Consequences of Not Wearing a Seatbelt During a Crash
In the chaos following a car crash, the question of seat belt use may seem negligible to your injuries. However, not wearing a seatbelt during a car accident can significantly impact your injuries and ability to recover full compensation for your damages.
At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., our reputable Reading car accident attorneys can help you protect your legal rights, present your case effectively, and push back against insurers that try to use your being unrestrained against you.
The Dangers of Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Seat belts undoubtedly save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), buckling up in the front seat dramatically improves safety, cutting the risk of death by 45% and the chance of moderate to critical injury by half. Yet every year, thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in crashes because they weren’t buckled up. In a recent year, Pennsylvania saw 15,316 crashes where seat belts were not used. These crashes resulted in 3,175 minor injuries, 876 serious injuries, and 319 deaths.
Victims often suffer head trauma, spinal injuries, and chest injuries from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle. Even a low-speed crash in city traffic can result in serious harm if you’re unrestrained. Additionally, the initial impact of the vehicle is followed by a second crash, which is your body hitting the car interior.
A seat belt mitigates this second collision, allowing airbags to deploy effectively and absorb much of the force. Without a seat belt, you can be thrown against a deploying airbag with immense force, leading to further injury.
Beware of The Seat Belt Defense and How a Reading Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Fortunately, while state law mandates seatbelt use, your failure to buckle up doesn’t automatically bar you from seeking justice. That’s because not wearing your seat belt doesn’t mean the accident was your fault.
However, insurers may attempt to argue that you suffered more severe injuries because you weren’t buckled up. This is infamously known as the seat belt defense. While the law limits how insurers can use that argument, it doesn’t stop them from trying to reduce your compensation. That’s why having a Reading car accident attorney on your side is so important, especially if you’re dealing with complex or high-value injuries. They can help show that the other driver’s actions were the true cause of your injuries. They can also:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly, gathering police reports, medical records, and any video footage or witness statements.
- Craft a strong case to counter any seat belt-related blame tactics from the insurance provider.
- Handle negotiations or take your case to court so you don’t have to deal with adjusters trying to minimize your claim.
- Advocate for full compensation, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and the emotional toll of your injuries.
Talk to Our Established Reading Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., we understand that no one is perfect. If you were injured in a car accident and weren’t wearing a seat belt, don’t assume you’re out of options. Our Reading car accident attorneys have helped injured clients stand up to insurance companies to secure the compensation they are owed. To set up your free case review, fill out our online contact form or call 484-869-2113.