Does Deployed Airbags Total a Car? Understanding Vehicle Damage After an Accident

Experiencing airbag deployment during a car accident can be both a relief and a source of concern. While airbags are crucial safety features designed to protect you from serious injuries, their deployment often raises questions about the extent of vehicle damage. A common concern among drivers is whether deployed airbags automatically mean their car is considered totaled.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident, especially when airbags are deployed, can be confusing. It’s essential to understand the factors insurance companies consider when determining if a vehicle is a total loss. Friedman & Simon, LLP, with their experienced car accident lawyers, aims to provide clarity and support during these challenging times. We help you understand your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.

It’s important to know that airbag deployment alone doesn’t automatically classify your car as totaled. The determination involves a more comprehensive assessment of the vehicle’s condition and repair costs. Let’s delve into what factors are considered and how airbag deployment fits into the equation of car damage assessment.

When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy?

Federal regulations mandate airbags in vehicles to protect drivers and passengers during collisions. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) set the stage for mandatory airbags, and modern vehicles often feature multiple airbag systems, including frontal, side, and even rear passenger airbags.

Airbags are designed to deploy when sensors detect a significant impact. Deployment thresholds vary depending on the airbag type and vehicle design, but generally, frontal airbags activate in collisions at speeds of 8 to 16 mph against a rigid barrier. Side airbags may deploy at slightly higher impact speeds. These systems are calibrated to react to impacts indicative of potentially serious injuries, ensuring timely cushioning in a crash.

Is a Car Totaled If Airbags Deploy? The Determining Factors

The crucial question is: “Does Deployed Airbags Total A Car?” The simple answer is no, not necessarily. A car is declared a total loss, or “totaled,” when the cost to repair the damage exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV). This percentage varies by state and insurance company policies but often ranges from 50% to 75%.

Insurance companies evaluate total loss by comparing repair estimates to the car’s ACV. If the repair costs, including parts and labor, surpass the threshold percentage of the ACV, the insurer will likely declare the vehicle totaled.

How Insurance Companies Assess Vehicle Damage

Insurance adjusters play a key role in assessing vehicle damage after an accident. Their evaluation process includes:

Determining Actual Cash Value (ACV): The ACV represents the market value of your car just before the accident. Insurers use various factors to determine ACV, including the vehicle’s age, mileage, condition, and market data for similar vehicles.
Estimating Repair Costs: Adjusters will assess the damage and create an estimate of the costs to repair the vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This includes not only visible damage but also potential hidden damage that might be discovered during repairs.
Calculating the Repair-to-Value Ratio: The insurance company then calculates the ratio of repair costs to the ACV. If this ratio exceeds the total loss threshold defined in your policy or state regulations, the car is likely to be totaled.

The Role of Airbag Deployment in Total Loss Determination

While airbag deployment itself doesn’t automatically total a car, it is a significant factor that can contribute to a vehicle being declared a total loss. Here’s why:

Indication of Significant Impact: Airbag deployment signals a substantial collision. The force required to trigger airbags often means there is likely to be structural damage to the vehicle, in addition to cosmetic damage.
High Replacement Costs: Airbag systems are designed for single use. Once deployed, airbags and related components like sensors and modules must be replaced with new parts.

Edward Friedman, Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
The cost to replace deployed airbags can be substantial, often ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 or more per airbag, including labor. If multiple airbags deploy (frontal, side, curtain airbags), the cumulative replacement cost can quickly escalate.
Potential for Hidden Damage: Accidents severe enough to deploy airbags can also cause damage to vehicle components that are not immediately visible, such as the frame, suspension, or electrical systems. These hidden damages add to the overall repair costs and increase the likelihood of the car being totaled.

The Expense of Airbag Replacement

Understanding the costs associated with airbag replacement is crucial in assessing vehicle damage and insurance claims. As mentioned, airbags are not designed to be reused or refurbished after deployment. Federal safety standards and best practices mandate replacement with new components to ensure continued safety and functionality of the airbag system.

