Hi Folks,
My girlfriend's 04 Accord Coupe was hit in the rear side while
parked in our driveway(don't ask). The rear bumper and 1/4 panel was
messed up, ~$3000 in damage. The driver door is OK, opens/closes OK. On
a recent long-distance drive, her 'side airbag' light began flickering.
After 10mins or so, it stayed on solid. Now it is out and hasn't
returned.

Can anyone explain the working of the sensors for the side-airbags?
For instance some cars will disable the passenger airbag if it detects
a certain weight range in the seat(from a child seat for example) My
brother said there is a discharge module for the seatbelts? Could
something[sensor] have been knocked loose? I want it looked at by the
Honda dealer: how do they handle insurance claims for situations like
this(other party at full fault). Will we have to fit the bill, then
turn it in?

Thanks!
-Jamie