If you were injured in a car accident and did not wear your seat belt, will that affect your personal injury claim? In Florida, the answer is yes. Not wearing a seat belt can have a significant impact on your case and may even shift partial fault from the other driver to you.
Why You Should Wear a Seat Belt
In Florida, seat belt usage is mandatory for all drivers, front seat passengers, and minors in a vehicle. This includes anyone riding in the front seat and all children under the age of 18, regardless of where they are sitting in the car. If the driver or occupants are pulled over and are not wearing their seat belts, the driver can face a fine of up to $500.
Seat belts have been proven to save lives and prevent serious injuries in the event of a car accident. Wearing a seat belt is the best way to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident and can help limit injuries suffered in the event of a collision.
How Not Wearing a Seat Belt Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
In addition, if you are involved in a car accident and are not wearing a seat belt, you may be found partially at fault for your injuries due to Florida’s comparative fault statues. This is because seat belts are designed to protect occupants in the event of an accident, and not wearing one puts you at a greater risk for injury. If you are injured in an accident and were not wearing a seatbelt, it will be more difficult to prove that the other driver was at fault for your injuries, and you might receive diminished damages as a result.
If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Once you have been seen by a doctor, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
An experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate filing a personal injury claim and help you prepare for your case. You might need to submit medical evidence regarding your seatbelt usage to the court so they can help determine any contributory fault. If you were wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident, your attorney can use that as evidence that the severity of your injuries was sustained through the accident and not through improper use of seat belts.
Ever Argued With a Woman?
You might have noticed signs urging you to wear your seatbelt when on the roads, which can seriously help you in the event of an accident. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, our personal injury attorney can help you seek the damages you deserve and fight for your best possible outcome.
Were you or a loved one involved in a car accident? Call us today at (863) 644-5566 to schedule a consultation and learn about how we can fight for you!