{"id":353042,"date":"2017-02-08T17:32:46","date_gmt":"2017-02-08T22:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-seat-belt-injuries.html"},"modified":"2024-05-20T14:16:04","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T19:16:04","slug":"car-accident-seat-belt-injuries","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-seat-belt-injuries.html","title":{"rendered":"Car Accident Seat Belt Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Car Accident Seat Belt Injuries<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Without a doubt, seat belts have saved countless lives in auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and CDC advocate for seat belt use. They tout its effectiveness in reducing fatalities and severe injuries. Almost every state has seat belt laws in effect.<\/p>\r\n

There are times when seatbelts cause related injuries as well. This article will discuss seat belt injuries. We will also review the steps accident victims should take after a seatbelt injury.<\/p>\r\n

How Seat Belts Work<\/h2>\r\n

Seat belts, also known as safety belts, operate on a simple yet effective principle. By distributing the force from a car crash across the more robust parts of your body (your lap and shoulder), seat belts reduce momentum changes. This reduces the risk of fatal injuries and minimizes impact on sensitive areas like the head and internal organs.<\/p>\r\n

Airbags also act as a safety feature in modern vehicles. They further cushion vehicle occupants. However, as with seat belts, these can sometimes cause injuries<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Seat Belt Injuries<\/h2>\r\n

Despite their primary function to save lives, seat belts can cause injuries. This is most true if they are defective or worn incorrectly. Possible injuries from seat belts include:<\/p>\r\n