What happens when the airbags go off in a crash—does that automatically mean your car is finished? If the airbags deploy, is the car totaled, or can the vehicle still be repaired? These are the questions many victims face after a collision.
The reality is that airbag deployment alone does not make a car a total loss. Instead, insurers look at the actual cash value (ACV) compared to the projected cost of repairs. Because airbag replacement is costly, deployment raises the likelihood of a total-loss classification, but it is not the only factor.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, we take action after serious crashes—contesting unfair insurance practices, protecting evidence, and advocating for fair outcomes for clients across New York.
When Is a Car Considered Totaled After an Accident?
Airbag deployment alone does not automatically cause a total loss for a car, although it can significantly raise repair costs. Insurers usually classify a vehicle as “totaled” when the cost of repairs exceeds a percentage of its actual cash value (ACV), often falling between 50% and 75%, depending on the insurer and state rules. Several considerations go into this decision:
- Repair estimate vs. ACV: Insurers compare the projected cost of repairs against the car’s pre-crash value.
- Extent of damage: Structural damage, frame repairs, and multiple deployed airbags significantly increase costs.
- Vehicle age and mileage: Older or high-mileage vehicles are more likely to be declared total losses.
- State guidelines: In New York, insurers must follow regulations that define ACV and ensure claim payouts are fair and reasonable, as outlined in 11 NYCRR 216.6 (New York’s Unfair Claims Settlement Practices regulation).
Insurance Claims After Airbag Deployment
Filing a collision or property damage claim in New York comes with specific insurer requirements. In many cases, your insurance company will request that you and your repair shop complete a “Certification of Automobile Repairs” form. This document verifies the extent of repairs made to your vehicle, and failing to provide the certification could reduce settlement amounts on later claims. When airbags deploy or are stolen, state rules also require that they be replaced. Insurers have the authority to confirm whether an airbag was actually deployed or stolen and may take possession of the deployed unit to ensure proper handling. The New York State Department of Financial Services outlines these obligations in detail.
Airbag Deployment: The Impact on Your Right to Compensation
When airbags activate in a collision, the financial and legal stakes of your claim often rise considerably. Restoring an airbag system is costly—sometimes several thousand dollars for one replacement, and well over $10,000 if multiple airbags, sensors, and dashboard components are involved. These expenses can quickly escalate the value of your property damage claim.
From a legal standpoint, deployed airbags can strengthen your case in several ways:
- Proving crash severity: Deployment is often linked with significant collision force, strengthening claims for medical care and compensation.
- Supporting injury claims: The presence of deployed airbags can align with injuries like whiplash, chest trauma, or fractures, reinforcing the connection between the crash and your injuries.
- Preserving evidence: A defective or failed airbag may create grounds for a product liability case against the manufacturer.
Legal Options When Insurance Does Not Provide Enough Coverage
Insurance companies often limit payouts to policy caps, and some carriers may undervalue a valid claim. When coverage does not fully address your losses, additional legal remedies may be available under New York law. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to pursue:
- No-Fault benefits to cover essential medical expenses and a portion of lost wages immediately after the crash.
- Liability claims against negligent drivers whose reckless or careless actions caused the collision.
- Underinsured motorist coverage is if the at-fault driver’s policy cannot meet the cost of your damages.
- Product liability claims arise when a defective airbag or other auto part contributes to your injuries.
Our team carefully reviews each case to identify available options and to protect clients’ rights under New York insurance law.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer for Help Today
Airbag deployment can make any accident claim more difficult, but if the airbag deploys, is the car totaled? This is not always the outcome. What matters is how insurers apply New York’s rules and how your rights are protected. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, we advocate for crash victims. Call 516-358-6900 for a free consultation today.
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