It’s no secret that airbags can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in a wreck. Although airbags are secondary safety devices and they do not void the need for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, their benefits are profound. According to, frontal airbags saved 25,782 lives between 1987 and 2008.

Despite their widespread use, many people do not understand how airbags work. Make no mistake: A vehicle with airbags is far safer than one without them.

Unfortunately, an airbag will not prevent all injuries. If you were hurt by a drunk, distracted or otherwise negligent driver in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC. An Alexandria accident lawyer will evaluate your crash, gather evidence, talk to witnesses and fight for the highest possible settlement.

Schedule a free consultation today by calling 800-537-8185. Until then, read on to learn the answers to five airbag FAQs:

  1. When will my airbags deploy?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, frontal airbags should deploy in a moderate to severe frontal accident. This typically happens when the vehicle is moving 8 to 14 miles per hour and hits a fixed barrier.

  1. Does my vehicle have airbags?

According to, all passenger vehicles manufactured after 1998 are legally required to have frontal airbags for the front-seat passenger and driver. The same is true for all light trucks manufactured after 1999.

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should provide details about the type of airbag in your car. Some vehicles also have the “Airbag” embossing on the steering wheel and dashboard. Your car may also have airbag warning labels, which you can find on the sun visor.

Although side-impact and rollover airbags are not required by law, they are becoming more common in modern vehicles. Your owner’s manual will explain if your car has these safeguards.

  1. Are advanced frontal airbags safe for children in the front seat?

Advanced frontal airbags are designed to reduce the frequency of airbag-related injuries. However, just because you have advanced frontal airbags in your vehicle does not mean that it is safe to put your child in the front seat. Parents should always follow the NHTSA’s child seat recommendations.

  1. Can I reuse airbags after a wreck?

If you were in a wreck and your airbags deployed, you will not be able to reuse them. You must visit an authorized technician to get new airbags installed.

  1. Why would an airbag fail to deploy in a crash?

Airbags are designed not to deploy in certain accident scenarios. There are several reasons why an airbag might not deploy in a wreck, such as:

  • Speed, impact direction and other characteristics of the crash;
  • Specific design of the airbag system in the vehicle;
  • And the locations of the crash sensors.

Unfortunately, even if the airbag deploys properly, the driver or passenger could still sustain injuries. If you were injured by a negligent motorist in Louisiana, turn to Morris Bart, LLC.

An accident lawyer in Alexandria will help you pursue the maximum compensation for lost income, medical bills and non-economic damages. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.

September 30, 2016 | Categories: Auto Accidents, Safety Tips |