A crash happens in seconds, but the questions that follow can linger much longer. You may still feel the impact in your body, replay the moment in your mind, or worry about how you will handle the financial fallout.
Then you see the airbags deployed, and a new question takes over: Is your car beyond repair, and what does that mean for everything else you are dealing with right now?
You are not just trying to fix a vehicle. You are trying to regain control after a stressful and uncertain moment. At D’Amore Law Group, we help people make sense of what comes next so they can move forward with peace of mind and confidence.
Contact us today at 503-222-6333 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
No. If the airbags deploy, a car is not automatically considered a total loss. However, the answer depends on whether the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s value. Insurance companies compare repair costs and the vehicle’s actual cash value before deciding whether to repair the car or declare it a total loss.
Airbags protect you during a crash, but they also make repairs more expensive. Once airbags deploy, technicians must replace the entire system, including:
These repairs can quickly add thousands of dollars to the total cost. In some cases, especially with older vehicles, the cost alone pushes the car past the total-loss threshold.
Insurance companies do not rely on a single factor. They apply a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether repairing the vehicle makes financial sense, and consider:
For example, Oregon’s formula for a total loss is when the cost of repairs equals or exceeds the vehicle’s value. Washington uses a similar formula: whether repair costs exceed the vehicle’s fair market value.
Even if your car still starts and moves, you should not drive it until a qualified professional inspects it. However, airbag deployment usually signals more serious underlying damage, making the vehicle potentially unsafe because:
Even if the car appears drivable, you should treat it as unsafe until a full inspection confirms otherwise.
The answer depends on the extent of the damage. Although side airbag deployment can indicate a significant impact, it does not automatically mean the vehicle is beyond repair. Side airbag deployment may involve:
If the damage remains limited and repair costs remain below the vehicle’s value, the insurer may approve repairs rather than declare a total loss.
After a crash involving airbag deployment, your next steps can directly affect your financial recovery; therefore, focus on these actions:
These steps help preserve evidence and protect your ability to recover compensation.
At D’Amore Law Group, we focus on protecting the full value of your claim, not just what an insurance company initially offers. With more than three decades of experience, our car accident attorneys build cases with the expectation that they may go to trial, often leading to stronger settlements and, when necessary, successful verdicts.
We have represented thousands of clients across Oregon and Washington, and we are known for taking on complex cases that other firms may avoid. When you work with us, you get a team that evaluates every angle of your case, uses the right experts, and stays focused on securing the outcome you need to move forward.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a crash, do not wait to get answers. Contact D’Amore Law Group today for a free case evaluation. You pay no fees unless we win. We are ready to help you understand your options and move forward on your terms.
No. Airbag deployment does not automatically mean a car is totaled. Insurance companies determine total loss status by comparing repair costs to the vehicle’s value.
It depends on the cost of repairs compared to the vehicle’s value. If repairs are too expensive or compromise safety, the insurer may declare the car a total loss instead.
Replacing deployed airbags can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the vehicle and the number of airbags involved. Additional repairs to sensors, modules, and interior components can significantly increase the total cost.
You should not drive a car after airbags have deployed until it has been inspected by a qualified professional. The vehicle may have hidden damage or compromised safety systems, rendering it unsafe to operate.
Insurance companies evaluate whether the cost of repairs meets or exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value. They also consider structural damage, safety concerns, and state-specific total loss guidelines when making that decision.
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