There is no average settlement for airbags not deploying. Every car accident case will have a unique set of recoverable damages based on the specific circumstances of the accident and of the injured party. When a Boca Raton car accident lawyer represents you, they will review your case and create a carefully detailed list of your recoverable damages.
Airbags are designed to protect vehicle drivers and passengers from serious injury or death in the event of a motor vehicle accident. When airbags fail to deploy, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident and the airbags did not inflate, your lawyer can pursue damages from the manufacturer of the car or of the airbags.
Types of Compensation You Can Obtain for Airbags Not Deploying
You do not have to fight to recover financial compensation on your own. How much you can someone sue for after a car accident depends on the monetary value of your recoverable damages. Economic damages include:
- Past and future lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage or destruction
- Diminished property value
- Treatment-related travel expenses
You could also be entitled to non-economic damages. These are intangible losses and can be more difficult to calculate on your own. They include:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Physical disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Our case assessment team will determine the value of your case and back up your compensation request with bills, receipts, estimates, and other documentation. We will include this evidence in your case file and demand letter.
Compensation You Can Obtain When Airbags Not Deploying Leads to a Fatality
Though designed as a safety feature, airbags can be fatal even in cases where they do deploy. Your lawyer will request wrongful death damages for your family if you lost a loved one in an accident where the airbags failed to deploy.
Recoverable wrongful death damages can include the costs of your loved one’s funeral and burial and your loss of their income and domestic support. They can also include your loss of consortium, care, society, companionship, and guidance.
These forms of compensation are usually awarded to the decedent’s parents, spouse, and children. Your lawyer will inform you if other family members who were dependent on the decedent for financial support are eligible for compensation.
You Have a Limited Time to Recover Damages When Airbags Do Not Deploy
Recently, Florida decreased the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In general, Florida Statutes § 95.11 gives you two years to meet the personal injury statute of limitations. The wrongful death statute of limitations is also two years, per the same statute.
Florida Statutes § 95.051 could create an extension to the filing deadline or toll (pause) it if the injured party was a minor when the accident occurred. Though mandatory, complying with the statute of limitations can be challenging. One way to understand it and to get an accurate interpretation is to work with a car accident lawyer in your area.
Injuries Caused by Airbags Not Deploying in a Car Accident
Among the most common types of airbag injuries are those you could sustain if the airbag does not deploy. Injuries resulting from airbag failure can include the following:
- Head and face injuries, including a broken or fractured nose, tooth loss, eye damage, and disfiguring scars
- Chest and neck injuries, including cracked or broken ribs, damage to your windpipe, whiplash, and herniated discs
- Limb injuries, including broken bones, sprains and strain, muscle tears, and internal organ damage
Your lawyer will obtain your medical records to document the cause and cost of your injuries.
The Importance of Tracking Injuries Related to Airbags Not Deploying
Accident victims can suffer a range of injuries because of faulty airbags. Tracking your injuries and your future medical needs is important. Doing so can help you avoid overlooking medical costs you might incur after your case is settled.
Your lawyer can request a written prognosis to determine the costs of treating disfiguring injuries and rehabilitating lasting disabilities. Since you cannot request additional damages after reaching a settlement agreement, this is an important benefit of working with a personal injury attorney.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Build a Strong Case for Airbags Not Deploying
A car accident where an airbag failure occurred can lead to a complex investigation and require auto industry expert testimonials. Building the strongest possible case is only one reason you should consider getting a lawyer for a car accident. Your lawyer can also:
- Deal with the insurance company
- Handle settlement negotiations
- Obtain an accident reconstruction report
- Locate and interview accident witnesses
A lawyer will handle all communication with the insurer, protect you from a speedy yet insufficient settlement, and steer your case toward a settlement versus a trial. They can also provide you with regular and timely updates on the progress of your case.
How Your Lawyer Will Prove the Cause of Your Airbag Failure in an Accident
The investigative team at your law firm will build a solid evidence collection. In some cases, your legal team could recover evidence you might find difficult to obtain on your own. They will compile:
- Test results on the car and its airbags
- Recall research on the make and model of the car
- The police report, including officer narratives and diagrams
In addition to proving the cause of your accident, your evidence collection will also prove its costs. It can contain proof of your missed income, medical bills, and vehicle repair or replacement estimates.
Review Your Airbag-Related Injury Case at No Cost
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident because the airbags malfunctioned, our law firm will help you hold the manufacturer of the airbags or of the vehicle responsible for compensating you.
Learn more about the average settlement for airbags not deploying and the specific damages you are entitled to by contacting our consultation team at Ged Lawyers today. We provide free initial consultations to help you learn about your legal options.
