A loud pop. A jolt. Then—shattered glass everywhere. Most people expect airbags to cushion the blow in a crash, not blast through the windshield. But it happens. When airbags break the windshield, it can leave passengers even more shaken. Worse, it can raise serious questions about vehicle safety, insurance coverage, and who’s truly responsible. This isn’t just about repairs. It could be the difference between a full recovery or walking away with nothing. That’s where help from a car accident lawyer in Sacramento matters. Avrek Law has spent more than 50 combined years helping people who’ve been injured on the road—especially when the crash wasn’t simple or straightforward. This legal team knows how to handle claims that involve bad airbags, faulty parts, and stubborn insurance adjusters.
Why Do Airbags Break the Windshield?
Airbags are designed to deploy fast. Really fast. Some fire out at 200 mph to protect drivers and passengers. That kind of force can crack or even shatter the windshield if something goes wrong.
This might happen when:
- The airbag inflates with too much pressure
- The windshield wasn’t installed correctly
- The car had a prior repair done poorly
- A defective part is to blame
In newer cars, airbags are designed to work with the shape and strength of the windshield. So if it explodes outward, something unusual probably happened.
That raises another issue: who pays for it?
What It Means for Insurance and Compensation
Insurance companies like to make things sound simple. But a broken windshield from an airbag complicates everything. Was it the airbag’s fault? The carmaker’s? Or another driver?
A car crash attorney Sacramento can look at the full picture. These cases often involve more than just basic car damage.
Some things that might be considered include:
- Was the airbag defective? If yes, the manufacturer might be held responsible.
- Did the crash cause it directly? If so, the other driver may be liable.
- Were you injured from flying glass or airbag impact? That changes your compensation needs.
Remember: cracked windshields might seem like a small detail, but they often mean bigger problems underneath.
Glass Injuries and Medical Costs
Airbag-related windshield breakage isn’t just about the car. Shards of glass can cause:
- Deep cuts
- Eye injuries
- Facial trauma
- Long-term scarring
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that 4,330 lives were saved by frontal airbags in 2019 alone. Yet even with these clear benefits, airbags can still cause harm when they malfunction or deploy improperly.
When those injuries happen, a Sacramento automobile accident lawyer can work to recover costs for:
- Emergency care
- Plastic surgery
- Therapy or counseling
- Lost income during recovery
Insurance companies may only offer coverage for basic repairs. That’s rarely enough when physical damage is involved.
Proving the Cause Isn’t Always Easy
After a crash, most people aren’t thinking about product liability or safety recalls. But if an airbag caused extra damage—like a broken windshield—that evidence needs to be preserved.
This is where a car accident lawyer in Sacramento makes a difference. Legal help can:
- Order a professional inspection
- Preserve the vehicle for evidence
- Access repair and recall records
- Challenge an insurance denial
Without someone to guide this process, evidence can get lost. And when it’s gone, so is the chance for proper compensation.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Claims
Too many people make these missteps after devastating car crashes:
1. Getting the windshield repaired too fast
Auto shops may destroy critical evidence without knowing it.
2. Accepting the first insurance offer
It may only cover surface-level repairs—not medical costs or long-term problems.
3. Not hiring a professional
Without help, many victims end up settling for far less than they deserve.
A Sacramento accident lawyer can help avoid these traps and handle the pressure so it doesn’t fall on the victim’s shoulders.
Who Might Be Liable?
When an airbag cracks the windshield, multiple people might be at fault:
- The at-fault driver, if their actions triggered the deployment
- The car manufacturer, if the airbag failed or was installed incorrectly
- A repair shop, if recent work made the windshield weak
- An airbag or glass part supplier, if they produced unsafe materials
These cases can quickly get messy. But an experienced accident car lawyer Sacramento can hold the right people accountable.
Crashes Involving Broken Windshields Happen More Than You Think
Sacramento roads are busy, and accidents are common. In 2022, California saw 4,539 traffic fatalities. The year after, in 2023, that number dropped to 4,061. Many of these involved high-speed crashes or equipment failures, underscoring the dangers drivers face every day. This isn’t rare. And those driving on dangerous roads in California know how one mistake can lead to chaos.
That’s why it helps to have a car accident lawyer Sacramento ready to help sort things out when accidents take a turn.
Avrek Law Has Helped Thousands Like You
Here’s what sets Avrek Law apart: Insurance companies come prepared with unlimited resources, and accident victims deserve the same level of support on their side.
With over 50 years of combined experience and Over $2 Billion recovered, Avrek Law works to level the playing field. Whether it’s a crash, a bad part, or a shady insurance denial, their legal team steps in so victims aren’t left alone.
The goal? Maximize compensation so people can move forward.
A Sacramento accident lawyer from Avrek Law helps with every part of the process:
- Gathering crash data
- Reviewing medical records
- Talking to professionals
- Filing legal paperwork
Each step gets handled with care. So victims can focus on healing—not red tape.
Need Help Now? Don’t Wait.
A broken windshield from an airbag is more than just glass. It could be the warning sign that the crash was worse than it looked. Don’t miss the chance to claim what’s owed.
Connect with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento from Avrek Law anytime. Someone is always available to talk, explain the next steps, or schedule a free case review.
Call 866-598-5548 24/7, start a live chat, or fill out the form for a free evaluation. Don’t guess what your case is worth—get answers from people who’ve seen it all.