Seat Belt Injuries from Car Accidents: Causes and Effects

Understanding Seat Belts

Seat belts are vital safety devices that help reduce the risk of injury and death during a car accident.

When worn correctly, they prevent drivers and passengers from being thrown out of the vehicle or hitting the vehicle’s interior components during a crash.

They also work with other safety mechanisms like airbags to provide maximum protection for vehicle occupants.

There are several types of seat belts, including:

• Lap Belts: These are the most basic type of seat belts, consisting of a two-point harness that goes over the lap. However, a lap belt can only protect the lower part of the body, leaving the upper body vulnerable to injuries.
• Shoulder Belts: A shoulder belt, also known as a sash belt, goes over the shoulder and chest, providing additional protection to the upper body.
• Three-Point Belts: This type of seat belt combines lap and shoulder belts, with a single strap going over the lap and shoulder.
• Belt-in-Seat (BIS): This type of seat belt is similar to the three-point belt but is integrated into the vehicle’s seat.
• Five-Point Harnesses: Commonly used in child car seats or high-performance vehicles, this type of seat belt has an extra shoulder belt and a strap that goes between the legs for added security.

Modern cars come equipped with a combination of these seat belt types, usually with three-point lap and shoulder belts being the standard for most passenger vehicles, to ensure maximum safety.

Most seat belt systems include a retractable mechanism that allows for comfortable use and can lock during sudden braking or impact.

Importance of Seat Belts in Car Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that seat belts decrease the risk of death for front-seat passengers by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50%.

They distribute the forces of a crash over the stronger parts of the body, such as the chest, shoulders, and pelvis, thereby minimizing the impact on any one area.

Seat belt use saves thousands of lives each year. In 2017 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives. Despite these statistics, many people still do not use seat belts.

In 2023, the NHTSA reported that 92.1% of drivers and 90.9% of right-front seat passengers wore seat belts.

Seat belt use in the back seat is lower, as many people believe they are safer in the back seat and don’t need to wear a seat belt.

Backseat passengers are just as likely to be injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident if they’re not wearing seat belts.

These statistics indicate that seat belts significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash.

They are not infallible and can also cause injuries.

Causes of Seat Belt Injuries

How do seat belt injuries occur? Let’s examine how seat belts function during a motor vehicle accident.

When a vehicle abruptly stops or collides, the seat belt restrains the occupant, preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the car.

It also prevents the body from colliding with the vehicle’s interior components, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.

The force exerted by the seat belt to hold the occupant in place can sometimes cause injuries.

Force Exerted by Seat Belts During a Collision

The primary function of a seat belt is to restrain the occupant’s movement during a crash.

The force required to achieve this function can be substantial, especially in high-speed collisions.

While this force prevents more serious or fatal injuries, it can also lead to bruises, abrasions, and more severe injuries.

Improper Use of Seat Belts

Incorrect positioning of seat belts is a significant factor contributing to seat belt injuries.

If a seat belt is too loose, it may not provide adequate restraint, allowing excessive movement that can lead to injury.

If a seat belt is too tight or incorrectly positioned (e.g., the shoulder belt is placed under the arm or behind the back), it can concentrate forces on a smaller area, increasing the risk of injury.

High-Speed Collisions and Severe Impacts

The severity of a collision directly influences the extent of seat belt injuries.

High-speed crashes generate greater forces, leading to more significant injuries, even when seat belts are used correctly.

In severe collisions, seat belts may cause fractures or internal organ damage and, in some cases, fatalities.

Types of Collisions and Their Influence on Injuries

Different types of collisions affect how forces are distributed on the body and thus influence the nature and severity of seat belt injuries.

Types of collisions include:

• Frontal Collisions: These crashes occur when a vehicle hits an object or another vehicle head-on. This type of collision generates significant force on the occupant’s chest and shoulder areas, leading to possible injuries to these body parts.
• Rear-End Collisions: These collisions happen when a vehicle hits another vehicle from behind. Rear-end crashes can cause whiplash, a common seat belt injury that occurs when the occupant’s body is suddenly jerked back and forth.
• Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as T-bone collisions or broadside accidents, side-impact collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another car. In such cases, seat belts may not adequately restrain occupants from striking the sides of their vehicles or objects within the car (e.g., door panels), causing rib fractures or other injuries.
• Rollover Collisions: These accidents occur when a car flips over onto its side or roof. In rollover crashes, seat belts can restrain occupants and prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle. However, the force of a rollover collision may cause severe injuries to the spine and internal organs.

Types of Seat Belt Injuries

Seat belt injuries can range from minor bruises and abrasions to severe internal injuries.

Understanding the types of injuries that can occur helps identify and treat them effectively.

Types of injuries include:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal injuries
• Spinal damage

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are among the most common seat belt injuries.

Soft tissue injuries can include:

• Bruises and Abrasions: Often seen on the chest, shoulders, and abdomen, these injuries result from the force of the seat belt pressing against the skin during a collision.
• Seat Belt Sign: This term refers to a distinctive pattern of bruising or abrasions on the chest and abdomen that resembles the shape of a seat belt, usually a three-point seat belt. It is indicative of high-speed collisions. Although a seat belt sign is a surface-level injury, it can also indicate more severe underlying injuries.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is a typical injury in rear-end crashes. The abrupt jerking motion caused by the car stopping abruptly can strain the neck and damage muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are more severe and can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.

