Forensic Computer Expert Evaluates Unintentional Airbag Deployment

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.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Is it possible that the airbag deployed spontaneously?

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

3. Have you ever published or lectured on this subject?

Expert Witness Response E-030322

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. 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.