What Is the Average Settlement for Airbags Not Deploying?

Airbags are designed to save lives. When they fail to deploy in a serious crash, the consequences can be devastating—often turning what could have been a survivable accident into one involving severe injuries or even fatalities.

One of the most common questions victims ask is: “What is the average settlement for airbags not deploying?”

The honest answer is this: there is no fixed average, but settlements in these cases can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the severity of injuries, liability, and the strength of the evidence.

This guide breaks down what affects these settlements, what you can realistically expect, and how these cases are evaluated.

Why Airbag Non-Deployment Cases Are Different?

Airbag failure cases are not typical car accident claims. They often involve product liability, which means the claim may go beyond just the driver who caused the crash.

These cases can involve:

• Vehicle manufacturers
• Airbag system manufacturers
• Parts suppliers
• In rare cases, repair shops or maintenance providers

Because of this, claims tend to be more complex—and often higher in value—than standard accident settlements.

What Is the Typical Settlement Range?

While every case is unique, here’s a general breakdown based on injury severity:

Minor Injuries

Estimated Range: $25,000 – $100,000
If injuries are relatively minor and the airbag failure did not significantly worsen the outcome, settlements tend to stay on the lower end.

Moderate Injuries

Estimated Range: $100,000 – $500,000
Cases involving fractures, soft tissue damage, or longer recovery periods may fall into this range—especially if it can be shown that the airbag failure contributed to the severity of the injuries.

Severe or Life-Altering Injuries

Estimated Range: $500,000 – $2,000,000+
This includes cases involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Permanent disability
• Significant disfigurement

When airbags fail in high-impact crashes, injuries tend to be far worse—leading to substantially higher compensation.

Wrongful Death Cases

Estimated Range: $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+
If a fatality occurs and the airbag failure is a contributing factor, settlements or verdicts can reach into the millions, depending on:

• Age of the victim
• Earning capacity
• Dependents
• Circumstances of the crash

Key Factors That Affect Settlement Value

1. Severity of Injuries

This is the single biggest factor. The more serious and long-term the injury, the higher the potential settlement.

2. Proof That the Airbag Should Have Deployed

Not every crash triggers airbags. The case depends heavily on proving:

• The impact met deployment thresholds
• The system was functioning properly before the crash
• The failure was due to a defect—not crash conditions

This usually requires expert analysis and accident reconstruction.

3. Whether the Failure Made Injuries Worse

Even if the accident itself was severe, the key legal question is:
Would the injuries have been less severe if the airbag had deployed?

If the answer is yes, the value of the claim increases significantly.

4. Liability and Number of Defendants

Airbag cases often involve multiple parties. If a manufacturer is involved, there may be:

• Larger insurance policies
• Corporate liability
• Greater willingness to settle high-value claims

5. Available Evidence

Strong cases typically include:

• Crash data (black box / event data recorder)
• Vehicle inspection reports
• Engineering analysis
• Medical records
• Expert testimony

The stronger the evidence, the stronger the negotiating position.

6. Insurance and Corporate Exposure

When large manufacturers are involved, the case may not be limited by typical insurance caps, which can significantly increase settlement potential.

Common Causes of Airbag Failure

Understanding what went wrong is critical to building the case.

Sensor Failure

Airbags rely on sensors to detect impact. If sensors malfunction, deployment may not occur.

Electrical or Wiring Issues

Faulty wiring can prevent signals from reaching the airbag system.

Defective Airbag Modules

In some cases, the airbag system itself may be defective—leading to delayed deployment or no deployment at all.

Prior Damage or Repairs

Improper repairs after a previous accident can interfere with the airbag system.

Manufacturing Defects

Design flaws or production errors can cause system-wide failures, sometimes leading to recalls.

Can You Sue If Your Airbag Didn’t Deploy?

Yes—but only if certain conditions are met.

You may have a valid claim if:

• The crash was severe enough to trigger deployment
• The airbag system failed due to a defect or malfunction
• The failure caused or worsened your injuries

These cases often fall under product liability law, which requires proving that the product was defective and that the defect caused harm.

Challenges in Airbag Failure Claims

These cases are not easy to win. Common challenges include:

• Proving the airbag should have deployed
• Accessing technical vehicle data
• Facing large manufacturers with strong legal teams
• Establishing a direct link between failure and injury severity

This is why these claims almost always require expert witnesses and detailed investigation.

What Should You Do After an Airbag Failure Accident?

If you believe your airbag should have deployed:

1. Preserve the Vehicle

Do not repair or dispose of the car. It is critical evidence.

2. Get Immediate Medical Treatment

Your medical records will play a major role in your case.

3. Document Everything

Take photos of the crash, injuries, and interior of the vehicle (especially the airbag area).

4. Avoid Speaking to Insurers Alone

Insurance companies may try to minimize the claim or deny responsibility.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

These cases require legal and technical expertise to properly evaluate and pursue.

Final Thoughts

There is no “average” settlement for airbags not deploying—but these cases often carry significant value, especially when serious injuries are involved.

The key factors are not just the accident itself, but whether the airbag failure made the outcome worse and whether that failure can be proven.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash where airbags did not deploy, it’s important to understand that you may be dealing with more than a standard accident claim—you may have a product liability case against a manufacturer.

And in those cases, the stakes—and potential compensation—can be much higher.

Mulholland Injury Law has a team of experts to help you with your personal injury claims across United States specifically in Milwaukee and Chicago.