You may feel that you are quite safe travelling in an enclosed car. You feel that the metal shell will protect you from harms way should you fall into an accident. It is a big mistake to think this. Many passengers that have been involved in a car accident suffer horrific injures and have to live with the physical and psychological impact for years to come.
The most talked about injury and one that is most commonly cited in a road accident is whiplash injury. A perhaps more less talked about injury is seatbelt injury. Seatbelt injury is actually a much more common injury than people think. If you think about the impact of a car accident, it is hardly surprising. When another vehicle slams into the back of your car or slams into the side of your car, you will be naturally jerked forwards or sideways. This jerk reaction will impact your body even if you are wearing a seatbelt.
Of course wearing a seatbelt is fundamental to your overall safety as the impact of the accident is likely to be far more serious on the person if they were not wearing one. Since the seatbelt has been introduced thousands of lives have been saved as a result.
Your seatbelt injury could have been caused by the negligent behaviour of the driver. Depending on the situation, it could be that the driver had been speeding unnecessarily or overtaking dangerously. The driver also may have ignored the weather conditions and be driving recklessly or in road rage. If you sustained seatbelt injuries as a result of the driver’s negligence then it is your personal right to make a claim.
What types of injuries you can expect if you are involved in a road accident
Depending on the circumstances of the road accident, you could expect to have the seatbelt dig into your abdomen. This can cause abdomen tenderness or even possible bowel injuries. You can avoid these types of injuries or reduce their likelihood of occurring if you take certain steps.
Many drivers loosely put on their seatbelts before taking off, without actually being aware that to avoid suffering personal injury, it is important to make your seatbelt as tight as possible. Seatbelts do save lives in the event of an accident so it is important that you ensure:
* You wear your seatbelt as tight as possible
* The lap belt should be worn over your pelvis and hips
* Ensure that you wear the diagonal strap over your shoulders
Have you suffered a seatbelt injury in a car accident due to the driver driving recklessly? If this is the case, then you have a right to make a claim. Our solicitors will assess your case and advise you on what you should do next.
Ayesha Salim is editor of the UK Lawyers Network. Ayesha writes articles about road accident claims, road traffic accidents and motoring issues. Please visit the website if you would like to see more of Ayesha’s work or if you would like to contact local solicitors or to talk with a personal injury lawyer.
