According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety of all fatal collisions through the state in 2011 approximately 270 were wearing their seatbelts. Although we believe that seatbelts are meant to protect us, at times they can also harm us, which is why some people choose to forgo their safety belt while in a vehicle.
There can be a number of reasons for these injuries which can include incorrectly adjusted belts, a defective locking mechanism or even the force of an impact causing the belts to cut or bruise the flesh and tissue of the occupant that was restrained by the best in the collision.
Have you or someone you love suffered an injury that was caused by a defective or dangerous seat belt design?
Did you know that the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more?
Common Seat Belt Injuries
In the 1970s most passengers situated in the backseat only had a lap belt to protect them in case of an emergency. After studying the types of injuries being sustained by adults and children in car accidents, the term seat belt syndrome was coined and lead to the revision of passengers safety requirements.
Some common types of seatbelt injuries include:
- Chest & Abdominal Injuries
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Internal Organ Damage
- Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Dislocations
According to a study entitled The Seat-Belt Syndrome injuries to the intestines and fractures and dislocations occurred in 50% of vehicle occupants despite wearing the seatbelt correctly.
Furthermore, it is not just lap belts that pose a threat to riders, automatic safety belts can be dangerous during a collision as well. If a cars door flies open during a crash the automatic seatbelt could fail to keep the individual within the vehicle at the moment of an accident and thus leading to more serious injuries.
In Ohio specifically, more than 5,000 persons sustained injuries despite wearing a seatbelt during an accident.
Symptoms Of Seat Belt Injuries
As most of the damage that could be done by a seatbelt is internal, some victims may not note that they have been hurt until days or weeks later.
Bruises and contusions on the chest and lower abdomen may appear hours later however all persons should also watch for the following symptoms:
- Abdominal Pain
- Blood in Urine and/or Stool could indicate damage to the liver or intestines
- Difficulty Breathing might indicate lung damage
- Pain in the Legs or Difficulty Walking could indicate spinal damage
Neck pain and upper back pain is also something all persons should watch for as they have suffered from whiplash or other orthopedic injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious auto accident it is important that the individual seek medical attention right away. Failing to get diagnosed could worsen injury and lead to permanent damage.
Contact Our Attorneys Today
Despite how life-saving seatbelt use can be, many people suffer from seatbelt injuries sustained during a car accident. If you or a loved one was involved in a collision caused by a negligent driver and endured seatbelt injuries, out attorneys can provide comprehensive legal counsel on your specific case.
At O’Connor, Acciani, & Levy, our personal injury lawyers treat every case with professionalism and courtesy that it deserves and will fight for your right to fair and just compensation. For more than 30 years we have been helping accident injury victims throughout Ohio.
We have several offices located throughout the state and proudly serve the following areas:
- Cincinnati
- Columbus
- Covington
and many more.
We are also pleased to help those who have been injured in an accident in the Covington, Kentucky area. To get connected with a personal injury lawyer Columbus, OH, contact us today at (877) 288-3241. One of our intake staff members will connect you with one of our lawyers to further discuss the merits of your claim.