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Car accidents happen, even to the best of drivers—but when your airbags fail to deploy, you could suffer critical injuries that a working safety system could have prevented. Thankfully, if you suffer injuries because of a system failure, you have legal options. Let our Charleston car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC tell you what you need to know.

What Should You Know About Airbag Deployment Failures?

Airbags usually deploy during frontal or near-frontal impacts in order to cushion your head and prevent impact-related injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). However, not every accident triggers airbag deployment. Factors like collision angle, vehicle speed, and impact direction influence whether your airbag decides to pop: Rear-end, side-swipe, or low-speed collisions, for instance, might not deploy your airbag. However, if your airbags should have deployed and did not, you may need to look into defective sensors, electrical problems, manufacturing errors, or inadequate maintenance. A mechanical expert can help you identify precisely why your airbags failed.

How Do You Determine Liability for Airbag Failures?

If you determine that the airbag failure had to do with a base defect in design or manufacturing, you could hold the car manufacturer accountable. But to pursue this sort of claim, you need to show that the airbags were defective, that the defect caused your injuries, and that the injuries could have been reduced had the airbags functioned correctly. You could also hold the vehicle seller liable if they knew about the defect and failed to inform you or your mechanics and repair shops if they performed improper maintenance or installation on your vehicle.

Can You Sue for Failed Airbags?

Under South Carolina law, victims have the legal right to sue if they suffer an injury because their airbags did not deploy when they should have. However, success in these personal injury lawsuits requires clear proof that some party’s negligent actions caused the airbag failure and that the failure directly caused your injuries. For these claims, you will need medical documentation, expert testimony regarding airbag functionality, and evidence that links the airbag failure with your injuries. 

What Should You Do Immediately After Your Accident?

Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Prompt medical care not only ensures your safety but also documents your injuries clearly—and this documentation will strengthen a future legal claim. 

Next, make sure that a qualified professional conducts a thorough inspection of your vehicle to confirm the cause of the airbag malfunction. Avoid repairing or altering your car until you complete that investigation.

Also, consider consulting with an experienced lawyer familiar with defective airbag cases, as they can help you gather necessary documentation, speak to the relevant experts, handle communications with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court.

Recover from Airbag Failures with the Charleston Car Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC

When you suffer an injury that an airbag could have prevented, get in touch with the skilled Charleston car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC. We will guide you through every step, protect your rights, build your personalized case, and help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. Call us at 843-727-6500 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. With our office locations in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, we gladly serve clients throughout South Carolina.