Defective Airbags: You May Still Have a Case, Even If You Were at Fault

Airbags are designed to save lives, not cause more harm. But the consequences can be devastating when an airbag fails, explodes, deploys improperly, or doesn’t deploy at all. If a defective airbag hurt you, you might think you can’t sue because the crash was your fault. That’s not necessarily true.

Even if you made a mistake behind the wheel, you may still be entitled to compensation. Product liability law focuses on the defect, not the crash. And at Morgan & Morgan, we fight for the injured, no matter how complex the case.

How Airbags Can Be Defective

Airbags must function correctly in a split second. When they don’t, the results can be catastrophic. Common types of airbag defects include:

• Failure to Deploy: The airbag never activates, leaving you vulnerable to direct impact.
• Unexpected Deployment: The airbag deploys when it shouldn’t—during a bump or without any collision at all.
• Explosive Deployment: The airbag deploys with too much force, or the inflator explodes, sometimes sending shrapnel flying (as seen in the Takata recall crisis).
• Design or Manufacturing Flaws: Components like sensors, crash modules, or chemical propellants may be defective from the start.
• Lack of Warning: The vehicle doesn’t warn you about a defective or disabled airbag.

Any one of these issues could lead to serious injuries, regardless of how the crash happened.

Common Injuries From Defective Airbags

When an airbag malfunctions, the harm it causes can be worse than the harm from the accident. Victims have suffered:

• Facial fractures and dental injuries
• Eye injuries and vision loss
• Burns from hot gases or chemicals
• Hearing damage or tinnitus from explosions
• Broken ribs, arms, or collarbones
• Brain injuries or neck trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Death in the most tragic cases

Many of these injuries are caused not by the crash, but by the airbag’s failure.

Can You Still Sue If You Were at Fault in the Accident?

Unlike a typical car accident lawsuit, which focuses on who caused the crash, a product liability claim focuses on whether the airbag was unreasonably dangerous or defective. That means:

• You do not have to prove the crash was someone else’s fault.
• The manufacturer can be held strictly liable, meaning responsible regardless of negligence.
• If you were partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced, but not eliminated.

For example, the manufacturer may still owe you damages if you ran a red light and crashed, but your airbag exploded and caused additional injuries. The focus is on whether the airbag enhanced your injuries from the crash, not whether you caused the crash. But different state laws approach these issues in different ways. That’s why having a legal team that understands your state’s laws and how to separate crash fault from product liability is critical.

When You Might Still Have a Case

Here are some real-world scenarios where fault doesn’t block your right to sue:

• You caused a fender bender, but your airbag exploded and sent metal shards into your face.
• You were speeding, but your passenger suffered a spinal injury because their airbag didn’t deploy.
• You rear-ended another car, but your airbag deployed late and caused a broken nose and burns.
• The airbag deployment caused the manufacturer’s emblem on the airbag cover to strike you in the face or on the body.

In each of these situations, the accident may be your fault, but the airbag malfunction isn’t. That’s where a product liability claim comes in.

Why Defective Airbag Cases Are Complex

Airbag cases are not like standard car accident claims. They often involve:

• Detailed investigations into vehicle data, crash sensors, and component failure
• Expert testimony from engineers and safety specialists
• Resistance from large corporations trying to avoid responsibility

Manufacturers often try to shift the blame entirely onto the driver. That’s why having a powerful legal team can make all the difference.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we know how to hold powerful manufacturers accountable. If a defective airbag injured you, we can:

• Launch an immediate investigation into the product failure
• Consult with accident reconstructionists and medical experts
• Handle all communications with insurance companies and manufacturers
• Build a strong case while you focus on recovery

We never charge upfront. You only pay if we win. With offices nationwide and a track record of taking on major product liability cases, we have the resources and experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.

You Don’t Have to Be Blameless to Deserve Justice

Don’t let manufacturers convince you that a crash was all your fault. If a defective airbag caused or worsened your injuries, you have rights; we’re here to protect them.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’re America’s largest injury law firm, and we fight For The People.