Airbag Defect Claims in Detroit Car Accidents
When airbags work properly, they save lives. But when they malfunction, they can cause serious injuries or even death. We’ve seen firsthand how defective airbags have harmed people throughout Detroit and across Michigan. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash and the airbag failed to deploy, deployed too forcefully, or released shrapnel or chemicals, you may have a valid claim for compensation. These cases involve both product liability and personal injury law, and the legal process can be complicated. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we help injury victims hold manufacturers accountable when their products cause harm.
Airbag defect claims require a careful investigation into how and why the airbag failed. These cases can arise from manufacturing defects, design flaws, or failure to warn. Michigan law gives victims the right to pursue compensation from manufacturers under strict liability, even if there was no intent to harm. However, auto companies and their insurers are not quick to accept responsibility. That’s where we come in. Our legal team fights to protect your rights and recover damages for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Common Airbag Defects That Lead To Injury
There are several ways airbags can fail. Some of the most common airbag defects we’ve seen include:
- Failure To Deploy – In moderate to severe collisions, airbags should deploy to protect the driver and passengers. If they fail to deploy, victims can suffer head trauma, broken bones, or internal injuries.
- Unexpected Deployment – Airbags can also deploy unexpectedly, even without a crash. This can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle or suffer burns, facial injuries, or broken limbs.
- Overpowered Deployment – Some airbags deploy with excessive force, which can cause serious chest injuries, broken facial bones, or even death, particularly in smaller adults or children.
- Shrapnel Or Chemical Release – The Takata airbag recalls involved airbags that exploded and sent metal fragments into the cabin. These kinds of defects are especially dangerous.
When airbags malfunction in any of these ways, they can turn a survivable crash into a catastrophic event.
Legal Grounds For Airbag Defect Lawsuits In Michigan
Under Michigan’s product liability law (MCL 600.2945 et seq.), manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective products. That includes airbags that are defective in design, manufacturing or because the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings.
We don’t need to prove the company meant to cause harm. Michigan’s strict liability doctrine means that if the airbag was defective and caused injury while being used in a reasonably foreseeable way, the manufacturer can be held accountable.
In addition to product liability, many airbag cases involve claims under Michigan’s personal injury laws, where the injured person must show that the manufacturer’s negligence directly caused the injury. These cases often involve expert testimony and require careful analysis of the vehicle’s black box data, crash reconstruction, and engineering reports.
Compensation Available In Airbag Defect Cases
When an airbag defect causes injury, victims may be entitled to recover damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In wrongful death cases, family members may also pursue damages under Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act (MCL 600.2922) for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
Our legal team works closely with medical experts and economists to fully assess your damages. We fight to hold manufacturers responsible for the harm caused by their defective products.
Proving Liability In A Detroit Airbag Defect Case
To build a strong claim, we gather and preserve critical evidence such as:
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Crash data from the Event Data Recorder (EDR)
- Vehicle maintenance and recall records
- Expert analysis from engineers
- Photos and videos from the crash scene
- Medical records linking your injuries to the airbag failure
Time is important in these cases. Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations for product liability and personal injury claims under MCL 600.5805(10). That means you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date of injury or risk losing your right to compensation.
We Fight For Detroit Families Hurt By Airbag Failures
At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we represent individuals and families in Detroit and throughout Michigan who have been harmed by defective airbags. We hold car manufacturers, parts suppliers, and others in the chain of distribution accountable. We do not back down from complex cases, and we do not let corporations ignore the damage they’ve caused.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbag Defect Claims In Michigan
What Should I Do If My Airbag Failed During A Crash?
If you were involved in a crash and believe your airbag did not work properly, the first step is to seek medical attention immediately. Then, try to preserve your vehicle, as it may be important evidence. Do not allow it to be scrapped or repaired until an attorney can examine it. Contact our office so we can arrange for an investigation and begin building your case.
How Can I Tell If My Airbag Was Defective?
Airbag defects are not always obvious. Signs may include airbags that didn’t deploy in a serious crash, deployed without any collision, or caused unusual injuries. We work with engineers and safety specialists to analyze your car’s crash data and determine whether a defect played a role.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Defective Airbag?
The vehicle manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, distributor, and even dealerships may be liable in a product liability claim. Michigan law allows claims against anyone in the chain of distribution if the product was defective and caused harm.
Do I Have To Prove The Manufacturer Was Negligent?
No. Under Michigan’s strict liability product law, you do not have to prove negligence if we can show the airbag was defective and unreasonably dangerous when it left the manufacturer’s control. That’s why these claims are different from ordinary car accident claims.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
In Michigan, the general statute of limitations for product liability and personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury under MCL 600.5805(10). If a wrongful death occurred, the clock usually starts from the date of death. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your legal rights and evidence.
Can I File A Lawsuit If The Airbag Caused Injury Without A Crash?
Yes. If your airbag deployed spontaneously or under minor impact and caused serious injury, you may still have a valid claim. Sudden deployment cases can result in crashes, broken bones, or burns, and Michigan law allows injury victims to hold manufacturers responsible for these failures.
Talk To Ravid & Associates, P.C. About Your Airbag Injury Case
If you or someone you love was seriously hurt due to an airbag defect in a car crash, we want to hear your story. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. Let us help you understand your legal options and take the pressure off your shoulders.
Our law firm fights for victims of defective airbags and other serious injuries across Michigan. Call our Detroit auto accident attorney at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today at (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. We serve clients in Detroit and throughout the entire state of Michigan from our office in Southfield, Michigan. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
