Airbags only deploy in serious crashes where the impact is sudden and hard, which is good because they can cause injury if they deploy unnecessarily. They typically come out during head-on collisions, front-angle collisions, side impacts, or rollovers, usually when you hit something at 8-14 mph or more.
But it’s not just about speed—it’s also about the force of the impact. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, a Dripping Springs car accident lawyer will help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Airbags only come out when the car crash is pretty serious. Your car has sensors that decide if the airbags should deploy, and these sensors look at how fast your car decelerates in a crash. If the crash isn’t bad enough, the airbags won’t deploy. These control sensors are beneficial because airbags can hurt you if they come out when unnecessary.
Not all crashes make airbags deploy. Here are the types that usually do:
If you’re hit from behind with enough force, or a rear-end collision throws your car into another vehicle or object, the airbags might deploy.
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How fast you’re going when you crash is really important for airbag deployment. Here’s why:
While there’s no exact speed when airbags always deploy, here are some general rules:
Airbags deploy extremely fast—within 20 to 30 milliseconds after a crash is detected. They must inflate quickly to cushion passengers before they are thrown forward by the force of the collision. The inflation rate is critical to ensuring that the airbag provides protection before the occupant can collide with the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows. According to the Safety Restore Guide, airbags can activate at speeds of up to 200 mph, and their timing is calibrated to ensure they inflate before the occupant is injured by the collision’s force.
Head-on collisions are the most likely to make airbags deploy. Here’s why:
There are several reasons why airbags may not deploy during an accident, and not all of them indicate a malfunction. First, airbags are designed to deploy only in certain types of collisions, primarily frontal or side crashes, where the impact is strong enough to cause serious injury. For example, low-speed collisions or rear-end accidents often don’t trigger airbag deployment because the system may determine that seat belts alone can provide sufficient protection.
Additionally, sensor malfunctions or failures in the vehicle’s electrical system can prevent airbags from working. It’s essential to regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle to avoid such issues. If an airbag fails to deploy in a significant collision, you may have legal recourse to investigate a potential manufacturing defect. In Texas, laws allow victims to pursue claims if vehicle defects contribute to injury.
Airbags significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or death in a collision, particularly by protecting the head, chest, and torso. In fact, according to the NHTSA, airbags saved an estimated 50,457 lives between 1987 and 2017. While they can prevent life-threatening injuries, it’s important to understand that airbags can also cause minor injuries upon deployment. The rapid inflation, which occurs at speeds up to 200 mph, can result in:
Despite these risks, the benefits of airbags far outweigh the potential for minor injuries, especially when combined with seat belts, which distribute crash forces across stronger parts of the body. Side-impact airbags also play a critical role in protecting passengers in T-bone collisions or rollovers, both of which are common causes of injury in Texas.
Airbags can cause significant damage to the interior of a vehicle, particularly the dashboard, steering wheel, or side panels where they are housed. Upon deployment, the force of their inflation can crack or break these interior components.
According to CarParts, if the airbags go off, your car might not be totaled, but repairs can be costly, especially if sensors, electrical components, and other systems need replacement. These repairs could exceed the vehicle’s value, especially in older cars. It’s crucial to get an accurate repair estimate to determine if the vehicle is worth fixing.
Our Dripping Spring injury lawyers at York Law are experienced in all types of injury claims in Dripping Springs, TX, and will help protect your rights if you’ve been injured. Call us at (619) 233-1033 or contact us online to get the support you need.
Steven York is a well-regarded trial attorney based in San Diego, renowned for his unwavering dedication to justice and his proven ability to secure substantial settlements for his clients. He obtained his Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 2005 and holds a B.A. in Political Science from Oklahoma State University. Steven has received prestigious accolades, including the 2014 Salute award from the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. He is licensed to practice law in California and Texas.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Steven Ray York who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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