It’s crucial to wear your seat belt while in a vehicle. According to the NHTSA, seat belts saved 14,955 lives in 2017 alone. Not only can buckling up save your life in the event of an unexpected crash, it can also reduce your risk of moderate to severe injuries as well. Seat belts should always be worn, and our car accident attorneys understand that crashes can lead to a wide variety of injuries – including seat belt injuries. 

When an accident leads to injury – whether an immediately apparent injury or delayed injury – you may qualify for compensation for your medical bills, property damage, time missed from work, and much more. If you have any questions about the information covered in this article or would like to speak with our award-winning personal injury attorneys about a potential case, please call our office at (803) 888-2200. We are available for you 24/7 via phone.

Most Common Seat Belt Injuries

Often referred to as “seat belt syndrome,” there are many different injuries and symptoms that can result from the impact, constraint, and force evident in many car accidents. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, it is in your best interest to immediately seek professional medical attention, even if you think you feel okay. Many of these injuries can have delayed symptoms, so it’s critical you’re staying healthy and safe by getting examined by a medical professional and monitoring your body for new or worsening symptoms.

Abrasions or Lacerations

The roughness of a seat belt can cause external injuries to the skin. Many times, these can be treated with ice, rest, and prescription medication.

Rib Injuries

Seat belts are designed to restrain you, especially during an accident. Depending on the force of the accident, it’s possible to bruise, fracture, and even break your ribs as a result. Injured ribs can cause considerable discomfort and a lengthy, painful recovery. Often, there are many costs associated with rib injuries, such as diagnostic tests like X-rays or CT scans, prescription pain medication, time missed from work, and other expenses.

Shoulder Injuries

Many times, car accidents result in shoulder injuries. These can range from soft tissue damage to torn rotator cuffs. Shoulder injuries are a common injury that we see in car accident cases resulting from the force of your body launching into the secured seat belt. Treatment for shoulder injuries ranges greatly depending on the severity of the injury, from RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to surgery and physical therapy. 

Abdominal/Internal Injuries

When a car accident activates the seat belt, it can compress the abdomen causing internal injuries such as injuries to the bowel, liver, spleen, and mesenteric injuries. Treatment for these injuries may require NSAIDs, abdominal braces, physical therapy, surgery, and more.

Chest and Sternum Injuries

Chest and breast bone injuries are also possible injuries after a car accident due to the extreme pressure. The treatment plans can range greatly depending on the injury you sustained, and may require hospital treatment, fluids, surgeries, pain medications, and more.

Spinal Cord Injury

When a seat belt impacts the neck, it can potentially damage the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic, resulting in life-long impacts. Treatment may include surgery, traction, rehabilitation, and other treatment plans specific to the SCI.

Can I Sue for a Seat Belt Injury?

In South Carolina, you may qualify to receive compensation for your injuries and resulting damages as long as you are found to be no more than 50% at-fault for the accident. Our lawyers will prove fault in a car accident by gathering evidence such as security footage, witness statements, and much more to prove negligence occurred, pursuant to South Carolina law.

When a car accident leaves you in pain and with mounting bills, the last thing you should have to worry about is the legal process and dealing with insurance companies. Our team is here and ready to optimize your claim, ensuring you get the best outcome for a brighter future ahead.

Secure Compensation For a Seat Belt Injury

With decades of combined experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can trust that the team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC has the experience and resources needed to help you get justice after a car accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, we’re ready to help. 

For a free case evaluation directly with an attorney, call our office today at (803) 888-2200.

With offices in Columbia and Charleston, our team handles car accident cases throughout the state. In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no up-front or out-of-pocket fees.