Seat belts serve as protective equipment if there is an accident, but they can still injure you. Seat belt injuries from car accidents can be serious, depending on the circumstances of the collision. If you sustained a seat belt injury, you may be eligible for compensation. A lawyer can review your case and determine your legal options.
How Seat Belt Injuries Occur
A seat belt works as a restraint to physical movement when the car is in motion. If there is an accident, the seat belt will usually hold you in place and prevent severe injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that seat belt use reduces the risk of suffering a fatal injury by 45%. A seat belt can injure you, though. Here are some reasons you might suffer serious seat belt injuries:
- The car was moving too fast at the time of the accident
- The seat belt malfunctioned or was defective
- The accident was catastrophic
- Your seat belt was too tight
Possible Seat Belt Injuries from Your Car Accident
A seat belt injury could be serious if not properly treated. A seat belt can damage your internal organs because of the force of the impact. Seat belts may also cause injuries to the neck, sternum, shoulder, and spine. A physical examination will help doctors identify all injuries from the accident, including those caused by your seat restraint.
In addition to abdominal injuries, some of the other injuries caused by seat belts include:
- Whiplash
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Tears to muscles, tendons, and other connective tissue
- Fractures to ribs, vertebrae, and other bones in the impact area
What to Do If You Have Sustained Injuries From a Seat Belt
Always seek medical care right after your car accident. Neglecting to get medical attention can pose a serious threat to your health. Seeing a doctor will help you seek treatment for your injuries before they worsen. You do not want to leave any injury unaddressed, even if it seems minor.
Even if you feel fine, it is in your best interest to get looked at by a doctor. You may also want to check in every few months to ensure no additional injuries or long-term complications develop. Going to the doctor after your accident will also prove that the accident caused your injuries, as the negligent parties may argue the injuries were not from the car accident.
Who Is the Liable Party If You Sustain Injuries from a Seat Belt in a Car Accident?
The liable party for seat belt injuries is typically the one responsible for the accident. However, it’s possible for the retailer, supplier, or distributor of the seat belt to also be liable. The car’s manufacturer is another possible liable party.
Generally, seat belts protect you from serious harm. However, if the seat belt was defective and did not provide the expected protection, another party is responsible. A lawyer can help you determine the liable party and pursue them.
When You Are at Fault for the Car Accident
If you are at fault for the accident, but you sustain serious injuries from your seat belt, you can still claim damages. Making a claim against a seat belt retailer, supplier, distributor, or car manufacturer might be challenging, but legal representation can help you with these difficulties.
You can expect those parties to blame you or the other driver for your injuries. Having the right lawyer by your side means you can present a strong case for compensation.
How Can a Lawyer Help in This Situation?
A lawyer will help you in several ways. They can collect evidence, determining what went wrong with the seat belt. They may be able to prove that a party’s negligence contributed to your seatbelt injuries. A lawyer can then pursue fair compensation for your damages.
The severity of your injuries will determine how much compensation you can get. A lawyer can build a solid injury or product liability claim for you while you recuperate. You don’t have to handle the claims process alone. You have endured enough and deserve affordable and reliable representation that will work towards fair compensation.
Contact George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Seat belts save lives but can also cause serious injuries. If you have seat belt injuries after a car accident, our firm can help you get adequately compensated for your damages. We will advocate for you and protect your rights. Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers at (843) 779-1777 today and receive a free consultation.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, so we only get paid if you do.* Check out our case results to get a glimpse of what we can do for you.1