The costs associated with airbag replacement typically include:

New Airbag Units: The airbags themselves are the primary expense. Prices vary based on the type of airbag (frontal, side, curtain) and vehicle make and model.
Sensors and Modules: Airbag systems rely on sensors and control modules to detect impacts and trigger deployment. These components may also need replacement after deployment, adding to the overall cost.
Labor Costs: Replacing airbags is not a simple task. It requires specialized knowledge and careful installation to ensure the system functions correctly. Labor costs for airbag replacement can be significant, especially if multiple airbags and components need to be replaced.
Diagnostic and System Reset: After replacement, the airbag system often requires diagnostic checks and system resets to ensure proper operation and to turn off warning lights on the dashboard.

Considering these factors, the total cost to replace a deployed airbag system can easily reach thousands of dollars, significantly impacting the overall repair estimate and influencing the total loss decision.

How Airbag Deployment Affects Your Compensation Rights

The deployment of airbags in your vehicle accident case has implications beyond just the vehicle damage assessment. It can also influence your rights to compensation, particularly in personal injury claims.

Evidence of Accident Severity: Airbag deployment serves as strong evidence that the accident was significant and involved substantial forces. This can be crucial in establishing the severity of the collision and supporting claims for personal injuries.
Impact on Injury Claims: If you sustained injuries in an accident where airbags deployed, this strengthens your injury claim. It demonstrates the force of the impact and supports the likelihood that your injuries are accident-related.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies recognize airbag deployment as a sign of a serious accident. While they may attempt to minimize payouts, the fact that airbags deployed can be leveraged by your attorney to negotiate for a fair settlement that covers both vehicle damage and personal injuries.

Navigating Insurance Claims After Airbag Deployment: Key Steps

Dealing with insurance claims after airbag deployment requires a strategic approach. Here are key steps to navigate the process effectively:

Report the Accident Immediately: Notify your insurance company promptly after the accident. Provide them with all relevant details, including the police report and accident circumstances.
Document Everything: Gather evidence at the accident scene, if possible and safe to do so. Take photos of vehicle damage, including deployed airbags, and the accident scene. Obtain a copy of the police report.
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Seek medical evaluation and treatment for any injuries you sustained in the accident. Document all medical treatments and expenses.
Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer: Before speaking extensively with insurance adjusters or accepting any settlement offers, consult with an experienced car accident lawyer, like those at Friedman & Simon, LLP. We can protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.
Understand Your Policy: Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage, deductibles, and the process for filing claims.
Obtain Independent Repair Estimates: Do not rely solely on the insurance adjuster’s damage assessment. Get your own independent repair estimates from reputable auto body shops. This will help you understand the true extent of the damage and the costs involved.
Communicate Strategically with the Insurance Adjuster: Your attorney will handle communications with the insurance adjuster, ensuring your rights are protected and that all relevant information is presented effectively.
Negotiate for a Fair Settlement: Be prepared to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. Your attorney will advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for vehicle damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Legal Recourse if Insurance Offers Are Insufficient

Sometimes, insurance companies may offer settlements that are less than what you are rightfully owed. In these situations, you have legal options:

Negotiation and Mediation: Your attorney can negotiate further with the insurance company, presenting evidence and legal arguments to justify a fair settlement. Mediation can also be employed to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Friedman & Simon, LLP is prepared to litigate on your behalf, taking your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What if Airbags Fail to Deploy?

Conversely, if airbags fail to deploy in a serious accident, it can also be grounds for legal action. Airbag malfunction or defects can lead to more severe injuries than would have occurred if the airbags had functioned as intended. In cases of airbag non-deployment due to defects, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer or airbag supplier, in addition to claims against the at-fault driver.

The Value of Experienced Legal Representation

Navigating the complexities of car accidents, insurance claims, and vehicle damage assessments, especially when airbags are deployed, can be overwhelming. Engaging an experienced car accident lawyer provides invaluable support and expertise.

Friedman & Simon, LLP offers:

Expert Legal Guidance: We provide clear and informed legal advice, explaining your rights and options at every step.
Claim Management: We handle all aspects of your insurance claim, from documentation to communication and negotiation.
Maximizing Compensation: We work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your vehicle damage, injuries, and other losses.
Litigation Expertise: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate fiercely for your rights.

Get Help from Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been in a car accident involving airbag deployment, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Friedman & Simon, LLP for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced car accident lawyers are ready to assist you in understanding your rights, assessing your vehicle damage, and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Call or text us at 516-932-0400 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form to get started. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery with peace of mind.