Air bags did not deploy during rollover accident, should I call Audi USA?
02-12-2006, 11:09 AM
#1
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Air bags did not deploy during rollover accident, should I call Audi USA?
I nodded off at the wheel last night and lost control on an uneven dirt/brush median off 101. My 98 2.8Q rolled over at least once after hitting a chain link fence, I don't really remember. The car remained upside down after it stopped sliding and luckily my friend and I walked away without any injuries. The car was towed last night on a flat bed and is totaled. My insurance agent says I will get KBB "value" minus a $500 deductible.
No airbags (front or side) deployed. Should I call Audi USA tomorrow? Will they give me a concession on a used/new car if determined that the airbags should have deployed? I would rather not get lawyers involved. I think even the police officers were surpised the airbags did not deploy.
I am very lucky and thankful that there were no injuries. I don't have any pictures, but I will take some later this week when I look to see if there is anything to remove of value (CD changer, etc).
Obviously I'm in the market for another car, right now I'm thinking a CPO 4.2. For now, I will need to cab it to the airport and rent a car from Budget...ugh
No airbags (front or side) deployed. Should I call Audi USA tomorrow? Will they give me a concession on a used/new car if determined that the airbags should have deployed? I would rather not get lawyers involved. I think even the police officers were surpised the airbags did not deploy.
I am very lucky and thankful that there were no injuries. I don't have any pictures, but I will take some later this week when I look to see if there is anything to remove of value (CD changer, etc).
Obviously I'm in the market for another car, right now I'm thinking a CPO 4.2. For now, I will need to cab it to the airport and rent a car from Budget...ugh
02-12-2006, 11:25 AM
#3
You get KBB minus $500? Wanna borrow my car? ;-)
I'm not a PI lawyer, but in order to go after Audi, you need damages (injury). Sounds like you didn't have any (which is good).
It is possible that the way you crashed did not create the g-forces needed to trip the sensors and pop the bags.
It is possible that the way you crashed did not create the g-forces needed to trip the sensors and pop the bags.
02-12-2006, 11:38 AM
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To set off the air bag, multiple sensors have to detect a severe enough hit...
there are multiple variables that are considered by the computer before setting off the bag. On my wife's Volvo, two of the three front sensors have to detect a severe impact of certain g's before the front bags go off. She hit a deer last winter with no air bags being triggered.
The car did it's job...you and your friend walked away. You think AoA owes you?
The car did it's job...you and your friend walked away. You think AoA owes you?
02-12-2006, 11:56 AM
#5
you evidently did not impact an object hard enough
to cause a crash sensor to activate. these airbag systems do not recognize a rollover, only g-force in a specific direction and intensity.
Be glad you were fortunate to be driving in a vehicle with evidently strong roof pillars and wearing a seat belt.
The seat belt tensioners might have deployed..is your airbag light on? Do not allow any codes to be erased from the airbag module!
Be glad you were fortunate to be driving in a vehicle with evidently strong roof pillars and wearing a seat belt.
The seat belt tensioners might have deployed..is your airbag light on? Do not allow any codes to be erased from the airbag module!
02-12-2006, 12:01 PM
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I got a little interested and went through Bentley....
Up to 16 sensors, control units, and bags in the interior of the car....not including sensors in the engine area...
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/81787/airbags.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/81787/airbags.jpg">
02-12-2006, 12:30 PM
#7
Frontal bags are based on frontal deceleration rate...
...side bags are triggered soley by intrusion switches in the B-pillars.
This coming from an accident reconstructionist, trust me. Your car did what it was designed to do perfectly.
Glad no one was injured; accidents happen, best thing to do is learn from them.
This coming from an accident reconstructionist, trust me. Your car did what it was designed to do perfectly.
Glad no one was injured; accidents happen, best thing to do is learn from them.