Internal injuries can include:

• Seat Belt Syndrome: This condition is a collection of visceral injuries caused by the seat belt’s force during a collision. It can include abdominal or chest injuries, such as lacerations to the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries require medical attention and may not be immediately apparent.
• Abdominal Injuries and Organ Damage: The force of the lap belt during a crash can cause significant trauma to the abdominal area, leading to injuries to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and intestines.
• Rib Fractures and Potential Complications: The shoulder strap of the seat belt that goes over the chest can cause the rib cage to fracture, which in turn can puncture or damage internal organs, leading to complications such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

Spinal Damage

The restraining force of seat belts can also lead to spinal injuries.

Spinal damages can include:

• Herniated Discs: The sudden force of a collision can compress the spine, leading to herniated discs. This condition can cause nerve damage and weakness in the arms or legs.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cases, the force exerted by seat belts on the spine can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.

Common Seat Belt Injury Symptoms

Symptoms of seat belt injuries can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness in areas where the seat belt was positioned during a crash
• Bruising, swelling, or redness
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
• Abdominal pain, bloating, stomach cramps, or midsection bruising
• Diarrhea or abnormal bowel movements
• Difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, chest pain, which could indicate internal injuries
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, neck, or hands, which may suggest nerve damage
• Fever or chills, which could indicate infection in the affected area
• Loss of motion or function in the injured area
• Paralysis

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately.

It is essential to get checked for injuries, even if you feel fine initially, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Long-Term Effects of Seat Belt Injuries

The long-term effects of seat belt injuries can be debilitating, impacting the victim’s quality of life and requiring ongoing medical care.

Chronic Pain and Management

Chronic pain is a common long-term effect of seat belt injuries, particularly those involving the spine and internal organs.

Managing this pain often requires a combination of medical treatments, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.

Chronic pain can also lead to a decreased ability to work, participate in daily activities, and enjoy hobbies or social interactions.

Psychological Impact

Aside from physical injuries, car accidents and seat belt injuries can also cause psychological distress.

Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues related to using seat belts or traveling in vehicles.

These conditions can significantly impact their daily lives, mental health, and overall well-being, requiring therapy or medication to manage.

Ongoing Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation

Severe seat belt injuries often necessitate ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.

This treatment can include physical therapy, surgeries, and regular medical check-ups, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Ongoing medical treatment can also affect a person’s ability to work and support themselves financially.

Prevention Tips

While seat belt injuries cannot be entirely eliminated, proper usage and maintenance can significantly reduce their likelihood and severity.

Proper Use of Seat Belts

Ensuring the correct positioning and fit of seat belts is crucial.

Proper use of seat belts can include:

• Correct Positioning: The shoulder belt should rest across the chest and shoulder, not the neck or arm, and the lap belt should sit snugly across the hips, not the stomach.
• Regular Adjustments and Checks: Adjust the seat belt to ensure it fits properly every time you get into the car.

Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Features

Regular maintenance of vehicle safety features, including seat belts, is essential.

Regular maintenance includes:

• Regular Checks of Seat Belts and Their Mechanisms: Ensure that seat belts are in good working condition and that the locking mechanisms function correctly.
• Upgrading to Newer Vehicles With Advanced Safety Systems: Modern vehicles often come with advanced safety features, such as pre-tensioners and load limiters, which can help reduce the severity of seat belt injuries.

Role of Car Accident Lawyers

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident, particularly one involving seat belt injuries, can be challenging.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, ensure proper compensation for damages and injuries, and guide you through the legal process.

Navigating Insurance Claims and the Legal System

Car accident lawyers assist victims in navigating the complex insurance claims process, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their injuries.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging, and having a lawyer on your side can help level the playing field.

In cases where insurance coverage is insufficient or unavailable, they can help file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek compensation for damages.

Ensuring Fair Compensation

A crucial role of car accident lawyers is to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for various aspects.

Aspects include:

• Medical Expenses: Covering the costs of immediate and ongoing medical treatments
• Lost Wages: Compensating for income lost due to the inability to work following the accident
• Pain and Suffering: Recognizing the physical and emotional distress caused by the injuries
• Property Damage: Covering the cost of repairs or replacement of the damaged vehicle

Car accident lawyers can provide peace of mind and give victims the best chance at receiving just compensation for their injuries.

Protect Your Rights Today

Seat belts are essential for vehicle safety, saving countless lives every year.

They can also cause injuries in specific scenarios.

Understanding the causes, types, and effects of seat belt injuries is essential for prevention and effective treatment.

If you or a loved one has suffered a seat belt injury from a car accident, seeking both medical and legal advice is imperative.

At TorHoerman Law, we specialize in handling car accident cases involving seat belt injuries, ensuring our clients receive the compensation and support they need to recover.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the seat belt injury lawsuit instantly.