If you are searching for information regarding the safety and legal risks of not wearing a seat belt, Bautista LeRoy LLC is ready to assist. Our attorneys have long served clients throughout Southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area. We have been representing injured individuals in cases such as medical malpractice, nursing home cases, personal injury, sexual abuse/assault litigation and railroad crossing litigation.

In this article, we will talk about the dangers of not wearing a seat belt when an accident strikes and its impact on your personal injury claim.

What Are The Dangers Of Not Wearing A Seat Belt In An Accident?

Seat belts have a big role in keeping you safe on a long or short drive. Failing to wear them can have a devastating result during an accident. An individual can sustain severe injuries that will require extensive treatments, and worse, it could result in death. Without a seat belt:

• Ejection from the vehicle
• Impact injuries
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash and spinal injuries

Can I Recover Damages If I Wasn't Wearing A Seat Belt?

Questions about your rights to claim compensation after an accident arise if you are not wearing your seat belt. Some people may worry that they will not get any amount due to seat belt negligence, but in most states, that is not the case. You still have the right to obtain damages; however, the process becomes more complicated.

Seat belt defense is sometimes applied in these cases, which means that the other party may argue that the reason for your severe injuries is because of your own failure to use seat belts. If this defense becomes successful, the amount of compensation you might get can be reduced.

Should I Tell My Insurer If I Wasn't Wearing a Seat Belt?

Honesty is very important when you give statements to your insurance company. Because if they discovered that you were not wearing your seat belt in an accident after you denied it, the value and credibility of your claim may be questioned. When reporting the accident

• Provide facts
• Don't speculate about fault
• Remain straightforward
• Consult an attorney before explaining

Why Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Is Beneficial?

The assistance of a personal injury attorney can be a great help, particularly when seat belt use is questioned. Accident claims can be more complicated than you think and having professional guidance gives several benefits:

• Expert guidance
• Investigation and evidence gathering
• Negotiation skills
• Litigation support

When Is The Time To Hire An Attorney?

Consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. When an attorney is involved early, they can have more time to build you a solid case through evidence and witness statements. They can also prevent you from making costly mistakes during negotiations with insurers. Delays could only compromise your case, so if the following situation applies, hire an attorney immediately:

• You have serious injuries
• Insurer doubts your seat belt use
• You feel rushed to settle
• Not sure about your rights

What Are the Criteria for Finding a Good Attorney?

Choosing the right attorney is a very important decision that you will make to file a successful claim. Look for these qualities when hiring a legal professional to represent you:

• Personal injury experience
• Proven record with seat belt cases
• Clear communication
• Focused on client needs
• Thorough case preparation
• Negotiation and litigation skills

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

The team of attorneys at Bautista LeRoy LLC specializes in personal injury law. We can handle accident cases where seat belt use is disputed and can protect your rights to still obtain compensation. Our attorneys have strong negotiation and litigation skills that can help you achieve successful case outcomes. We work closely with other experts to gather evidence and build you a solid case. Our goal is to secure our clients with a favorable amount of compensation to recover fully from the accident.

Suggested Action Steps

You still have the right to pursue compensation after an accident where you are not wearing your seat belt, but with the proper steps:

• Seek medical attention
• Document everything
• Notify your insurer 
• Consult a personal injury attorney
• Keep records

You could face many complications with your health and legal process after an accident if you are not wearing your seat belt. This is why keeping its consequences in mind is very important to protect yourself. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help you still obtain compensation and recover. Contact us today at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas of Boone County and Benton County.