The Impact of Seatbelt Injuries
Your seatbelt can save your life if an accident happens, but that same lifesaver can also cause it’s own injuries. A seatbelt injury can exasperate an already harmful situation, making a crash worse. As we discuss some of the common causes of seatbelt injuries, we also want to touch on how an attorney can highlight these injuries to help ensure you secure the full compensation you are entitled to.
Common Causes of Seatbelt Injuries
While seatbelts are designed to protect drivers and passengers, they can cause harm in certain situations. Some of the most common causes of seatbelt-related injuries include:
1. Improper seatbelt positioning
If a seatbelt is worn incorrectly, it can cause more harm than good. For example, placing the shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm can lead to serious chest or abdominal injuries in the event of a collision. The lap belt should always sit low across the pelvis, not across the stomach, to prevent internal injuries.
2. High-speed collisions
In high-speed crashes, the force of the impact causes the seatbelt to tighten rapidly, which can lead to injuries such as bruising, fractures, or even internal damage. The greater the speed of the collision, the more force is exerted by the seatbelt on the body.
3. Defective seatbelts
In some cases, seatbelts may not function as intended. A defective seatbelt may fail to lock properly, may loosen during impact, or may even unbuckle in the middle of a crash. When a seatbelt malfunctions, it fails to provide the protection it is designed to offer and can result in more severe injuries.
4. Airbag deployment
When airbags deploy, they work in tandem with seatbelts to protect the occupants. However, the force of an airbag deploying in a crash can push the body against the seatbelt, leading to injuries to the chest, ribs, or abdomen.
Types of Seatbelt Injuries
Seatbelt injuries can vary depending on the nature of the accident, but some of the most common types of injuries include:
1. Bruising and abrasions
The most frequent injuries caused by seatbelts are bruises and abrasions. These occur when the seatbelt tightens against the body during a crash. While bruising is typically not life-threatening, it can be painful and take weeks to heal.
2. Fractured ribs
Seatbelts that fit tightly across the chest can exert enough pressure to fracture or break ribs. Rib fractures are not only painful but can also puncture vital organs, leading to more serious health complications.
3. Internal injuries
One of the most concerning risks of seatbelt injuries is the potential for internal injuries. The lap belt can press hard against the abdomen, leading to damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or intestines.
4. Whiplash
While seatbelts prevent occupants from being thrown from the vehicle, they can contribute to whiplash injuries. The sudden stop caused by a seatbelt can jerk the head and neck forward, damaging the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
5. Shoulder and clavicle injuries
The shoulder belt portion of a seatbelt can cause injuries to the shoulder and clavicle (collarbone). These injuries are typically the result of the force applied by the seatbelt during a high-impact collision, which can lead to fractures or dislocations.
In What Types of Accidents Can Seatbelt Injuries Occur?
Seatbelt injuries can happen in a wide range of accidents, from minor fender-benders to serious high-speed collisions. Some types of accidents that are more likely to result in seatbelt injuries include:
1. T-bone collisions
In side-impact crashes, the force of the other vehicle striking the side of your car can cause your body to jolt sideways while the seatbelt pulls against your chest and abdomen. These types of collisions often lead to shoulder, chest, and abdominal injuries.
2. Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions generate significant force, causing the seatbelt to tighten rapidly and press against the body. This often results in bruising, broken ribs, and whiplash injuries due to the sudden deceleration.
3. Rollover accidents
Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes. In a rollover, occupants are tossed around inside the vehicle, and the seatbelt works to keep them in place. However, the violent motion of a rollover can cause the seatbelt to tighten excessively, leading to bruising, fractures, and other injuries.
Seatbelt Laws in Tennessee
In Tennessee, wearing a seatbelt is not only a wise safety decision but also a legal requirement. Under Tennessee law, all drivers and passengers in the front seat have to wear their seatbelt, and failure to do so can result in fines. Additionally, all passengers under the age of 18 have to wear their seatbelts no matter where they are located in the vehicle.
While seatbelt use significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a car accident, it is important to recognize that wearing a seatbelt does not guarantee you will avoid injury altogether. If you have been injured in a crash and believe that a seatbelt played a role in worsening your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
If you have suffered seatbelt injuries in a car accident, a skilled Tennessee personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights by:
1. Investigating the cause of the accident
Your injury lawyer attorney in Tennessee will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash, including whether the seatbelt functioned properly and whether any defects were present. If a seatbelt malfunction contributed to your injuries, your lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the vehicle manufacturer or rental company.
2. Gathering evidence of your injuries
In personal injury claims, documenting your injuries is crucial to building a strong case. Your attorney will work hand-in-hand with medical experts to assess the extent of your injuries and gather evidence that can prove what happened.
3. Negotiating with insurance companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims, especially when it comes to non-visible injuries like whiplash or internal damage. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
4. Pursuing legal action if necessary
If a fair Nashville vehicle accident settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. An experienced lawyer will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.