Is A Car Totaled If The Airbags Deploy?
The visual damage can be overwhelming when airbags deploy during a car accident. Many people assume that once airbags are inflated, the car is considered “totaled” and a lost cause. But the truth is more complicated. Whether a vehicle is considered totaled depends on multiple factors, including the cost of repairs, your car’s actual cash value, and how your insurance company calculates total loss.
If you were injured in a car crash where airbags deployed, we can help. Call Allbee Law Firm at (972) 848-4848 to speak with a personal injury lawyer who will guide you through your options for medical compensation and legal support.
Table of Contents
What Happens When Airbags Deploy During A Crash?
The Role Of Airbag Sensors In Deployment
Airbags are triggered by sensors located throughout your vehicle. These sensors detect the force and angle of impact, sending a signal to the airbag system to deploy if the crash reaches a certain severity. This rapid inflation helps reduce injury by cushioning the impact, but it also indicates a serious collision.
Why Airbags Deploy In Certain Types Of Collisions
Different airbags respond based on where the impact occurs. Front airbags typically deploy in head-on crashes, while side airbags may activate in side-impact accidents. Airbag deployment doesn’t always mean the car is beyond repair, but it does signal that the collision involved enough force to potentially cause injury.
Does Airbag Deployment Automatically Mean A Totaled Car?
Understanding What “Totaled” Really Means
A car is not automatically considered totaled when airbags deploy. “Totaled” means the vehicle is a total loss, typically when the cost to repair the damage exceeds a specific percentage of the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV). This threshold varies by insurance company but usually falls between 70% and 80%.
Airbags Deploying Doesn’t Always Equal A Total Loss
While airbag systems are expensive to replace, they don’t guarantee your car will be declared a total loss. If the vehicle’s overall damage is minimal and its market value is high, it may still be economically repairable, even with deployed airbags.
How Insurance Companies Decide If A Car Is Totaled
The Actual Cash Value (ACV) Of Your Car
Insurance companies determine whether a car is totaled by comparing the cost of repairs to the car’s ACV, which reflects the market value of your vehicle before the accident occurred. Factors like the make and model, mileage, and condition impact this valuation.
The Total Loss Formula Explained
In Texas, insurers often use the Total Loss Formula (TLF), which adds the cost of repairs and the salvage value of the car. If that number is higher than your car’s ACV, the vehicle will be considered a total loss. This method helps insurers determine whether it makes financial sense to repair the car or declare it a totaled vehicle.
Airbag Repairs Can Be Costly—And That Can Influence Total Loss Status
The Cost Of Replacing Airbags And Sensors
Replacing a deployed airbag isn’t just a matter of swapping out one component. It typically involves replacing the airbag modules, sensors, dashboard panels, and sometimes even the seatbelt mechanisms. The total cost to repair the damage from a deployed airbag can range from $3,000 to over $10,000, depending on the vehicle.
How Repair Costs Can Tip The Scales
Because airbag systems are integral to vehicle safety, insurers must consider the full scope of repair costs. If the airbag deployment leads to expenses that approach or exceed the car’s ACV, the insurance company may declare the car a total loss, even if the engine and body are still in good condition.
Can You Drive A Car After The Airbags Deploy?
Legal And Safety Risks
While driving a car with deployed airbags in Texas is not explicitly illegal, it’s strongly discouraged. Airbags are a critical part of your car’s safety system, and once deployed, they can’t offer protection in the event of another crash. Driving without operational airbags significantly increases the risk of injury, and insurance coverage may be affected if your vehicle doesn’t meet basic safety standards.
What A Mechanic Needs To Clear Your Vehicle
After airbag deployment, a qualified mechanic should inspect the entire airbag system. This often involves replacing the deployed airbags, checking sensors, and resetting or replacing the control modules. Until these repairs are completed, your vehicle may not pass a safety inspection and could be considered unsafe for everyday use, even if it’s technically drivable.
What If You Were Injured When The Airbags Deployed?
Common Injuries Caused By Airbags
While airbags are designed to save lives, they can also cause injuries during deployment. Airbags deploy in milliseconds and inflate with enough force to cause burns, abrasions, facial injuries, and broken bones, especially in high-impact crashes. Some individuals suffer from eye damage, respiratory issues, or hearing loss due to the explosive force and chemicals used in airbag deployment.
You May Be Entitled To Compensation
If you were injured when the airbags deployed during a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation, especially if another driver’s negligence caused the crash. Medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering are all damages that can be pursued in a personal injury claim. The car accident attorneys at Allbee Law Firm can help determine the value of your case and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Can A Defective Airbag System Affect Your Claim?
Warning Signs Of Airbag Defects
Sometimes, airbags deploy unexpectedly in minor accidents—or fail to deploy in serious ones. These malfunctions may indicate a defective airbag system, a faulty sensor, or a manufacturing flaw. If your injuries were made worse due to an airbag defect, your case may involve more than just a standard personal injury claim.
Manufacturer Liability And Personal Injury
In such cases, product liability law may come into play. The vehicle or airbag manufacturer could be held responsible for damages caused by defective components. Our injury lawyers work with experts to investigate the root cause of airbag-related injuries and determine if third-party liability is involved in your personal injury claim.
When Should You Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer?
If You Were Injured In A Crash Involving Airbag Deployment
Not every car accident results in visible wounds, but airbag-related injuries often require medical care. If you’re dealing with lingering pain, medical expenses, or time off work, it’s time to talk with a car accident lawyer. At Allbee Law Firm, we focus on helping injury victims navigate the legal process and recover compensation that reflects the full impact of their injuries.
Why Injury Victims Shouldn’t Rely Solely On Insurance Companies
Auto insurance companies focus on minimizing payouts, not maximizing your recovery. They may downplay your injuries or pressure you to settle quickly. Having our Dallas injury attorneys on your side ensures you’re not left covering bills that should be the responsibility of the at-fault party.
What Does Allbee Law Firm Do For Airbag Injury Victims?
Investigating The Cause And Severity Of Injuries
We begin by gathering essential documentation—medical records, crash reports, photos, and witness statements. If there are signs of an airbag defect or a complex crash scenario, we bring in experts to analyze the data and support your insurance claim.
Negotiating For A Full And Fair Settlement
Our car accident lawyers communicate directly with insurance adjusters, so you don’t have to. We demand full compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, particularly in cases where the car is considered totaled. If necessary, we’ll take your case to court to ensure justice is served.
Start Your Injury Claim with Confidence
If you were injured in a car accident where the airbags deployed, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Allbee Law Firm, we know how to handle the complexities of airbag injuries and total loss claims tied to serious crashes. Call us today at (972) 848-4848 to schedule a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.