The Risks of Not Using a Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt while driving or riding in a motor vehicle may seem like common sense to you. However, and unfortunately, common sense is not so common when it comes to this simple measure. Seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. But tragically, everyone doesn’t use one despite the fact that statistics continue to confirm that the simple action of wearing one can truly be the difference between life and death.
How Dangerous is it to Not Wear a Seatbelt?
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death here in the United States among drivers and passengers and yet millions of Americans admit that they do not buckle up on every trip. Sadly, this risky behavior has very real consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a total in excess of 23,000 drivers and passengers in passenger vehicles died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. More than half of teens and adults in specified age ranges who died in crashes that year were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
And perhaps even more tragic is how the failure to use a seatbelt can affect the smallest members of our families. Of the children ages 12 years and younger who died in a crash in 2016, a whopping 35 percent were not buckled up.
What Are the Risks of Not Using a Seatbelt?
- You’re probably breaking the law. Florida law is very clear about the fact that in most circumstances, both drivers and passengers are legally required to wear seatbelts. If you’re not doing so, you’re probably in violation of the law and could face legal repercussions accordingly.
- You will likely face higher costs. Vehicle collisions can cost much more when riders are not using seat belts. Injuries can be more serious, and this leads to lengthier hospital visits and more expensive medical costs. Even when wearing a seat belt does not entirely prevent injuries, doing so can help to minimize potential damage both to your body and your finances.
- You may jeopardize your personal injury case. Unfortunately, if it can be established that not wearing a seat belt had a significant contribution to your injuries, it will almost certainly be difficult for you to recover the compensation that you were initially entitled to.
Allow Us to Help.
Maybe you were in a rush the day of your accident, or maybe your kids were being loud and distracting in the backseat – either way, there are plenty of reasons why you might simply forget to buckle your seatbelt. Regardless of whether you were wearing a seatbelt at the time of an accident that caused you to become injured, you now need the help of an experienced legal team to help you protect your rights and ensure that you are able to hold any responsible parties accountable. The West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm 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, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Ocala and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/seatbelts/facts.html
https://www.pendaslaw.com/back-to-school-tips-for-school-bus-safety/
