Defective airbags resulted in Audi recalling nearly 140,000 of its sedans. The sensor in question could prevent the passenger side airbag from deploying in a crash. The affected models, which all contain standard seating, include:
- A7 models from 2012-2018
- A6 models from 2012-2018
- S7 models from 2013-2018
- S6 models from 2013-2018
- RS7 models from 2014-2018
While a car crash can be a devastating event, you may have certain expectations as to what will happen after you’ve been in a collision. Accidents can lead to injuries, which can affect each aspect of your day-to-day life. If you have been injured by a defective vehicle in Alabama, talk to a skilled attorney at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today. Contact us today at (205) 933-1500 to learn how we can help you.
Sensor Defect Leads to Airbag Detection Issue
The issue that led to the Audi recall relates to the passenger occupant detection system. This is a sensor that detects whether someone is sitting in the passenger seat, and it is also connected to the airbag in the passenger door. The sensor registering a person in the seat directly informs whether or not the side airbag will be deployed in a collision. A malfunction in the detection system causes the sensor to read that no one is sitting in the passenger’s seat, even when someone is there. This, in turn, can cause the passenger side airbag not to deploy, which is an exceedingly dangerous occurrence if there is a collision with a passenger in the car.
There are several indicators that your vehicle may be subject to this recall. The airbag warning light on your car will flash if this malfunction occurs. Furthermore, the airbag passenger light is turned on when there is a passenger detected in the seat. If the light is off while there is someone in the passenger’s seat, it may indicate a defect is present. If you have any further questions about your vehicle’s possible recall, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Upon entering your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number, you will be able to see whether it is part of any open recalls.
Product Liability and Recalls
You have certain rights if you suffered damages due to a defect in your vehicle. Whether these damages were physical or financial, you may be entitled to repayment of some sort. If you bought a car with defective airbags, you may have a case against the car manufacturer. This is known as a product liability suit. To prove the car manufacturer is responsible for your damages, you have to demonstrate that:
- The car was defective when you purchased it
- You were using the car in the manner the manufacturer intended
- You suffered damages as a result of the defect
Even if you were injured in an accident caused by another driver, you can still have a product liability case. In the United States, you are entitled to assume your vehicle is “crashworthy.” This means that basic crash safety features such as airbags are supposed to work, regardless of the cause of your crash. Whatever the case, you should consult a lawyer about your options as soon as possible. The statute of limitations means you only have a certain amount of time to file your product liability suit.
Injured by Defective Airbags? Contact Us Today for Help
You can repair a car or heal a broken bone, but you can’t regain time you lost while dealing with the far-reaching effects of an injury. If you’re entitled to compensation for your injury, wouldn’t you want to fight for that compensation? If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Alabama that occurred due to defective airbags, the lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. are ready to fight for you. For a free evaluation of your case, call (205) 933-1500 today, or reach out through our online form.
