The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says, “Seat belts save lives.” But does it say that seat belts can also cause life-threatening conditions in case of a motor vehicle accident? Or, what if you rely on the seat belt to do the job it is supposed to do, but it fails? An experienced Fort Lauderdale seat belt injury lawyer at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers can discuss your legal rights and options during a free case review at (954) 287-0566.
If you suffer a seat belt injury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it can be confusing to know what to do next. Who is responsible for your damages, and what are your first steps?
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How Can a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Help With My Seat Belt Injury Case?
Since 1996, the team at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers has helped our clients recover the compensation they need after being harmed by the negligence of other people, entities, or government agencies. We have over 28 years of experience in personal injury law.
We know winning strategies to help achieve your objectives after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL, including:
- Thoroughly investigating the cause of the crash and all factors that contributed to it
- Identifying all at-fault parties and paths for compensation
- Accounting for the full extent of your damages
- Handling insurance claims and communications with insurance companies on your behalf
- Consulting product experts and others, as necessary
- Aggressively pursuing compensation to provide the financial support you need following a serious injury
Our Fort Lauderdale seat belt injury attorneys have the extensive experience and knowledge to capably handle car accident and product liability claims. You can schedule a free consultation when you contact our personal injury law firm.
Seat Belt Statistics
The NHTSA reports that 15,000 people were saved in 2016 because they wore seat belts. The agency estimates that seat belts have saved over 329,715 since their invention. Additionally, seat belts can reduce the risk of moderate to critical injuries for car accident victims.
Why Do Seat Belt Injuries Occur In Fort Lauderdale, FL?
In some situations, seat belt injuries may occur despite their ample benefits.
Common causes why a seat belt could cause or contribute to severe injuries include:
- The seat belt was defective
- The seat belt was not properly positioned on the vehicle occupant’s body
- A child safety restraint was not the proper type, size, or model for the child
- The vehicle occupant was not wearing the seat belt correctly
- The seat belt malfunctioned during the crash
It can be difficult to differentiate between seat belt injuries and other injuries that occur during a car crash. If you are unsure whether your injury was due to a seat belt, seek legal advice immediately.
Seat Belt injuries can occur after any type of car accident involving:
- Back-over accidents
- Head-on crashes
- Highway accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Intersection crashes
- Left turn accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Pothole accidents
- Rear-end crashes
- Reckless driving accidents
- Red and Yellow light accidents
- Road defects
- Rollover accidents
- Single vehicle accidents
- Self-driving accidents
- and more
What Are Common Seat Belt Injuries?
Some of the most common seat belt injuries motor vehicle accident victims suffer include:
- Lung, heart, and chest injuries
- Stomach and abdomen injuries – The belt may apply significant force to the stomach and abdomen in order to keep the person from being ejected from the vehicle. This can result in bruising or cutting of abdominal muscles.
- Intestinal and internal injuries – The shearing force of the seat belt can result in mesenteric tears because the intestines keep moving at the same speed as the car, even though the vehicle is decelerated because of braking.
- Seat belt syndrome – Seat belt syndrome refers to a group of common injury profiles associated with using seat belts, which may include minor injuries, such as bruising, as well as more serious injuries, such as intra-abdominal injuries and vertebral fractures.
- Whiplash and other neck injuries – The sudden whipping back and forth can cause whiplash and other neck injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries – If the seat belt fails to hold the occupant in their seat, they may slam into a hard surface and suffer a traumatic brain injury.
- Wrongful death – When seat belts fail, vehicle occupants can be ejected from the vehicle and die in painful deaths.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help gather the evidence you need to support your claim.
What Are the Symptoms of Seat Belt Injuries?
The following signs can show that you may have suffered a seat belt injury:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Loss of balance
- Weakness or fatigue
- Limited range of motion in the arms and shoulders
- Vomiting or nausea
- Difficulty going to the bathroom
If you are experiencing these symptoms after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention.
Who Is Responsible For a Seat Belt Injury in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The person who caused the accident may be responsible for the injuries you suffered, including seat belt injuries. However, the seat belt manufacturer could be liable if the seat belt was defective.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Car Crash Lawyer For Assistance With Your Seat Belt Injury Claim
If you would like to discuss your accident with an experienced lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, contact Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers for a free case review.
