If My Airbags Deploy in an Accident, Is My Car Considered Totaled?

It is a common misconception that a car is automatically considered totaled if the airbags deploy in an accident. When an airbag deploys, it does not mean that the vehicle is a total loss.

If you were injured in an accident where the airbags deployed, it’s crucial to consult with a car accident attorney who will advocate for your best interests and help you determine the viability of your case. If your airbags failed to deploy in a motor vehicle accident, leading to serious injuries, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover fair financial compensation.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we offer a no-obligation, free case review to discuss your accident and inform you of your legal options. Call us at (800) 544-8000 to schedule a free consultation.

When Should Airbags Deploy?

Airbags are designed to deploy when the vehicle experiences moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal impacts. Motor vehicles are equipped with sensors that evaluate the force and angle of a collision to determine whether airbag deployment is necessary. Airbags are usually located in places like the steering wheel, dashboard, center console, and seat or door panels.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the front airbags will typically deploy for belted occupants when the crash is the equivalent of an impact into a rigid wall at 16 mph. In frontal crashes, front airbags can reduce driver deaths by 29% and fatalities of front-seat passengers (age 13 and older) by 32%.

What if My Airbags Did Not Deploy?

If your airbags did not deploy in an accident, it could be due to several reasons, including sensor malfunctions or a defect in the airbag system. Non-deployment can result in severe injuries. 

It’s important to consult a personal injury attorney who will have the vehicle inspected by a professional to determine why the airbags did not deploy. If a defect is found, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer.

Defective Airbags

If your airbags did any of the following, they could have been defective:

• Failed to deploy
• Deployed with too much force or too quickly
• Did not inflate fully or properly
• The airbag may be counterfeit or have a faulty design

You’re not responsible for immediately knowing if an airbag defect caused your injuries. If your airbags are defective, you may be able to pursue legal action against the liable parties with the help of a personal injury lawyer.

If you suspect that the airbags in your vehicle are defective, contact a car accident lawyer promptly. An experienced attorney will deal with the insurance company and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

When Is a Vehicle Considered Totaled?

Totaling a car means that the cost of repairing it exceeds a certain percentage of its actual cash value (ACV). If the repair costs plus the vehicle’s salvage value are deemed too high relative to the car’s ACV, the insurance company will declare the vehicle totaled. This threshold varies by insurer and state but typically falls between 70% and 75% of the car’s value right before the accident. States often use a percentage to determine if a car is totaled because the vehicle could have undiscovered damage that could be even more costly to repair.

For example, if a vehicle worth $10,000 needs repairs that total $8,000 and the salvage value is $4,000, the insurance company will likely deem the vehicle a total loss. In this case, the repair cost plus the salvage value ($12,000) exceeds the car’s value ($10,000).

When a car is totaled, the insurance company will pay the owner the actual cash value of the vehicle minus any deductibles, rather than paying for repairs. Insurance adjusters use a combination of repair estimates, the vehicle’s market value, and salvage value to make this determination.

Insurance Company Assessment

The insurance company’s assessment of whether a car is totaled involves a thorough evaluation process. Adjusters will inspect the vehicle, review the accident report, and gather repair estimates from certified mechanics. They also consider the vehicle’s actual cash value based on market data and the vehicle’s condition prior to the accident. Factors such as the vehicle’s age, make, and model play a significant role in this assessment.

Structural Damage to the Vehicle

Structural damage to a vehicle often plays a critical role in determining whether it is totaled. This type of damage affects the car’s frame or chassis, which are vital to the vehicle’s integrity and safety. 

Repairing structural damage can be complex and costly, sometimes exceeding the car’s value. Insurance companies are particularly cautious with structural damage because it can compromise the vehicle’s performance and safety, even after repairs. Consequently, vehicles with significant structural damage are more likely to be declared totaled.

Do I Have to Replace My Airbags?

Due to how they are built, airbag systems can only be deployed once. They cannot be reused or reset. If your airbags have deployed in an accident, and the vehicle is not totaled, it is crucial to ensure they are replaced. Failing to replace deployed airbags can put you and your passengers at risk of severe injury or death.

What Is the Average Cost of an Airbag Replacement?

The cost of airbag replacement can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the extent of the damage. On average, replacing a single airbag can cost between $1,000 and $1,500.

However, the total cost can increase if multiple airbags are deployed or additional components, such as sensors and control modules, need to be replaced. Installation costs also add to the total expense. Vehicle owners should get detailed estimates from reputable repair shops to understand the full scope of the costs involved.

Does Insurance Cover Airbag Replacement?

Airbag replacement costs should be covered by your insurer or the insurer of the at-fault party. Most comprehensive and collision insurance policies cover the cost of airbag replacement, as it is considered part of the necessary repairs following an accident. However, the extent of the coverage can vary based on the terms of your policy. Therefore, it is important to consult with a car accident attorney who will guide you throughout the insurance claim.

Do I Have a Car Accident Claim?

If you have been involved in an accident where the airbags deployed, you may have a car accident claim, especially if the accident was caused by another party’s negligence.

A personal injury claim can cover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney will protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

What Damages Can I Pursue in a Car Accident Claim?

In a car accident claim, you can pursue compensation for both tangible and intangible losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the direct financial costs incurred as a result of the accident. These can include:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Ongoing medical expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the more subjective, intangible losses that result from the accident. These can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Mental distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Award-Winning Car Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming and stressful. From dealing with injuries and medical bills to negotiating with insurance companies and understanding your legal rights, the claims process is complex. That’s why having a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side is crucial.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our award-winning car accident attorneys have a proven track record of successfully handling car accident claims and securing maximum compensation for our clients. We maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

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