2016 Sport totalled, but airbags didn't deploy

Last week I was slammed in from behind and I hit a Silverado with a large tow hitch and ball on the back. I was surprised at how much damage there was to my taco compared to the back and the Silverado. I believe they said it was a total loss, which is sad. I just hope I get enough to cover a TRD sport with tech package (though had 196k miles).

But why didn't the airbags deploy? I would have thought they would have... a little disconcerting honestly.

 

If you were stopped, and hit from behind, the airbag module did not see any vehicle speed, and the impact of you hitting the truck in front of you, wasn't sufficient enough for the airbag module to deploy the airbags.

Just because there was a hit to the front, doesn't automatically justify airbag deployment. The module has a very complicated set of inputs that it need to see to know exactly when and how to deploy them

 

^ this is spot on.

 

Yikes.

 

I agree it sounds a bit disconcerting, though Idk how the algorithm for deployment works, for lack of better words. I would think airbags would still help any drivers/passengers in situations like this, even if not moving.

 

I'd have been upset if the HAD deployed in that accident.

 

Airbags hurt people. If they will do more damage than they'll prevent then they don't deploy. Lots of sensors and engineering to determine when they deploy, and when they don't. Generally in a low speed impact, airbags are not going to deploy.

 

Are you ok? Hope you didn’t get hurt!

 

Hope you're okay man. Took me months to get the parts for the repair when I was rear ended in 2022. Still working through the injury claim -- absolute nightmare. Been rear ended twice in the last four years. My insurance keeps going up every 6 months because I keep filing claims because people keep driving their cars into me. Love it.

 

well, first off good to hear you’re not injured.

The airbags work on quite a few different deals, but mainly a decelerometer. It basically gauges, the G forces of the stop or collision and fires the bags

 

Looks like you got tread on.

 

1 in 20 TW members will get this message. lol

 

Is that the Silverado in the background?

 

Proud to be a 5%er.

 

Ugh, sorry about that @sureshot, my TRD Sport was parked about a month ago and got hit from behind; it suffered less damage to the tailgate, bumper, and side of the bed than did your truck, and no damage anywhere else; even still mine cost $8,100 to repair, so yeah, I'm sure yours is totaled. Like I said to the lady who hit my truck, "When metal gets bent it gets fixed or replaced, when people get bent, it hurts, and often they die; fortunately you and your infant are unharmed."

 

Also I see sooo many trucks out here that keep their balls on their hitch..... I had to say it. See my disclaimer on my sig.

 

Might even be optimistic?

 

Almost certainly..

 

Exactly. Airbags save lives but they aren't without some risk/cost. My wife was in an accident and the airbag ended up breaking her wrist. 4yrs and 5-6 surgeries later she still isn't 100%. Unfortunately, she never will be due to the nature of the damage.

 

Since the airbags didn't go, if it's a total loss and you get money to replace... would be worth thinking about buying this truck back and having it fixed? Might have a salvage title but you could most likely get it repaired for a decent price. Air bag deployments make the cost to repair much higher. Just a thought.

Hope you're ok. The neck/whiplash stuff is no joke. Best of luck on your recovery.