If I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, can I Compensation for Injuries?
Utah’s law requires both drivers and passengers wear seatbelts. However, not everyone follows this law, even knowing that not wearing a seatbelt usually results in more serious injuries in car accidents. Therefore, everyone should wear their seatbelts when they are in a car.
Many people think that they will not be able to get any compensation if they were injured in an auto accident, but they were not wearing a seatbelt. However, if an accident was caused by another driver, you will probably get compensation, but you will need professional help.
Will You Get Less
Unfortunately, since you were not wearing at the time of the accident, your claim will be affected, and you may earn less than you wanted or expected. If you are from the state of Utah and you want to know how much you can get, you should consult a car accident lawyer in Provo Utah.
Utah’s Law
According to the Utah driving code, “the operator of a driving vehicle operated on a highway shall wear a properly fasted and adjusted seatbelt. This law applies to the passengers as well, who are also legally required to wear a seatbelt.
However, just wearing a seat belt is not enough – it also must be positioned properly. No matter how a driver or passenger is sitting, a seatbelt must be worn over the shoulder, across the lap, and across the chest. In Utah, failure to wear seatbelt results in a $45 citation.
What Injuries Can You Get From Not Wearing A Seatbelt?
If you decide not to wear a seatbelt while driving, the risk of injury is very high. The most common injuries that result from not wearing a seatbelt are:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Concussions
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Musculoskeletal damage
- Facial injuries
- Knee traumas
- Cuts and scars
Often, these injuries become long-term, and can last for months and, in some cases, for years. Moreover, there is also the emotional response to the crash that has a negative impact on the person’s quality of life. People can experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and even depression after a car accident. Also, there might be significant personality changes due to brain injuries.
Are Seatbelts Really Effective?
Both for adults and children, a seatbelt is one of the most effective ways to save lives and prevent serious injuries in car accidents. Here are some facts and statistics about seatbelts in the United States:
- According to the statistics, the majority of people (about 53%) killed in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.
- Wearing a seatbelt in a car is the best way to reduce the risk of serious injuries and death. Among drivers and passengers, seatbelts reduce the risk of death by almost 45% and the risk of severe injuries by 50%.
- Seatbelts also help prevent people from being ejected during a crash. Drivers and front-seat passengers not wearing seatbelts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle. Statistically, 3 out of 4 people ejected from a car during a car accident die from severe injuries.
- Seatbelts help save thousands of people’s lives every year. For example, in 2009, they saved over 13,000 lives. More than 4,000 would have been alive today that year if they had worn a seatbelt.
- According to the National Highway Traffic, of more than 22,000 passengers killed in car accidents in 2019, 47% were not wearing seatbelts.
Howard Lewis & Petersen – Your Provo Car Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a car accident but were not wearing a seatbelt, you may be still eligible for compensation. If you are from Provo, UT, or any other surrounding area, feel free to contact Howard Lewis & Petersen, Provo car accident law firm, where a Provo car accident lawyer is always ready to help. We have been serving the community for over 50 years, and specialize in a range of legal issues. Therefore, if you need a car accident lawyer in Provo (car accident lawyer Provo), who has both knowledge and experience, feel free to contact Howard Lewis & Petersen. In order to schedule your first consultation with a car accident attorney in Provo Utah, you can visit our website or give us a call.
