After a collision, it’s easy to focus only on getting checked out. But certain details can be critical later—especially when the airbag behavior doesn’t match the severity of the crash.
Look for and document: (if safe to do so)
- Whether the airbag failed to deploy despite significant impact
- Whether you noticed warning lights related to the SRS/restraint system
- Whether the airbag deployed in a way that seemed abnormal (timing/force)
- Any injury pattern consistent with restraint performance issues (burns, facial trauma, etc.)
- The condition of the vehicle’s interior near the restraint area (photos can help)
Maryland residents often ask whether they should wait to “see what the car shop says.” If you can, preserve what you can now—photos, repair invoices, and any scan/diagnostic printouts—before details get lost in the shuffle.


