Car Accident Seat Belt Injuries in California & Compensation

Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective way of protecting yourself in an accident. Seat belts are designed to reduce the risk of fatal injury to the driver and front seat passenger by 60%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They also prevent the driver and passenger from being ejected during a crash.

Despite this, the strength of the seat belt has the potential to cause harm to the driver or passenger. This causes bodily injuries during an accident when victims slam against the seat belts with significant force.

Seat belt injuries, although unknown to many, can have far-reaching impacts on the life of the victim. If you sustain seat belt injuries alone or with other injuries from a car crash, you need to talk to a California car accident lawyer at AttorneyJeff. We will help weigh your options and guide you through the compensation process.

Common Types of Seat Belt Injuries Seen in California

Although seat belt injuries are less severe than those recorded in unrestrained drivers and passengers, they can be devastating. There are multiple seat belt injuries that manifest after a vehicular accident. As such, some of the common injuries sustained include:

Skin abrasions

These injuries are visible at first instance and commonly found across the lower abdomen or extending diagonally across the chest and neck.

Fractures

Bruises or fractures which affect the ribs, spine, and torso occur as a result of high-impact automobile accidents. Fractures are debilitating and, if left untreated, can puncture internal organs and lead to internal bleeding.

Chest and sternum Injuries

The sternum is the bone found in the middle of the chest. It is a focal point for all the ribs, which, if affected, can have far-reaching consequences on the victim’s heart and lungs.

During an accident, the force directed to the sternum can potentially cause significant injuries to the heart, lungs, and other internal organs and tissues.

Shoulder Injuries

Seat belts have the potential to cause severe injuries to the soft tissues in your shoulder after an accident. In fact, the force from the accident can tear muscle tendons, leading to severe pain and discomfort.

If you experience these seat belt injuries arising from a vehicular accident, it is imperative to talk to a personal injury attorney.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Seat Belt Injuries?

Although not all seat belt injuries are apparent at first instance, there are certain symptoms that may point to an underlying problem. Be on the lookout for:

• Seat belt-shaped bruising across the chest, stomach, and neck.
• Vomiting blood
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Leg weakness
• Dizziness, pale or wet skin

Understanding Seat Belt Syndrome

Following a vehicular accident, the unique collection of external and internal injuries from a sudden stop against a seat belt is referred to as seat belt syndrome.

Seat belt syndrome injuries include:

• Shoulder fractures
• Muscle damage
• Chest fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Painful or labored breathing
• Blood in stools or urine

The pain and suffering, as well as the medical costs needed to treat seat belt syndrome are grounds for filing a personal injury claim for compensation.

Getting Treatment for Seat Belt Injuries

It is important to seek medical attention as the accident happens. Even when there are no visible signs of injury at the time of the crash, seeking medical attention helps avoid complications of seat belt syndrome.

Diagnosing seat belt syndrome is one of the critical steps undertaken by your physician after an accident. An evaluation may help uncover the underlying condition before it worsens and, at the same time, ensure that you receive effective medical care.

Getting medical attention is the first step toward safeguarding your rights and interests vested in the claim process. Medical records help provide compelling evidence that can support your claim.

Compensation for Seat Belt Injuries in California

Seat belt Injuries can have far-reaching implications on the life of the victim. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may require surgery, physical therapy, and personal care. The costs associated with medical treatment for seat belt Injuries can be costly, and the physical and mental pain accompanying the injuries can be overwhelming.

Filing a personal injury claim is one of the avenues to recover compensation for your losses. Our competent and qualified attorneys at AttorneyJeff can file your claim and handle the details of the settlement on your behalf. This ensures that you can focus on your recovery as we work hard to ensure you recover compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Seat Belt Injury Attorney in California Today

It is no hidden secret that seat belts are designed to protect the user. Although they primarily help reduce the risk of injury after an accident, they can also cause serious injuries to the users. This, combined with the delayed symptoms of seat belt injuries, can bring a lot of confusion.

Often victims suffer in silence and end up racking up huge medical bills. However, it is important to note that doing this can harm and substantially reduce your chances of a successful claim.

At AttorneyJeff, we understand the implications of vehicular accidents and seat belt injuries and have experience handling seat belt injury claims in California. We will work hard to ensure that you receive adequate compensation for your losses.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.