Common Seat Belt Injuries from Car Accidents
Seat belts are put in place to help save lives. They are meant to prevent serious injury during a vehicle collision. According to the NHTSA, in 2017, seat belts saved approximately 14,955 lives. It is estimated that in 2022, 50% of the passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in vehicle collisions were unrestrained. However, while seat belts continue to save the lives of many people and prevent serious injuries, sometimes, these devices can cause severe and even fatal injuries. In this article, we discuss some of the common seat belt injuries from car accidents.
Why Do Seat Belt Injuries Occur?
A seat belt will often protect a vehicle occupant in a car accident. However, seat belts can also cause injuries in a car accident. The following are some of the reasons why seat belts may cause injuries in a car accident;
- A high-impact collision can lead to a seat belt exerting substantial force on the body, resulting in injuries.
- If a seat belt is not worn correctly, for example, if the lap belt is positioned too high on the abdomen, it can cause harm in the event of an accident.
- If a seat belt has a manufacturing defect, it can cause injuries in the event of an accident.
- If a seat belt malfunctions, it can cause injuries in the event of an accident.
Common Seat Belt Injuries from Car Accidents
Often, seat belts cause minor injuries involving scrapes and bruises. Usually, the severity of the collisions determines the seriousness of the seat belt injury. Generally, shoulder belts often cause injuries to the shoulder, neck and sternum, while lap belts cause internal injuries to the abdomen and spinal cord. The following are some of the most severe injuries seat belts can cause;
- Spinal fractures
- Dislocations
- Internal bleeding
- Ribcage injuries
- Internal organ damage
Some injuries, like internal bleeding, may not show up immediately after a car accident. Some injuries have delayed symptoms. For this reason, seeking medical attention immediately after a car collision is crucial, even if you think you are uninjured. Also, it is vital to monitor your body closely for symptoms after a car accident.
Seat Belt Syndrome
When a person comes from a car accident with abrasions, cuts, or bruising that make a “seat belt sign” on their body, healthcare providers check for what is often called “seat belt syndrome.” This is when you have internal damage due to a seat belt that is not obvious immediately after a car accident. While these injuries may not be apparent immediately after a crash, they can be serious or even fatal. A person may suffer “seat belt syndrome” due to the positioning of the seat belt during the accident.
While seat belt injuries can be concerning, it is vital to emphasize that seat belts save lives and significantly reduce the overall risk of injury. Therefore, ensure you always wear your seat belt. To reduce the chances of seat belt injuries, ensure you wear your seat belt correctly and always inspect seat belts to ensure they are in good condition.
Legal Help Is Available
Our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm have experience handling car accident cases and can help you if you are involved in one.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Jacksonville, Melbourne, and Naples areas.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/seat-belts
