If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the first things you might notice is the deployment of the airbags. Designed to protect you from injury, the sudden inflation of these bags is a clear sign that the crash was significant. Once the shock wears off, you may wonder: Does airbag deployment mean my car is totaled?

The simple answer is: Not necessarily. While airbags typically deploy in moderate to severe accidents, their deployment alone does not determine whether your car is considered a “total loss” by the insurance company. A variety of factors come into play when deciding whether your vehicle is totaled. Let’s explore the relationship between airbag deployment and the total loss process in more detail.

What Does “Totaled” Mean in a Car Accident?

In insurance terms, a car is considered “totaled” when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds its market value prior to the accident. If the damage is so severe that repairs are not worth the cost, or if the car is deemed unsafe to drive, the vehicle is typically declared a total loss.

Insurance companies generally use a percentage formula to determine whether the cost of repairs outweighs the vehicle’s value. If the repair costs exceed around 70-75% of the car’s market value, the insurance company will likely classify the vehicle as totaled.

How Do Airbags Factor into the Total Loss Determination?

Airbag deployment can be a clue to the severity of the crash, but it is not the sole deciding factor in whether your car is totaled. Here are the key ways airbags can influence the total loss determination:

1. Replacement Costs of Airbags

Airbags are expensive to replace. Even though the deployment of airbags does not automatically total a vehicle, it can significantly increase the cost of repairs. Replacing airbags alone can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the make and model of the car. In luxury or high-end vehicles, the cost can be much higher.

When added to the cost of other repairs—such as fixing the body, frame, or engine—this can quickly exceed the car’s pre-accident value, especially if other major systems are damaged.

2. Extent of Structural and Mechanical Damage

Airbags deploy in response to a specific level of force. If airbags deploy, it generally indicates that the crash involved significant impact, which may cause damage to the car’s structure, frame, or engine. In such cases, even if the car’s body appears intact, there may be hidden structural damage that makes repairs costly or impractical. This type of damage often leads to a total loss declaration.

However, if the airbags deployed but the car’s structural components and mechanical systems are largely unaffected, the vehicle may still be repaired without being declared totaled.

What Do Insurance Adjusters Look For?

Georgia law, under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11, outlines insurance requirements for motor vehicles and provides guidance on the handling of claims involving totaled vehicles. The statute establishes the concept of “total loss” as a car being “damaged to the extent that it is not worth repairing,” and insurance companies in Georgia are required to evaluate whether repair costs exceed the car’s fair market value. If the repair cost is over a certain percentage of the car’s value, the vehicle will likely be declared a total loss.

When determining whether a vehicle is totaled, insurance adjusters evaluate several factors beyond just airbag deployment. These include:

  1. Repair Costs
  2. Market Value of the Vehicle
  3. Safety Concerns

Additionally, Georgia’s “Consumer Protection” laws, particularly O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393, protect consumers from unfair insurance practices. If you feel that your insurance company is not properly assessing your claim or undervaluing your vehicle, you may have grounds for a dispute. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure you are compensated fairly, whether it be through a settlement or litigation of your claim.

Should I Consult an Attorney?

If you’ve been in an accident and airbags deployed, it’s important to understand your rights and how insurance companies handle total loss claims. Consulting a car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case. An attorney can assist in ensuring you receive fair compensation for your damages, including both the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal injuries you may have sustained.

While the deployment of airbags signals a significant impact in a car accident, it does not automatically mean that your car is totaled. The total loss determination depends on various factors, including the extent of structural damage, the repair costs, and the car’s pre-accident market value. If you are unsure whether your car is totaled or need help with your insurance claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney.

Contact the Columbus Car Accident Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus car accident lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901

(706) 940-4030