Airbags are designed to save lives during car accidents but can sometimes cause injuries. Determining fault for airbag-related injuries can involve various parties and factors.
Understanding who may be at fault can help you understand your rights if you are injured. Learn more here.
Manufacturer liability
The manufacturer is one of the primary parties that might be held accountable for airbag injuries. The manufacturer could be liable if an airbag is defective due to a design flaw, manufacturing error or inadequate warning.
Common defects include airbags that deploy too forcefully, not at all or unexpectedly. In such cases, victims may file product liability claims against the manufacturer, seeking compensation for their injuries.
Vehicle manufacturer responsibility
The car manufacturer might also bear responsibility if the airbag injury is due to how the airbag was installed or integrated into the vehicle. If the installation was faulty or the vehicle’s design interfered with the proper functioning of the airbag, the automaker could be at fault. This is particularly relevant when the vehicle’s design does not safely accommodate the airbag system, which can lead to injuries upon deployment.
Maintenance and repairs
Faulty maintenance or repairs can also contribute to airbag injuries. If a mechanic or repair shop improperly services the airbag system, leading to a malfunction, they could be held liable. For instance, if an airbag sensor is not reconnected correctly after a repair, causing the airbag to fail during an accident, the repair service might be at fault.
Determining fault for airbag injuries involves examining the role of manufacturers, vehicle makers, maintenance providers and the actions of individuals involved. Each case is unique and requires a thorough investigation to identify the responsible parties and ensure victims receive appropriate compensation for their injuries.