According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are the leading cause of death among Americans younger than 30 years old.
You can avoid being responsible for a deadly car crash by being a responsible driver, following traffic laws, and keeping yourself attentive and sober when in control of the vehicle. However, even the best driver on the road has no control over the other drivers with whom they share the road. Because other people can cause you serious harm or bodily injury, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances that you will become a victim. Seat belts are one of the easiest ways for you to protect yourself. But do they really save lives?
The CDC statistics show that over 50% of the people killed in car accidents were not wearing a seatbelt. When we look at front-seat passengers and drivers, we can clearly see the benefit of seat belts – once buckled in, the risk of serious injury is cut by 50%, and the risk of death by 45%. Annually, it is estimated that 14,000 lives are in fact saved by using seat belts.
Did You Know? In order to have the best opportunity to reduce your risk, you should also sit with your back against the seat and both feet firmly on the floor; adjust the headrest to support the head and neck against impact; and reposition the seat so it is the optimum distance from the airbags.
The Risk of Not Wearing Seat Belts
When you neglect to buckle your seat belt when you climb into the car, you risk losing your life. However, those who survive a car crash despite not wearing a seatbelt also risk their financial security.
If you are injured in an accident which was not your fault, you have the legal right to sue the liable party for damages that you incur. However, if it can be proven that your own negligence contributed to the seriousness of your injuries, your compensation may be significantly reduced. Not wearing a restraint could be an indication that you bear fault in your own injuries, and hurt your chances of a legal settlement. Typically, an accident victim’s damages will be reduced by a proportionate percentage of liability.
In simple terms, not wearing a seat belt can seriously hurt your chances at receiving your highest settlement.
Given the implications for public health and safety, most states have enacted some version of a seat belt law. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, New Hampshire is the only state that does not have a primary or secondary seat belt law on the books.
Florida roadways are constantly busy, crowded with tourists, snowbirds, and full time residents. With such a diverse group of people on the roads, you can never completely protect yourself against someone else’s negligent driving. The best way to protect yourself (aside from skillful, defensive driving) is to wear a seal belt. This will not only protect you and your family physically, it will protect your financial settlement should your case go to claim or lawsuit. If you have been involved in an auto accident and are looking for help pursuing a settlement, call the attorneys at Probinsky & Cole as soon as possible.
