Cars are fitted with numerous safety features to prevent catastrophic injuries in the event of an accident. One of the most important of these features is the seat belt. As helpful as they are, seat belts themselves can result in injuries. If you have been in a crash in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and suffered injuries, what should your next steps be?
It’s essential to consider pursuing a personal injury claim if your injuries were serious. At Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, our Fort Lauderdale seatbelt injury lawyers can guide you through the process of seeking compensation. Schedule a free consultation at (954) 361-3997 to learn more about these types of injuries and how our legal team can help.
How Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Seat Belt Injury in Fort Lauderdale, FL
It’s possible to sustain serious injuries in a car accident, especially those that involve speeding. The seat belt will do everything it can to prevent the most severe injuries, but it can exert a significant amount of pressure on your body, which may cause harm. If you have suffered an injury in a collision, beginning a claim may help you recover your losses.
At Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys can provide numerous services, including:
- Assessing your claim during a free consultation
- Investigating the accident to understand how it occurred
- Gathering evidence
- Establishing liability
- Calculating economic and non-economic damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Litigating, as needed
Throughout the years that we’ve helped people in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we’ve been able to recover over $40 million in settlements and jury awards. We understand how difficult these claims can be to handle on your own when you’re struggling with injuries, so we are here to provide the comprehensive legal support you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
Most Common Types of Seat Belt Injuries
Seat belts can cause numerous types of damage, beginning with soft tissue injuries. You can sustain bruising and even lacerations along your collarbone, chest, and lower abdomen. These injuries typically don’t require extensive medical care, but it’s vital to check that more serious harm hasn’t occurred. Significant bruising could point to internal bleeding, for example.
It’s also possible to suffer broken ribs. The force the seat belt exerts can cause ribs to break, resulting in significant pain. Breathing can be difficult. If three or more ribs break, there could be instability in your torso. This is called flail chest, and it’s a medical emergency.
Friction burns are another concern. The seat belt can rub violently against your skin, causing sores and open wounds. Aside from being painful, these injuries can leave scars. If you sustain an open wound, infections can also occur.
Organ damage and internal bleeding are some of the most serious injuries you can suffer as a result of a seat belt. If a rib breaks and punctures an organ or if you suffer trauma to major blood vessels, you can sustain internal damage that could put your life at risk.
Can You Begin a Personal Injury Claim After a Seat Belt Injury in Florida?
Florida has no-fault laws when it comes to car accidents. If you’re in a crash, you will first file a claim against your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to your coverage level.
However, if your losses surpass that coverage, Florida law may allow you to pursue a personal injury claim against the other party. To accomplish this, you would have to demonstrate that you sustained serious injuries. A serious injury typically includes the permanent loss of a body part or system, disfigurement, permanent impairment, or wrongful death.
If your injury meets these criteria, you may be allowed to step outside of the state’s no-fault system. Keep in mind that you will have to demonstrate that another party was responsible for your losses. Florida has modified comparative negligence laws, so you can still recover losses if you were partly to blame, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Seatbelt Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
After sustaining a seat belt injury because of another party’s misconduct, knowing your legal options is essential. One of the best ways of understanding whether you can pursue a personal injury claim is to consult with an attorney.
At Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we provide the comprehensive and compassionate legal support you need. We’ll assist you throughout the entire process so that you can focus on healing. Schedule a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale seatbelt injury lawyer to learn more about our services.