Forensic Computer Expert Evaluates Unintentional Airbag Deployment

Case Overview

This case involves a single vehicle automobile accident that was allegedly caused by the sudden and unexpected deployment of the vehicle’s airbags. On the day of the incident in question, the Plaintiff was driving on the highway in a late model compact car when the vehicles airbags deployed, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and crash. The passenger now suffers from paraplegia as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. It was claimed that the airbags deployed without any external stimulus, and that the airbag system was defectively designed and or manufactured.

Questions to the Computer Science expert and their responses

Is it possible that the airbag deployed spontaneously?

In cases like these, it is possible to isolate the source of the fault that caused the unintentional deployment of the vehicle's airbags through a thorough investigation of the vehicle's physical systems, as well as data from on-board computers and data recorders. If the vehicle did not suddenly decelerate or experience any other kind of shock, as is claimed in the description of the case above, then it is likely that there was a significant flaw in the airbag system.

Have you ever performed such an analysis as an expert witness?

I have 20 years of accident investigation experience in computer science and computer forensics. I teach and develop new curriculum for accident reconstructionists, I am ACTAR certified, and I am a member of the National Association of Accident Reconstruction.

About the expert

This expert has a great deal of experience in automotive accident reconstruction, beginning with his career in law enforcement. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, such as the National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists and the International Network of Collision Reconstructionists. In addition to work as a Collision Investigator for the police department, he also runs his own accident reconstruction consultancy.

E-030322

Specialties:

Computer Science