GM RoofRail Airbag Failure Lawsuit | Latest Updates

GM RoofRail Airbag Lawsuit Overview

General Motors is recalling more than 400,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks from model years 2015 and 2016. The recall addresses concerns that roof-rail airbags may deploy without warning or eject metal debris into the cabin, causing severe injuries or death to occupants [1]. The malfunction was caused by corrosion due to moisture introduced during manufacturing, which worsens in hot regions with significant temperature changes.

Latest GM RoofRail Airbag Lawsuit Updates

July 2021 – GM issued a recall for approximately 410,000 vehicles in the United States, including 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks due to potential roof rail airbag malfunctions.

December 2020 – An earlier recall for the same problem was issued, but it only affected 9,300 vehicles.

Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update

NHTSA Reports and Statistics

The July 2021 GM roof rail airbag recall involves approximately 410,000 vehicles in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided data on events from 1999 to the present, which revealed that in frontal collisions involving GM vehicles, about 1,300 people were killed or injured when airbags did not deploy.

GM received at least 3 reports involving unoccupied Silverado pickup trucks in Texas and Florida which experienced ruptured airbags. This recall is one of the latest in several problems involving airbags around the U.S.; however, it is not linked to the Takata airbag or the SDM Calibration problem cited in other recalls..

The GM vehicles are allegedly equipped with airbag control unit software calibrated to prevent the airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying 45 milliseconds after a crash has begun. The lawsuit says this is a serious problem where a crash involves multiple impacts and the airbags fail to properly deploy.

GM RoofRail Airbag Injuries & Risks

The defective roof rail airbags can cause several serious injuries:

• Unexpected Deployment: Sudden airbag deployment without a collision
• Metal Debris Ejection: Propulsion of metal fragments into the cabin
• Increased Crash Risk: Distraction or obstruction caused by unexpected deployment
• Severe Injuries or Death: Impact from metal debris or improper restraint during a crash

Do You Qualify for a GM RoofRail Airbag Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a GM RoofRail Airbag lawsuit if:

• You own or leased a 2015 or 2016 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra pickup truck
• You experienced injuries from a GM roof rail airbag failure
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide documentation linking your injuries to the defective airbag

GM RoofRail Airbag Recall Information

Vehicles affected by the GM roof rail airbag recall include:

• 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD pickup trucks
• 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD pickup trucks

The recall was initiated after GM received reports of ruptured airbags in unoccupied Silverado pickup trucks in Texas and Florida. The malfunction was caused by corrosion due to moisture introduced into the inflator during manufacturing and worsened by high temperatures and temperature changes in hot regions.

Related Articles:

• GM Airbag Recall Lawsuit
• Chevrolet Silverado Recall Lawsuit
• Average Settlement for Airbags Not Deploying

See all related product liability lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.

FAQs

1. What is a roof rail airbag? 

A roof-rail airbag, also referred to as a side curtain airbag, is mounted in the roof liner and ejects downward in front of the side windows. The device is designed to restrain occupants to protect them in case of a car crash and reduce the degree of injury.

2. How can owners determine if their GM vehicle’s roof rail airbags are defective? 

Owners should check for manufacturer recalls, consult a dealership for inspection, or review warning signs such as airbag warning lights or deployment issues.

3. What legal options are available for victims of GM roof rail airbag failures? 

Victims can pursue a product liability lawsuit against GM, seeking compensation for injuries, damages, and other losses caused by defective roof-rail airbags.

4. What compensation might be available for those affected by GM roof rail airbag failures?

Affected individuals may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs or replacement costs, depending on the lawsuit’s outcome.

5. Do airbag recalls expire?

No. Safety, Compliance, and Emissions Recalls do not expire. Affected vehicles remain eligible until the repair is completed.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for GM RoofRail airbag failure cases. The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on representing plaintiffs in GM RoofRail Airbag Lawsuits nationwide.

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

If you or a loved one was injured by a GM roof rail airbag failure, or if you own or leased a 2015 or 2016 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra pickup truck, you should contact our law firm immediately.

Start Your Free Case Review Now

Reference:

1. https://www.motorsafety.org/gm-recalls-chevrolet-and-gmc-pickups-with-dangerous-airbags/