Everyone Should Wear a Seat Belt Every Time

Wink News recently reported that a 7-year-old North Fort Myers boy who was not wearing a seat belt in the back seat of the car at the time of an early September car crash has succumbed to his injuries and died. The little boy had been hospitalized after his mother ran a red light which authorities determined caused an oncoming pickup to slam into their sedan and unfortunately, resulted in him being critically injured. While the boy’s mother was also critically injured after she also was not wearing a seat belt, her current condition has not been publicly released. However, it has also been reported that the people inside the truck survived uninjured, in part, because they were wearing their seat belts.

Why Using Seat Belts is Important

There are serious potential implications that can result from choosing not to or improperly wearing a seat belt. This simple action is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in the event of a crash. In fact, statistics indicate that wearing a seat belt can be the determining factor in whether a collision becomes a fatal one. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, merely buckling up and using a seat belt saved approximately 15,000 lives in 2017 alone. And tragically, it was also estimated that during that same year more than 2,500 additional people who were involved in fatal collisions would have lived had they also been wearing seat belts.

Failing to Buckle Up Isn’t Just a Bad Idea – It’s Illegal

Florida law is very clear about the fact that both drivers and passengers are generally legally required to wear a seatbelt. Anyone who chooses not to wear one should be aware that this behavior is against the law which can lead to legal repercussions in addition to potential injuries.

Tips for Seat Belt Safety

• Always wear a seat belt yourself and refuse to move your vehicle until your passengers are buckled up too
• Help young children get buckled up and test the belt by gently pulling it away from the child to ensure it is resisting and working correctly
• Perform your scheduled car maintenance regularly which includes having your seat belts checked periodically

Have You Been Injured Because of a Negligent Driver? 

If you have been injured in Florida as the result of someone else’s negligence, then you should know that you have a right to pursue the recovery of monetary damages. You may be entitled to compensation that can include pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. You will likely need the help of an experienced legal team to help you maximize your recovery, especially if you believe the issue of whether you were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident is one that will arise in your case. As the experienced Fort Myers personal injury attorneys of the Pendas Law Firm, we have helped many people who have been injured because of someone else’s negligence and we are here to help you be successful with your claim. Contact us for help today.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

winknews.com/2020/09/16/child-from-north-fort-myers-injured-in-sept-9-car-crash-dies-of-injuries/

https://www.pendaslaw.com/why-you-should-take-pictures-after-a-car-accident/