It’s well known that seat belts are requisite throughout the country. Some are reluctant to wear them, citing the potential for seat belt injury. Others claim that seat belts prohibit them from existing submerged or burning vehicles. Notwithstanding, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) strongly proclaims that seat belts save lives.
Seat belt injuries are not unlike other personal injury damage arising from motor vehicle accidents. At Jersey City personal injury law firm the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we have represented many individuals whose injuries are limited to those caused by the seat belt. Our practice involves more than 27 years of experience handling personal injury claims.
Types of Seat Belt Injuries
While seat belts substantially lower the chance for fatality, they can be responsible for personal injury. In most cases, seat belt injuries occur in either automobile or truck accidents. However, some buses are equipped with seat belts. Therefore, it is possible to suffer a seat belt injury when involved in a bus crash.
The purpose of seat belts is obviously to keep people restrained in their seats. Otherwise, they could be subject to hitting the windshield or bounced around the vehicle. Many fatal accidents involving the failure to wear a seat belt occur as a result of ejection from the moving car, bus or truck. Despite their ability to save lives, some injuries may also occur as a result of wearing seatbelts.
The types of injuries associated with wearing seat belts may seem minor when compared with the prospect of fatality. However, if you have suffered damages as a result of complying with seat belt laws, you may be experiencing difficulties. If something was wrong with the seat belt, you may be able to make a products liability claim. Otherwise, your seat belt injuries are considered as part of your case against the negligent operator(s) in your motor vehicle crash.
You may already be aware of some of the injuries related to use of seat belts. Here are some we have encountered in our representation of personal injury clients:
- Lacerations and bruising associated with the seat belt tightening
- Abdominal injuries, including bowel issues
- Chest discomfort, often representing sternal fracture
- Burns
- Suffocation
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
Speak to a Seat Belt Injury Lawyer in Jersey City Today
At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we realize that the harm caused by seat belt use can vary in degree of severity. It may even take a few days for issues to surface. Many of our clients who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents have suffered seat belt injuries. We can assist you in making this as part of your claim. If you live in Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, or anywhere in New Jersey, contact our office today for legal advice concerning your case.
