscalculate or ignore deployment signals.
Defective Crash Sensors
Crash sensors detect impact severity and signal the airbag to deploy. If these sensors are defective, damaged, or misaligned, they may fail to register a crash altogether.
Airbags That Weren’t Replaced
If your vehicle was previously in a crash and the airbags were deployed, they must be replaced. Used cars with unrepaired airbag systems are particularly vulnerable to failure.
Airbag Module Failure
The airbag control module—a central component—can fail due to electrical issues, moisture damage, or corrosion, which prevents deployment signals from reaching the airbag units.
How Can I Gather Evidence for My Car Accident Case?
If you suspect your airbags failed to deploy when they should have, preserving evidence is critical. Here’s what to do:
- Take photos of the vehicle – including the steering wheel, dashboard, and damage to the car.
- Obtain the police report – which may include details about the crash severity and whether airbags deployed.
- Seek medical attention – immediately after the crash. Medical records help link your injuries to the failure of the airbag system.
- Request a vehicle inspection – by an independent mechanic or accident investigator who can evaluate the airbag system.
- Check for recalls – Use your VIN at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle was affected by an airbag recall.
- Preserve all maintenance records – especially if your vehicle was serviced recently.
The sooner you contact our accident lawyer at Labrum Law Firm in Nashville, TN, the more effectively we can begin gathering critical evidence to support your claim.
What Damages Can You Collect When Airbags Fail to Deploy During a Car Collision?
When a defective airbag contributes to injuries in a crash, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost income (current and future earnings)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed due to the airbag failure)
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish egregious negligence by manufacturers or other parties.
Labrum Law Can Handle Your Case
At Labrum Law Firm, we have helped many injured clients in Nashville and throughout Tennessee recover financial compensation after serious motor vehicle accidents. If you believe a faulty airbag worsened your injuries or failed to protect you in a crash, don’t face this legal battle alone.
Our team will:
- Investigate your accident and vehicle thoroughly
- Consult with experts to determine fault
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies and manufacturers
- Represent you aggressively in court if necessary
We are committed to getting justice for our clients and holding negligent companies accountable for putting profits over people’s safety.
Contact Experienced Nashville Car Accident Lawyers Today
Don’t wait. There are strict time limits for filing claims related to product defects and car accidents in Tennessee. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
You don’t have go through this alone. The legal team at Labrum Law is here to help you. Let our experience lessen your burden a bit.
Contact today at (615) 338-9500 or fill out our online form to arrange a no-cost consultation and case review!
