Unfortunately, for all of the conveniences offered by cars and trucks, there are also risks. Car accidents can cause property damage, personal injury, and substantial financial losses. To minimize these risks, the automobile industry is continually developing and designing features to make vehicles safer for passengers. While seatbelts have made huge strides in minimizing death or injuries from an auto accident, airbags are meant to provide even more protection. When functioning properly, airbags can save lives. Because of their benefits, airbags have been required to be installed in new cars since 1990 and in lightweight trucks since 1995.
Unfortunately, airbags do not always work as they are designed. In fact, many vehicles have been recalled as a result of defective airbags. If you have been involved in an auto accident involving defective airbags, contact our Walnut Creek, CA practice. The auto accident attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP can help clients prove liability in these accidents so that adequate compensation can be provided.
Types of Airbag Defects
There is substantial evidence to back the safety benefits of airbags; this is why they are a requirement in new vehicles. However, airbags are just as susceptible to defects as any other part of a car. If an airbag is not installed properly or fails to function properly, it can cause more harm than good. There are several airbag defects that can result in personal injury or even death for those inside the vehicle. Below are some of the most common types of airbag defects:
- Failure to deploy: Although airbags are designed to deploy when a vehicle is struck with substantial force, one of the most common airbag defects is a complete failure to deploy. If an airbag fails to inflate, passengers are left without added protection.
- Defective airbag canisters:Defective airbag canisters are the cause of many of the most recent airbag recalls. If the canister is defective, it can send shrapnel into the vehicle when the airbag deploys. This can increase the injuries in an auto accident and even cause death.
- Overly sensitive airbags: In some cases, airbags deploy when they are not necessary. These overly sensitive airbags can deploy for no reason. When the airbag is inflated, it creates a loud sound and temporarily blocks the driver’s vision. These unexpected circumstances can contribute to an auto accident.
- Improper installation: Some airbags are defective because they have not been installed properly. This is likely to be a risk when airbags are replaced, repaired, or recycled by a third party.
Seeking Legal Representation
Anyone who believes that a defective airbag has caused an accident or contributed to an accident should speak with an experienced lawyer. Our team of auto accident attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP has successfully represented many cases involving defective airbags. We gather the evidence that is necessary to prove liability in these cases so our clients can be justly compensated for all damages suffered.
Contact Us
At Bowles & Verna, LLP we work hard to ensure our clients’ rights are protected and maximum compensation is provided. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident involving defective airbags, contact our experienced team of auto accident attorneys at your earliest convenience.