Omaha Seat Belt Syndrome Injury Attorney

Were You Injured in an Omaha Car Accident?

Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by automobile crashes. That’s why Nebraska and 48 other states have laws requiring drivers to buckle up whenever you’re out driving.

It’s always a good idea to use your seatbelt. But a high-impact crash may result in injuries caused by the stress on your body that result when the seat belt restrains you. This phenomenon is known as seat belt syndrome.

What Causes Seatbelt Syndrome?

You are much more likely to be killed or injured if you are not wearing a seat belt when a traffic accident occurs. And injuries for passengers who aren’t wearing a seatbelt are much more severe. One study found that hospital costs were more than three times higher on average for Nebraskans who weren’t using their seat belt at the time of a collision.

Seat belts prevent victims from being ejected, which is one of the most dangerous things that can happen in an accident. They also reduce the impact by keeping you restrained in your seat. But seat belts do place a significant amount of stress on your abdomen, chest, and internal organs.

When an automobile accident happens, the seat belt automatically tightens. This causes your body to absorb a great deal of kinetic energy. The resulting blunt force trauma may lead to seat belt syndrome. These types of injuries can occur in all types of rear-impact and side-impact accidents, but head-on collisions and rollover accidents are most likely to cause seat belt syndrome.

Injuries Caused by Seat Belt Syndrome

Injuries caused by seat belt syndrome usually occur in the region where seat belts come into contact with your body, from the hips up to the shoulders. Common seat belt syndrome injuries include:

• Chest injuries may include damage to the heart, lungs, and sternum, which is the T-shaped bone in the center of your chest.
• Abdominal injuries may include trauma to the intestines, kidneys, and gallbladder.
• Hip injuries may include fractures and strains.
• Rib injuries may include cracked or broken ribs that can cause a punctured lung.
• Shoulder injuries may include fractures or torn or strained muscles and tendons.
• Internal bleeding may occur in the upper or lower torso.

Seat belt syndrome can be very serious. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Persistent pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Bruises
• Stiff neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness and fatigue
• Reduced range of motion in shoulders

Who Is liable for Your Injuries?

When it comes to determining liability in automobile accidents, Nebraska is a comparative fault state. That means the person who is responsible for an accident must pay for the injuries they cause.

Your Omaha car accident attorney will conduct a full investigation of your accident. Then they will file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance to help you recover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses caused by the accident.

In some cases, you may be able to recover damages against the company that manufactured a defective seat belt, especially if the seat belts have been the subject of a recall.

Even if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of your accident, you can still seek damages against the negligent driver’s insurance company. But according to Nebraska law, not wearing your seatbelt can reduce the defendant’s percentage of liability by up to 5 percent.

Were You Harmed by a Careless Driver?

You shouldn’t have to pay your own medical expenses if a negligent driver caused your accident. We can file a claim to help you get the money you need to get better after an accident. Bottlinger Law, L.L.C has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau of Nebraska.

Call (402) 505-8234 to learn more today. At Bottlinger Law, L.L.C., you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Additional Information

• Seat Belt Syndrome Explained