An Airbag Failure Can Be a Defective Product Claim

Airbags are among the most essential safety features in any vehicle. Since their introduction, they’ve saved tens of thousands of lives by cushioning the impact of a collision and preventing catastrophic head and chest injuries.

Whether the issue is a failure to deploy, a sudden, unexpected deployment, or an inflator that explodes, these defects can cause serious injuries. In many cases, they also create grounds for a product liability claim under Alabama law.

Stewart Vance and our Alabama product liability lawyers have built The Vance Law Firm’s reputation on holding multinational corporations accountable when their defective products harm our neighbors. If a faulty airbag caused your injuries, our Alabama product liability lawyers can evaluate your case and discuss your options for compensation in a free consultation. We are dedicated to serving our neighbors right here in Birmingham, Montgomery, and across the great state of Alabama, ensuring you have local representation that truly understands Alabama law.

The Takata Recall: A Tragic Example of Airbag Defects

According to federal data, frontal airbags have saved more than 50,000 lives between 1987 and 2017, resulting in approximately 1,666 lives every year. In severe crashes, front airbags reduce driver fatalities by nearly 30% and in SUVs, side airbags can lower that risk by 52%.

But when these safety devices fail, the outcome can be devastating.

The most well-known case of airbag system failure involved the Takata airbag recall, the largest vehicle recall in U.S. history. Beginning in 2015, it ultimately affected more than 67 million vehicles across dozens of brands. Even years later, millions of those airbags have still not been replaced.

The problem stemmed from defective inflators that could rupture during deployment, sending sharp metal fragments into drivers and passengers. These failures have been linked to at least 28 confirmed deaths in the U.S., including a death in Alabama in 2024, and over 400 injuries. For many families, what should have been a life-saving device became the cause of tragedy.

Our firm has handled product liability cases like those involving defective Takata airbags right here in Alabama, and we understand the unique challenges these claims present, from dealing with massive automotive corporations to navigating complex engineering evidence.

Airbag failures like these are serious safety defects. When they happen, victims have the right to pursue damages from the companies responsible.

Common Types of Airbag Safety Issues

Different defects can cause airbags to malfunction in various ways. Each can form the basis of a product liability claim if it results in injury. Here are a few of the most common issues:

These are more than just mechanical issues; they’re preventable failures in design, manufacturing, or testing. When an airbag doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, the company behind it may be legally responsible for the harm it causes.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Airbag Failure

Airbag defect cases are complex because multiple parties may share responsibility for the issue. Depending on how the failure occurred, you may be able to bring claims against:

• The Vehicle Manufacturer: The company may be liable if the airbag system was designed, built, or tested incorrectly, making the vehicle unsafe in a crash.
• The Airbag or Parts Manufacturer: A claim may arise if a defect in the inflator, sensor, or wiring caused the airbag to fail or deploy at the wrong time.
• A Third-Party Supplier or Installer: If the airbag was installed improperly or fitted with the wrong parts, the repair shop or supplier may share fault.
• A Negligent Driver: Another driver may still be responsible if their actions caused the crash, even if the defective airbag made your injuries worse.

These cases often require collaboration between legal, mechanical, and engineering experts to determine the chain of responsibility. A qualified Alabama product liability lawyer can help identify every potentially liable party and seek maximum recovery for your injuries and losses.

At the Vance Law Firm, our attorneys have handled numerous defective product cases in Alabama, and we understand the unique challenges these claims present under state law. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve.

You’re not just a case number to us; you’re a neighbor, a community member, and someone who deserves to be heard.

Key Evidence in Airbag Defect Claims

Building a product liability case for a faulty airbag requires a thorough investigation and proof that demonstrates how the malfunction occurred and identifies the party at fault.

Under the Alabama Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine (AEMLD), victims must also prove that the product was unaltered, meaning the airbag hadn’t been changed or tampered with after it left the manufacturer.

When evaluating your case, our team reviews:

• Vehicle Data: Crash records showing airbag signals, impact force, and timing to reveal whether the system worked properly.
• Expert Analysis: Technical reviews by crash specialists that identify how and why the airbag malfunctioned.
• Recall and Service Records: Manufacturer or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notices that confirm that the defect was known before your crash.
• Medical Documentation: Injury records linking your physical harm to the airbag’s failure.
• Maintenance and Repair History: Service records or inspection reports that verify the airbag system was in its original condition at the time of the crash.
  

Together, this evidence provides our legal team with the foundation to hold manufacturers accountable and negotiate the compensation you deserve. Our team has built relationships with top engineering experts and crash reconstruction specialists throughout Alabama, giving our clients access to the technical expertise needed to help prove these complex cases.

Get Qualified Legal Help After an Airbag Injury

Airbag defect cases can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with medical treatment, vehicle damage, and emotional recovery. We understand what’s at stake for you and your family.

Our legal team has the experience and resources to investigate complex product liability claims, work with engineering experts, and hold large corporations responsible for unsafe vehicles.

Here’s what one of our clients had to say about The Vance Law Firm difference:

“The Vance Law firm is amazing! The receptionist is very professional and sweet, the intake department always made sure I was heard and always pointed me in the right direction. The case managers are very knowledgeable and professional, and the attorneys are definitely sharks! They make sure you are satisfied and you leave with a smile. You can’t deny the deep love for the community and not recognize all the hard work and support that has been made known by the amazing marketing team! I highly recommend this firm.”

– Courtney S.

Whether your injuries resulted from a recalled airbag or an unexplained failure, we pursue every avenue to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

If you suspect your airbag failed during a crash or deployed when it shouldn’t have, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Stewart Vance and The Vance Law Firm team are local, experienced, and here to fight for you, just as we’ve done for Alabama families for over 20 years.