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Airbag deployment can change repair costs and overall influence the outcome of a case. Therefore, having all the necessary information is crucial, and so is hiring an experienced personal injury attorney who can help victims through the process.
The ISTEA or Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 requires vehicle manufacturers to provide airbags for both drivers and front passengers.
In many cases, vehicles will include rear passenger airbags as well since these can prevent people from suffering serious injuries.
Airbags deploy when their sensors detect impact rates of 8 mph minimum, depending on the system that's in place.
Front air bags, for example, could deploy at an obstacle of up to 16 mph, but it's 18 mph when it comes to side air bags.
When Is a Car Totaled?
Many people wonder if their car totaled if the airbags deploy, but it's not the case. Generally, it only occurs if the repairs exceed the price of the vehicle.
However, legally, a car is totaled when the repairs cost 70% or more of the vehicle's value. Therefore, victims have a higher chance of receiving compensation. If they win their case, they'll receive a settlement that covers the costs of the parts themselves but also the labor they need to restore it to its previous condition.
How Can Airbags Affect the Person's Right to Compensation?
Unfortunately, the entire airbag system will need a replacement once they deploy. When victims get the total repair cost, replacing their airbags will be factored into it.
In most states, it's against the law to refurbish or use deployed airbags. Therefore, once someone is in an accident, they should repair their vehicle as soon as they can.
Replacing deployed airbags will cost differently depending on the auto repair shop the victim goes to. Generally, fixing one of them could cost $750 or more.
The more air bags deployed, the costlier the repairs will be. However, even if all of them go off, it doesn't mean the car is totaled. To make the best decision in their case, victims should talk to a personal injury attorney who can guide them, suggest the most convenient alternatives, and explain every step of the process.
What If the Airbags Didn't Deploy?
If someone is in an accident and the air bags didn't deploy, they may still have grounds for a case. With the help of an experienced lawyer, they could get compensation from the insurance company and pay for the car repairs and possible injuries. Powell Law Firm can advise on what the average settlement for airbags not deploying is.
Air bags may not have gone off due to a defect. Consequently, the victim could have grounds for a lawsuit because the issue might have caused their injuries.
Victims need to know that if they believe their air bags are effective and they've suffered serious or catastrophic injuries in a car accident, they have to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Attorneys have to intervene before the insurance company does. If insurers take possession of the vehicle, victims may lose all evidence they have.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix the Car if the Airbags Deployed?
Air bag deployment is costly. Plus, victims will have to fix any other issue the vehicle has before driving it again.
The make and model of the vehicle greatly influence the cost of the repairs, especially when air bags deploy. People with newer cars could pay up to $5,000.
If all air bags deploy in the crash, the person could pay around $3,000. However, they must take their vehicle to a proper technician.
Does Insurance Cover Airbag Replacement?
Whether the insurance company will take care of the costs of the airbags will depend on the accident, the person's car, and the cost of its repairs.
If the car gets totaled, the auto insurance will most likely not cover an airbag replacement because it would be too expensive.
However, most insurance packages include the cost of deployed airbags under the collision package.
If the person only carries liability coverage, and they're at fault in the accident, the auto insurance company will not cover airbag replacement costs.
How to Deal with the Insurance Company
People can find auto insurance rates as low as $20 per month. However, going for a cheap alternative doesn't mean it'll be the most convenient one, especially when the person gets in an accident.
Dealing with the auto insurance company is certainly the most challenging part of being in an accident. The situation can get even more complicated if the person has to file a lawsuit to prove they weren't at fault.
To deal with this, hiring an attorney is essential. Personal injury lawyers are experts in civil matters, and they can fight for the person's rights in court, help them prove negligence, and make sure they get a settlement for the damages and injuries they suffered. Contact Powell Law Firm for questions like, "Why does insurance ask if airbags deployed?"
Hiring a Lawyer Can Change Everything
If someone was in a severe car accident and their vehicle suffered damages, getting expert help could change the outcome of their case.
When victims do things on their own, they may not be as successful, especially if they're trying to gather evidence. In turn, auto accident lawyers are experienced professionals who are ready to defend their clients, so they'll do everything in their power to collect essential information and use it in court.
Victims won't have to fear when they have to go to trial. Instead, they can trust that the lawyer will passionately defend their case, show proof of what they went through, and do what they can to get the best outcomes possible.
Final Thoughts
When a vehicle's airbags deploy, repair costs automatically go up. Everything can get much more complicated and expensive if the insurance company intervenes before the attorney does.
Insurance companies don't always consider cars totaled due to deployed air bags. Generally, the victim should get expert help before insurers intervene, especially if they're thinking about getting compensation for the repairs.
Therefore, hiring a lawyer as soon as the accident happens is crucial. They'll help the person and suggest the best course of action.
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