Wearing a seat belt is one of the most basic safety precautions that every driver and passenger should take when on the road. At Peter Michael Law, LLC, we advocate for those injured in car accidents, and one of the most common factors we see in accident injuries is the failure to wear a seat belt. Here are some key reasons why wearing a seat belt is critical for your safety and how it impacts personal injury claims in New Jersey.
- Prevents Serious Injury and Saves Lives
The primary function of a seat belt is to keep occupants securely in their seats during a collision. Without a seat belt, the force of an impact can propel individuals into the dashboard, windshield, or even out of the vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45%. Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to increase your chances of survival in a crash.
- Reduces the Risk of Legal Consequences
In New Jersey, seat belt laws are strictly enforced. All front-seat passengers and drivers must wear seat belts, and passengers in the back seat are also required to buckle up if they are under 18. Failure to do so can result in fines. Moreover, neglecting to wear a seat belt could potentially affect your personal injury claim if you’re involved in an accident. At Peter Michael Law, we understand how New Jersey’s comparative negligence laws work. If you’re injured in an accident but were not wearing a seat belt, the defense might argue that your injuries were partially your own fault, which could reduce the amount of compensation you receive. By wearing a seat belt, you protect not only your health but also your rights in a legal case.
- Minimizes the Impact of a Collision
In a car accident, a sudden stop or change in speed can cause serious injuries, such as whiplash or internal damage. A seat belt helps distribute the force of the crash across the stronger parts of your body, like your chest and pelvis, reducing the overall impact on more vulnerable areas. This can lower the severity of injuries, leading to quicker recovery times and fewer long-term consequences.
- Helps You Maintain Control of the Vehicle
Wearing a seat belt isn’t just about protecting you in case of a collision; it also helps you maintain control of the vehicle. In an emergency situation, sudden movements could cause you to lose control of the steering wheel, potentially leading to a more severe accident. A seat belt keeps you firmly in your seat, allowing you to react more effectively to hazards on the road.
- Protects Others in the Vehicle
Seat belts also prevent passengers from becoming projectiles in a collision. In a crash, an unbelted passenger can be thrown into other occupants, causing additional injuries. Buckling up ensures not only your safety but also the safety of everyone else in the vehicle.
At Peter Michael Law, LLC, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of car accidents where seat belts weren’t used. As personal injury attorneys in Union, NJ, we’re committed to ensuring that our clients understand the importance of basic road safety. Wearing a seat belt is a simple step that can make a world of difference. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, whether or not a seat belt was worn, contact us today to discuss your legal options.
Contact Peter Michael Law, LLC
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Union, NJ, or the surrounding areas, contact Peter Michael Law, LLC for a free consultation. We are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
