Non-Deploying Airbags May Lead To Auto Product Liability Claims
It is ironic that technology designed to specifically save lives may be the cause of some auto accident fatalities. Across New Jersey, many motorists owning Ford SUVs learned that the company has recalled their SUVs because of reports of airbags malfunctioning. Ford has become one of four motor vehicle manufacturers facing possible auto product liability claims due to problems experienced in the deployment of airbags.
Airbags appeared in cars for the first time in the 1970s and at that time, had a much simpler design than the complicated devices found in today’s cars. Despite the problems experienced by some motor manufacturers with malfunctioning airbags, airbags can still be considered a successful technological development. In most accidents, the airbags on cars work without any problems and save lives.
However, the irony is that the advances made in the technology controlling the deployment of airbags over the years are also creating many problems for the motor manufacturers. Experts indicate that the more complex the systems in a car become, the more complex the software becomes creating an increased opportunity for malfunctions. The reality is malfunctioning airbags can lead to death or serious injuries and, therefore, motor manufacturers must do everything to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.
In New Jersey, victims who are seriously injured in car accidents due to airbags failing to deploy may choose to file an auto product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer. The legal estates of victims of fatal accidents due to failure of the car’s airbags may choose to file a wrongful death claim. Although it may provide only a small amount of emotional consolation to families, it can assist in making their lives easier in a financial manner.
Source: insurancejournal.com, “Carmakers, Regulators Looking Into Flaws in Air Bag Technology“, Jeff Green, Jeff Plungis and Patrick G. Lee, May 16, 2014
