Seat Belt Injuries

All drivers and passengers should wear seat belts at all times in Colorado. Seat belts are a critical safety device that prevents catastrophic injuries or even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 15,000 people survive otherwise fatal car accidents due to wearing a seatbelt each year. Although seat belts prevent fatal injuries, they can also cause bodily injuries. Car accident victims often suffer certain types of injuries caused by seat belts. Although it is better to survive a car accident with some injuries, it is also important to understand how your seat belt can be a factor in causing your injuries.

What injuries can a seat belt cause?

Incorrect seat belt use increases the risk of injury in a car accident, but even wearing one properly may not prevent injuries. The pressure of the body pushing against the belt in a crash could cause an injury where the seat belt touches the passenger. In a violent collision, the belt can become rigid and impact the torso and other parts of the body. Seat belts can cause many types of injuries, including:

Spinal cord injuries
Abrasions and bruising
Chest, rib and sternum injuries
Lung injuries
Damage or movement to breast implants
Collar bone fractures
Abdominal injuries to the abdominal wall or internal organs
Back and shoulder injuries
Nerve damage
Whiplash and other neck injuries

Seat belt injuries can be severe or even fatal. A serious spinal cord injury, for example, could result in the victim permanently losing function and feeling below the point of injury (paraplegia or tetraplegia). Internal organ damage caused by a seat belt could be fatal. If you were seriously injured as a result of a seat belt, you may be entitled to compensation from the seat belt manufacturer or another party.

How can I prevent a seat belt injury in a car accident?

To prevent seat belt injuries, it is important to use seat belts properly at all times while driving or riding in a vehicle. This includes wearing the seat belt correctly, with the lap belt low and snug across the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder. It is also important to adjust the seat belt to fit the occupant’s size and height, and to make sure that it is not too tight or too loose.

Although incorrect seat belt use can cause or aggravate injuries, unfortunately sometimes correct use can also cause seat belt injuries. The best protection from any seat belt injury is proper use of the seat belt and driving safely and defensively to avoid a car accident. Make sure to always follow Colorado seat belt laws.

Can You Get Compensation for Seat Belt Injuries?

As a victim of a car accident in Colorado, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries from one or more at-fault parties. The state’s fault-based insurance system allows you to file a claim for your losses with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

If the seat belt had a flaw that caused your injuries, you could file a claim against the manufacturer. Many car accident lawsuits involve multiple defendants. You might be able to hold both the other driver and the seat belt manufacturer responsible for your injuries. Filing a lawsuit for your seat belt injuries may result in compensation for past and future expenses.

What should I do after a seat belt injury?

If you or a loved one has been injured by a seat belt, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some seat belt injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it is important to have any injuries properly diagnosed and treated. In some cases, seat belt injuries may require surgery or other medical procedures to fully heal.

If you believe that your seat belt injury was caused by a defective seat belt or a vehicle defect, you may have legal options. It is important to speak with an experienced Denver car accident attorney to explore your options and determine the best course of action.