Law Office of Robert Mansour
Santa Clarita, CA Airbag Failure Injury Cases
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SANTA CLARITA AIRBAG FAILURE ATTORNEY
Inadvertent airbag deployment can cause personal injury to vehicle occupants due to the force and speed with which the airbag inflates. Airbags are designed to deploy rapidly in the event of a collision, providing a cushioning effect to help protect occupants from striking hard surfaces inside the vehicle. However, when airbags deploy unexpectedly or without a proper cause, it can lead to injuries for several reasons:
- Sudden Impact: The force of an airbag deploying during an unintended event can cause a sudden and unexpected jolt to the occupants. This can result in injuries such as whiplash, head injuries, or injuries to the arms and chest.
- Proximity to the Airbag: If an occupant is sitting too close to the airbag compartment, inadvertent deployment can cause them to be struck forcefully by the inflating airbag. This can lead to injuries, particularly facial injuries, as the airbag deploys toward the face.
- Surprise and Distraction: Inadvertent airbag deployment can startle and distract the driver, leading to a loss of control of the vehicle, which may result in a secondary collision and additional injuries.
Several factors can contribute to inadvertent airbag deployment, including:
- Faulty Sensors: Airbag systems rely on sensors to detect rapid deceleration, indicating a collision. Faulty sensors can misinterpret other movements or vibrations as a collision, leading to unintended airbag deployment.
- Electrical Issues: Problems with the electrical system, such as short circuits or wiring issues, can trigger the airbag system inadvertently.
- Software Glitches: The software that controls airbag deployment may have bugs or glitches that cause it to deploy the airbags when it shouldn't.
- Mechanical Malfunctions: Issues with the mechanical components of the airbag system, such as the inflator or the deployment mechanism, can lead to unintended deployments.
Manufacturers continuously work to improve the reliability and safety of airbag systems through rigorous testing and quality control measures. In cases where there are concerns about airbag deployment, it is crucial to follow up with the vehicle manufacturer or a qualified automotive professional to address the issue promptly and ensure the safety of the occupants. If you think your airbag inadvertently engaged/deployed and caused serious injury, you should also consult with a lawyer who is experienced with auto airbag defect cases.
Airbags are designed to save lives by providing a cushioning effect during a collision, which helps to reduce the impact forces on occupants in a vehicle. They work in conjunction with seat belts to enhance overall safety. Here's how airbags function and some considerations regarding their deployment:
How Airbags Work:
- Crash Sensors: Modern vehicles are equipped with crash sensors that detect sudden deceleration or impact.
- Airbag Control Module (ACM): When the sensors detect a significant impact, they send signals to the Airbag Control Module.
- Ignition of Inflators: The ACM, upon receiving the signal, activates the airbag system. This involves igniting a small amount of solid propellant, which rapidly produces a large volume of gas.
- Inflation of Airbags: The gas generated fills the airbag, causing it to deploy rapidly.
When Airbags Deploy: As a general rule, airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe frontal vehicle collisions. They are not meant to deploy in minor accidents, side impacts, or rear-end collisions. The decision to deploy depends on the vehicle's speed change, the direction of impact, and other factors that the sensors evaluate.
Reasons for Airbag Failure to Deploy:
- Low Impact Severity: If the impact is below the threshold set by the vehicle manufacturer, the airbags may not deploy.
- Sensor Malfunction: Faulty crash sensors or an issue with the airbag control module can prevent deployment.
- Power Failure: If there's a power failure, it may affect the airbag system's ability to deploy.
- Outdated System: Older vehicles might have less advanced airbag systems or lack certain safety features.
Risks of Airbag Non-deployment: While airbags can significantly reduce injury risk, their non-deployment in a severe collision can lead to increased injury risks for occupants. The lack of an airbag cushion may allow occupants to impact hard surfaces like the steering wheel or dashboard, leading to more severe injuries.
Risks of Improper Deployment: While airbags are designed to save lives, improper deployment or deploying in situations where it's not needed (e.g., low-speed collisions) can also pose risks, causing injuries such as abrasions, fractures, or burns.
Maintenance and Recalls: Regular maintenance and adherence to recall notices are crucial to ensuring the proper functioning of the airbag system. Manufacturers issue recalls if they discover issues that could affect the safety of the airbags, and it's essential for vehicle owners to address these recalls promptly.
In summary, airbags save lives by providing a protective cushion during collisions, but their effectiveness depends on proper deployment and the overall condition of the vehicle's safety systems. Regular maintenance, prompt recall responses, and adherence to safety guidelines contribute to maximizing their effectiveness. If you believe your airbags did not deploy properly and that failure actually caused or contributed to the severity of the injury, you should discuss your case with a lawyer who is experienced with airbag cases.
Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case. He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.
