What Should I Do If My Vehicle’s Airbag Deploys?

If your vehicle’s airbag deploys, call 9-1-1 immediately and seek medical attention if needed. Turn off the engine to reduce fire risk, and do not attempt to drive the vehicle. Have it towed. Document the scene with photos and notes, then follow all medical advice if you’ve been injured. Call a Louisiana car accident lawyer.

If your vehicle’s airbag deploys during a collision, take the following steps:

1. Call 9-1-1 to report the accident and seek medical attention if necessary.
2. Turn off the engine to prevent potential fires, especially if it hasn’t shut off automatically.
3. If you can safely move, exit the vehicle and wait in a secure location away from traffic until help arrives.
4. Do not drive the vehicle; arrange for it to be towed for a thorough inspection.
5. Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicle’s damage and noting details about the accident.
6. Follow medical advice for any injuries sustained.
7. Call a car accident lawyer

Airbags, used in conjunction with seat belts, have become essential safety tools for motorists.

Front driver and passenger airbags have been required equipment in U.S.-manufactured cars since 1998.

Today, some vehicles feature more than ten different airbags, some with airbags right in the seat belt itself.

The NHTSA estimated that in 2017 alone over 2,790 lives were saved because of airbags.

How Does an Airbag Work?

Airbags are lightweight, fabric structures designed to protect a driver or passenger by inflating before a person contacts something hard inside the vehicle such as the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, door panel, etc.

When a vehicle is in a collision, a signal is sent from the airbag’s electronic control unit to its inflator.

The inflator then triggers a chemical reaction, producing a gas that inflates the airbag.

On average, it takes only about 20 to 30 milliseconds for a driver’s side airbag to inflate.

The gas used to inflate the airbag is like rocket booster fuel.

What to Do if Your Vehicle’s Airbag Deploys?

If your airbag deploys, call 9-1-1 immediately and address any urgent medical needs. Turn off the engine to reduce fire risk if it hasn’t shut off automatically. Do not drive the vehicle. Arrange alternative transportation and seek medical attention, as airbag deployment often indicates a serious collision.

If your airbag deploys during a collision, chances are the impact was sufficient to cause a personal injury. As a Louisiana personal injury lawyer, most serious accidents that we work with include airbag deployment.

1. The first thing you should do is call 9-1-1 and stabilize any serious problems. If necessary, seek medical attention.
2. In some vehicles, when the airbag inflates, the engine automatically shuts off. This is to prevent any fires from possible fuel leaks. If your vehicle does not automatically kill, turn off the engine.
3. If the airbags have deployed, the car should NOT be driven. You need to obtain an alternative way home or to medical care.

Is It Legal to Drive a Car in Louisiana After the Airbags Deploy?

In Louisiana, while no specific law prohibits driving a vehicle after airbags have deployed, it’s strongly advised against doing so. Airbags typically deploy during significant collisions, which can cause substantial damage to your car’s safety systems. Operating a vehicle in this condition may compromise your safety and that of others on the road.

After an airbag deployment, it’s crucial to have your vehicle thoroughly inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic before driving again. This ensures that all safety features, including the airbags, are fully functional to protect you in the event of another accident.

When Should I Contact My Insurance Company?

After documenting the scene and getting medical help, call your insurance company to report the accident. They can help you arrange towing and begin the claims process. Be sure to provide any photos or notes you took at the scene. If your car is declared a total loss, they will walk you through your options and explain how your policy applies.

Is My Car a Total Loss If the Airbags Deploy?

Airbag deployment does not automatically mean your car is totaled, but it does increase the chances. Replacing airbags and related parts can be expensive. A vehicle is generally considered a total loss when the repair costs are more than a set percentage of the car’s actual cash value (ACV), usually around 70% to 75% depending on your insurance company. Whether your car is totaled depends on how all the repair costs compare to its value before the accident.

Key Factors That Can Lead to a Total Loss

• Repair costs: Replacing airbags alone can cost several thousand dollars. If the vehicle also has damage to the frame, engine, or other major systems, the overall repair cost can climb quickly.
• Vehicle value: Older cars with lower market value are more likely to be totaled, even if the damage seems minor, because repairs take up a larger portion of their value.
• Age and condition: Newer or well-maintained cars may be worth repairing, since the repair cost is a smaller percentage of the total value.

What Happens If the Car Is Totaled or Repairable

1. Insurance adjuster’s evaluation: An adjuster will review the full extent of damage and compare repair costs to the vehicle’s pre-accident market value.
2. Total loss declaration: If the cost to repair the car is too high, the insurance company may declare it a total loss and offer you the vehicle’s ACV. They will typically take ownership of the car at that point.
3. Repair option: If the car is not considered a total loss, the insurance company will approve repairs, and you can have the vehicle fixed through an approved body shop.

What Should I Do After the Collision if the Airbags Deploy?

If your airbags deploy in a collision, do not drive the vehicle. Instead, have it inspected by a mechanic. Document the damage with photos, write down accident details while fresh, and follow your doctor’s treatment advice for any injuries. Proper documentation supports insurance and legal claims.

• Do NOT drive the vehicle again until your car is inspected by a mechanic.
• Your vehicle should be inspected to determine the extent of the damage.
• You should take pictures of the vehicle’s damage in case it is needed later.
• I also recommend writing down as much as you remember about the circumstances of the accident as soon as possible after the collision. This helps you not forget the important aspects of the situation.
• You should also follow your doctor’s advice and recommendations regarding treatment for any injuries that you received.
• Contact a lawyer to help determine who is responsible for the injuries caused by the airbag deployment

If you or someone you love was in an accident in Louisiana and suffered a personal injury that required hospitalization and missed work, give our team of Metairie car accident lawyers a call at 985-240-9773.