Seat Belt Injuries and Average Settlement Amounts [2024]

According to the National Safety Council, seat belt usage is at an impressive 90% as of 2021, and it’s estimated to have saved over 350,000 lives since 1975. Seat belts are undeniably vital safety devices, significantly reducing the risk of injury and death in car accidents. However, it’s essential to recognize that even as they save lives, seat belts can also cause injuries. Even worse, injuries occur yearly due to defective seat belts that fail to function as intended. 

In this article, we’ll detail the most common seat belt injuries and explain the factors that influence settlements victims can seek when injuries do occur. We’ll also explore how having a well-qualified personal injury attorney in your corner can help and how to secure the legal assistance you’ll need to receive the highest possible compensation for your claim.

Common Seat Belt Injuries

Typical seat belt injuries include contusions and bruising, whiplash, fractured ribs, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries. If you have a combination of injuries to the chest and abdomen, you may have “seat belt syndrome,” often associated with high-impact accidents.

If a seat belt has injured you, it’s important to remember that you have specific rights and legal recourse to address your situation. These rights include the following:

• Right to Medical Care: You have the right to prompt medical attention for your injuries, ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.

• Right to Compensation: If the injury occurred due to a defect in the seat belt or someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. 

• Product Liability Claims: If the seat belt is defective, you may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who can assess your case and provide guidance on the best course of action.

Types of compensation available for seat belt injuries

Pursuing a seat belt injury claim is a crucial step in seeking compensation after a car accident. Seat belt-related injuries can be both physically and financially challenging, but understanding the avenues for compensation is essential. 

Personal injury compensation

If the seat belt injury occurred due to another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. This type of compensation can be pursued by filing a legal claim against the at-fault party, typically the driver responsible for the accident. 

Product liability claims

If the seat belt was defective or failed to function as designed, you may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor. Compensation can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related costs. 

To file a product liability claim, you must take legal action against the seatbelt manufacturer or distributor for any defects that contributed to the injury. 

Manufacturing defect compensation

If the injury resulted from a manufacturing defect in the seat belt, you can seek compensation from the manufacturer for injuries and related damages. To do so, you must demonstrate that the seat belt had a defect that occurred during the manufacturing process and led to your injury.

Wrongful death claims

In cases where seatbelt injuries lead to a fatality, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of financial support. This is often done with the assistance of a wrongful death attorney.

Insurance claims

In some situations, compensation may be obtained through insurance claims, including the injured party’s own auto insurance or the insurance of the at-fault driver. This process includes filing a claim with the relevant insurance company and providing evidence of seat belt-related injuries and related expenses.

Factors That Influence Seat Belt Settlement Amounts

The settlement amount in a seat belt injury case can vary widely, influenced by several factors. Awareness of these elements is essential for those seeking compensation after a car accident.

Comparative negligence laws

Some states follow comparative negligence laws, which determine the settlement based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party. In these states, the injured party’s compensation may be reduced if they are partially at fault for the accident.

State of accident

Different states have varying laws and regulations that can affect settlement amounts. State laws on liability, insurance coverage, and statutes of limitations can all play a role.

Severity of injuries

The extent of seat belt-related injuries is a significant factor. More severe injuries, like fractures, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries, typically result in higher settlement amounts than whiplash or bruising.

Fault determination

The allocation of fault in the accident can impact the settlement. If the other party is clearly at fault, it strengthens the injured party’s negotiation position.

Surgical intervention

Often, seatbelt injuries requiring surgical procedures or ongoing medical treatment led to larger settlements to cover these medical expenses.

Pre-existing conditions

If the injured party had pre-existing medical conditions or injuries exacerbated by the accident, this can affect the settlement amount.

Insurance coverage

The available insurance coverage, both for the at-fault party and the injured party, can limit or expand the potential settlement amount.

Legal representation

The quality and expertise of legal representation can also influence the outcome. Experienced personal injury attorneys often secure higher settlements through effective negotiation or litigation.

Average Seat Belt Settlement Amounts

Average seat belt settlement amounts can vary significantly due to several factors. The specific type and severity of the injury and the degree of fault attributed to each party play a substantial role. In general, more severe seat belt-related injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones, often result in higher payouts. These settlements can exceed $100,000, as they must account for not only medical expenses but also lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential future complications. In addition, those who sustain more severe injuries beyond the seat belt’s scope may receive even higher settlements. Conversely, minor seat belt injuries, like bruising, cuts, and abrasions, typically lead to smaller settlements, usually around $10,000 or less. 

It’s vital to consult with a personal injury lawyer to obtain a more accurate estimate of your potential settlement amount. These legal professionals can evaluate the unique circumstances of your case, factoring in the various elements that influence the final settlement figure and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

When Should I Contact an Attorney?

An attorney can be invaluable when pursuing compensation for seat belt injuries. Despite the cost of legal representation, attorneys bring expertise to navigate complex legal processes, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize settlements. They understand the intricacies of personal injury law, making them an essential advocate for their clients’ rights. 

For those seeking an experienced legal professional without the hassle of extensive research, our Personal Injury Lawyer Directory is a reliable resource. It offers a curated selection of reputable attorneys in each metro area with solid credentials to handle these cases effectively. 

Your attorney can help with:

Filing the lawsuit

Attorneys’ initial legal action is to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, whether it’s another driver or a seatbelt manufacturer. This formal legal proceeding lays the foundation for seeking compensation. Attorneys are responsible for:

• Ensuring the lawsuit adheres to all legal requirements and deadlines.

• Effectively framing the case, presenting the facts, and identifying the liable parties.

• Aggressively advocating for the injured party’s rights in court, ensuring a fair trial.

Negotiating settlement offers

Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can engage with insurance companies or opposing parties to secure a favorable settlement. Their responsibilities include:

• Assessing the value of the case, factoring in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Crafting persuasive demands and counteroffers to maximize the compensation offered.

• Utilizing their knowledge of personal injury law and legal tactics to leverage the strongest settlement terms possible.

Evidence collection and legal strategy

Attorneys are instrumental in building a solid case through the collection and presentation of evidence. Their roles involve:

• Gathering medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony to substantiate the claim.

• Formulating a compelling legal strategy tailored to the specifics of the seatbelt injury.

• Using their legal acumen to identify liability and negligence, making a compelling case for compensation.