Airbags are one of the most important safety innovations in modern vehicles. Designed to deploy in milliseconds during a collision, these devices have been credited with saving tens of thousands of lives since they became standard in the late 1980s. When functioning properly, airbags can mean the difference between life and death. But what happens when they don’t work as intended?
Unfortunately, defective airbags are more common than most drivers realize. From airbags that deploy without cause to those that fail entirely during a serious crash, malfunctioning systems have led to devastating injuries and, in some cases, wrongful death. High-profile recalls—such as the massive Takata airbag scandal—have highlighted just how dangerous these failures can be.
If you or someone you love has been hurt due to a faulty airbag, you may be entitled to compensation. However, pursuing justice in these cases often requires navigating a complex legal landscape. Identifying the responsible parties, gathering the right evidence, and building a strong case takes the guidance of skilled legal professionals. That’s where a trusted car crash lawyer or auto accident law firm near you can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore the role airbags play in vehicle safety, common types of airbag defects, who may be legally liable, and what steps you should take if you’ve been injured. Whether you’re searching for a car accident attorney near me or need to understand your rights as an accident victim, this guide will provide the insight you need to move forward with confidence.
Airbags are designed to cushion the impact during a crash, reducing the risk of serious injury. Most modern vehicles feature multiple types of airbags, including:
Front airbags
Side-impact airbags
Curtain airbags
Knee airbags
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), airbags have saved more than 50,000 lives since becoming standard equipment. But when they don’t work as intended, the results can be catastrophic.
Common Airbag Defects
Here are some of the most frequent—and dangerous—airbag issues:
Failure to deploy: In a serious crash, the airbag may not activate at all.
Unexpected deployment: The airbag goes off without any collision, potentially causing accidents or injury.
Excessive force: Some airbags inflate too powerfully, causing broken bones or head trauma.
Exploding inflators: In the notorious Takata recall, airbags exploded and sent shrapnel into the cabin, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
If you’ve experienced any of these issues, consulting with a car accident attorney near you or a personal injury lawyer in Lincoln could be the key to getting justice.
The largest airbag recall in history involved Takata Corporation, whose defective inflators were linked to dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Over 100 million vehicles were recalled worldwide due to the risk of exploding airbag components.
Lawsuits against Takata and automakers led to billions of dollars in settlements. These cases serve as a sobering reminder of how vital it is to hold manufacturers accountable—and why having a skilled auto accident attorney matters.
Multiple parties may be at fault when an airbag fails, including:
Car makers can be held liable if the defect stems from poor design or inadequate testing.
If the faulty airbag component (like the inflator) came from a third-party supplier, such as Takata, they can also be sued.
3. Dealerships and Mechanics
If a dealer or repair shop improperly installed the airbag or failed to inform you of a known recall, they may bear responsibility.
4. Vehicle Owners
In rare cases, if a vehicle owner ignores recall notices, they may share a portion of the blame.
A knowledgeable car accident injury law firm or Lincoln personal injury attorney can help identify all liable parties and build a strong case.
Depending on the circumstances, your claim could be based on:
Product liability – Proving the airbag was defective in design, manufacturing, or marketing.
Negligence – Demonstrating that someone failed in their duty of care.
Breach of warranty – If the product failed to meet safety promises.
Wrongful death – When airbag failure results in a fatal injury.
An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney near you can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
Faulty airbags can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
Facial fractures and trauma
Chest and rib injuries
Concussions and skull fractures
Spinal cord damage
Chemical burns and lacerations from shrapnel
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries, a car collision lawyer near you or a personal injury attorney in Lincoln can help you seek compensation.
Here are the steps you should take immediately after an airbag-related injury:
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Prompt care not only ensures your safety but also documents your injuries.
Preserve the Vehicle
Don’t make any repairs. The airbag and vehicle data are crucial pieces of evidence.
Gather Documentation
Take photos, keep medical records, and collect witness information.
Speak With a Lawyer
Whether you need a car wreck attorney or a truck accident lawyer, don’t delay legal help.
Avoid these common errors:
Ignoring symptoms of head trauma
Disregarding manufacturer recall notices
Settling with insurers before knowing the full extent of your injuries
Getting help from trusted personal injury lawyers in Lincoln can make all the difference.
A skilled attorney can:
Investigate the airbag malfunction
Identify responsible parties
Collect technical evidence and expert testimony
File your lawsuit or insurance claim
From motorcycle accidents to wrongful death cases, the right legal team ensures your voice is heard.
Q: What should I do if my airbag didn’t deploy in a car accident?
A: Start by getting immediate medical care, even if you feel fine—some injuries aren’t obvious right away. After that, preserve your vehicle in its post-accident condition, especially the airbag and crash data. These components can provide critical evidence. Then, reach out to a trusted car accident attorney near you to evaluate your legal options and protect your rights.
Q: Can I still sue if the airbag deployed but caused injury?
A: Yes. Airbags that deploy too forcefully, release dangerous chemicals, or spray metal shards can cause serious harm. These types of injuries—often seen in cases like the Takata airbag recall—may give you grounds to file a personal injury or product liability claim. A seasoned auto accident lawyer in Lincoln can help you build a strong case.
Q: Who can be held liable for a defective airbag?
A: Several parties could be at fault, depending on how the failure occurred:
Car manufacturers, if the design was flawed or improperly tested
Airbag suppliers, if the parts were defective
Dealerships or repair shops, if they installed components incorrectly or ignored recalls
Occasionally, vehicle owners, if they neglected essential maintenance or recall notices
A knowledgeable car collision lawyer near you can determine who should be held responsible and help you take legal action.
Q: What kind of compensation can I recover in an airbag injury case?
A: Compensation may cover a wide range of losses, including:
Medical expenses (including surgeries, rehab, and long-term care)
Lost wages or reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Property damage
In fatal cases, wrongful death compensation for surviving family members
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Lincoln can ensure you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Q: Is there a time limit to file an airbag injury lawsuit?
A: Yes. In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is four years from the date of the incident. However, depending on the case details—such as if a wrongful death is involved—the timeframe might vary. To avoid losing your right to sue, contact a car wreck attorney as soon as possible.
Jane, a Lincoln resident, suffered serious injuries when her airbag failed during a collision. Her fractured jaw and head trauma required surgery and long-term care. After hiring a car wreck law firm, she discovered her vehicle had a known defect. Her legal team secured a six-figure settlement—holding the manufacturer accountable and helping her rebuild her life.
At Inkelaar Law, we stand beside those hurt by defective products. Our team of experienced Lincoln personal injury attorneys brings deep knowledge and compassion to every case. When you work with us, you get:
Free initial consultation
No fees unless we win
Multilingual support, including Spanish
Comprehensive legal strategy—from investigation to trial
If you’re searching for the best auto accident lawyer near you, we’re here to help you pursue the justice you deserve.
A defective airbag injury shouldn’t go unanswered. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Future treatment or rehabilitation
Call Inkelaar Law today or book an appointment to schedule your free consultation. With decades of combined experience and a commitment to justice, we are the trusted advocates car accident victims in Lincoln and beyond can turn to.
Your recovery starts with the right team by your side.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational purposes only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation. For specific legal advice, please consult with an attorney who is qualified to handle your case.
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