While seatbelts are frequently credited with saving lives, it’s important to recognize that they are not without fault. Seatbelt injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper placement of the belt at the time of the crash, design flaws in the vehicle’s safety system, or even defective seatbelt components.
Types of Injuries
Seatbelt injuries manifest in several forms, from minor abrasions to more severe internal organ damage. Common injuries include:
- Bruising and Abrasions: Some of the most common seatbelt injuries are bruises and abrasions, especially where the strap makes contact with the skin. These are usually superficial but can be more severe depending on the crash’s force.
- Abdominal Injuries: In severe collisions, the force exerted by the seatbelt can lead to a variety of internal injuries, such as organ damage and bowel perforations.
- Shoulder and Neck Injuries: These may occur from the belt itself, especially when the seatbelt locks tightly over one’s collarbone or across the throat.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect any of these injuries.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Accidents Involving Seatbelt Injuries
Considering the severity of seatbelt-related injuries, the need for a skilled personal injury attorney in such cases is critical. Here’s why:
- Proving Liability: Your attorney can help determine who is at fault for the seatbelt injury, whether it’s the driver, vehicle manufacturer, or even the entity responsible for road maintenance.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Insurance companies can be notorious for making unreasonably low offers to try to settle your case. A lawyer can fight back and advocate for fair compensation.
- Handling the Legal Process: Navigating personal injury law can be complex, especially when dealing with injuries related to vehicle safety equipment. A lawyer eases this burden by knowing how to file your claim and making sure everything gets submitted on time and accurately.
Working with a lawyer after a seatbelt injury is the best way to ensure you get what you’re entitled to.
Liability For Seatbelt Injuries
Liability in seatbelt injury cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties. Determining who is at fault requires a thorough investigation and understanding of the circumstances leading to the injury. Common examples of liable parties include:
- Product Liability: If the seatbelt fails to perform as intended in a car accident and this failure is the result of a manufacturing defect, design defect, or inadequate safety warnings, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the seatbelt or vehicle manufacturer.
- Driver Negligence: If another driver’s actions contributed to the cause of your seatbelt injuries, they may be liable for your damages. This includes cases where the driver failed to signal, was speeding, violated a traffic law, or was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Governmental Liability: In the case of poor road maintenance or traffic signal issues, the government entity overseeing these tasks may be held liable for your seatbelt injuries.
- Shared Liability: In some situations, liability may be shared among several parties, including the injured party.
Given the potential complexity of establishing liability and the challenges of navigating the legal and insurance systems, securing a knowledgeable lawyer is crucial for individuals suffering from seatbelt injuries following a car accident.
Contact Hastings & Hastings To Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and suffered seatbelt injuries, securing the services of an attorney can help ensure that you are afforded full legal protection so you can receive adequate compensation. Contact Hastings & Hastings today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Mesa car accident lawyers.
