“Click It or Ticket” is a popular campaign from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) to promote the importance of buckling up and to bring awareness to why wearing a seatbelt is so important. We know that wearing a seatbelt is one of the most effective things that we can do to keep ourselves safe in the event of an auto accident.
However, if you or a loved one has been in an auto accident, you may have sustained injuries from the very thing that was supposed to protect you. Even though the benefits far outweigh the risks of wearing a seatbelt, if you have been involved in an accident, you may be aware that your seatbelt can actually be a cause of your injuries.
If you have been involved in an accident, reach out to an experienced Atlanta seatbelt injury attorney. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can guide you through every step needed to improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve, helping you move forward with your life after an accident.
The attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm are here for you and want to help you rebuild your life. Call (404) 777-8800 or contact us online to schedule a free case review with an attorney who is ready to listen.
What Can I Expect When I Contact an Atlanta Seatbelt Injury Attorney?
If you have sustained injuries from your seatbelt in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
We know that being in an accident can be a scary, life-changing event that may leave you feeling unsure and confused. You probably have a lot of questions and aren’t sure about where you can turn for help. That’s where an experienced Atlanta seatbelt injury lawyer can really help out. Injury attorneys frequently work on car accident cases and are well-versed in Georgia driving laws.
If you are feeling lost or are unsure about what to do since being in an accident, reach out to one of the compassionate, experienced attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. When you contact us, we will schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with you so that you have a chance to ask any questions that you may have regarding your accident and so that we can learn about your story.
Once you share the details of your car accident with us, we will work diligently to develop a personalized legal strategy aimed at maximizing the compensation you receive.
We want to help you rebuild your life after your accident. We will fight for you every step of the way.
We’re so confident in our ability to help you that you won’t pay unless we win your case. Our team has a long-standing record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients just like you.
Seat Belts Can Save Your Life
Even though seat belts can cause injuries in accidents, they are far more likely to help save your life than they are to end it. Though you may sustain injuries from your seatbelt, chances are that those injuries are far less severe than any injuries you may have sustained from being ejected from your vehicle, up to and including death.
Here are some answers to common questions about seat belts.
How Do Seat Belts Keep You Safe?
Most seatbelts are designed as a three-point belt, which means that the belt should hold you in three different places and help diffuse the energy created from the crash into your shoulders, chest, and pelvis. This way, no one part of your body is taking the brunt of the force from the accident.
These seat belts are typically made in a Y-shaped arrangement, with one part of the belt crossing your shoulder and torso and the second crossing your lap.
If you are involved in an accident or have to come to a quick stop, the force causes the belt to tighten. The seatbelt is then able to hold you in place, which keeps you from being thrown around or ejected from your vehicle.
How Can Seat Belts Injure You?
Seat belts are designed to dissipate the force of a crash between three strong parts of your body, which include your chest wall, clavicle, and pelvis.
However, seatbelts can only work when they are properly designed and manufactured. If any vehicle safety equipment is defective, the chance of injury increases. If you were injured because of defective equipment, the manufacturer should be held liable for your injuries in a product liability case.
What Are Some Common Seat Belt Injuries?
As with any accident, seat belt injuries can look very different depending on the specifics of the crash. However, some common injuries that occur as a result of wearing a seat belt are:
- Fractured Ribs
- Internal Bleeding or Internal Injuries
- Abrasions
- Shoulder Injuries
- Disc Injuries
- Seat Belt Syndrome
If you have been injured by a seat belt as a result of an accident, the first and most important thing you should do is seek medical treatment. It can be difficult to assess the extent of your injuries without a doctor, and we want you to be safe and healthy.
Once you have received any and all appropriate medical treatment, the next most important step to take is to reach out to an experienced Atlanta seatbelt injury lawyer. An attorney will help prove fault in a case and advocate for you to receive the compensation you need from the liable party(ies) to move on with your life.
How Does a Claim Against a Seatbelt Manufacturer Work?
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of your vehicle, the seatbelt itself, or others involved in creating the components that make up your vehicle and key safety systems.
A defective products claim alleges that injuries would not have occurred if not for a dangerous product, or that injuries were made worse than they should have been as a result of the product’s defects. Since seatbelts and other vehicle safety systems are intended to prevent injury, a failure to do so could be in violation of federal regulations and vehicle design standards.
Some common types of defects include:
- Design defects, where the design of the seatbelt was unlikely to provide the needed safety or was actually likely to cause injury and other harm, even when used as instructed.
- Manufacturing defects, where the construction and installation of the seatbelt included errors that would cause the seatbelt to fail or otherwise perform contrary to expectations.
- Failure to warn defects, where the driver or vehicle owner was not given adequate instructions to use the seatbelt properly in order to prevent injury to themselves and their passengers
The nature of your injury and the accident itself could mean that the seatbelt manufacturer is responsible solely for your damages, or they may share liability with negligent drivers or other parties. Your attorney will help you determine the appropriate way to assign liability and how to pursue damages using the most effective legal strategies available.
Benefits of Working With an Atlanta Defective Seatbelt Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you might be tempted to take the first check that the insurance company offers in an effort to move on as quickly as possible. However, the insurance company is more concerned with protecting their bottom line than ensuring you get the money you need to rebuild your life.
It is likely that the insurance company may try to lowball you, and if you accept their offer before you realize this, there is likely little you can do to receive additional compensation.
Instead of trying to face the aftermath of an accident alone, reach out to an Atlanta seatbelt injury attorney. An experienced attorney will help you in many ways when trying to navigate the aftermath of an accident.
Some ways that a seatbelt injury attorney can help you include:
- Gathering evidence to prove liability
- Hiring professionals who can testify on your behalf
- Finding medical experts who will take care of all your post-accident needs
- Calculating damages to help you determine a fair compensation amount
- Liaise with the insurance company and review any offers received
- Case litigation, if necessary
Contact an Atlanta Seatbelt Injury Law Firm Today
The attorneys at The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm are here for you and want to fight for you to recover the compensation you need to move on with your life. When you are able, reach out to us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation so that we can begin strategizing your personalized legal strategy.
We want you to concentrate on healing from your accident. You can rest assured, knowing that while you are resting and recuperating, we are fighting for you.
We will be with you during every step of your post-accident process. Schedule your free case review today when you call (404) 777-8800 or contact us online.
