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The CDC has discovered that over 51 percent of car crash victims have avoided death because they were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. While seatbelts may be able to prevent deaths, the serious injuries that can result from the restraint of seatbelts have only recently been studied. Illinois law affords a person who has injuries related to a seatbelt to recover compensation for their injuries from the party who caused the collision. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC frequently assists people with seatbelt injuries in Chicago auto accidents obtain the compensation they are entitled to receive. Contact our office now for a free case review.
Individuals who are injured by seat belts should know that they have legal rights. Just because a seat belt may have saved the life of an individual does not mean that person is prevented from recovery for injuries resulting from that seat belt during the crash. A seatbelt may have a manufacturing or design defect. Because of that, each company in the chain of distribution may be liable for the damages suffered by a driver and his or her passengers.
Our Illinois auto accident lawyers can help you assert your legal rights if you have received a seat belt injury. We are ready to guide you through the legal process and take the time to meet with you to discuss your legal options. Please feel free to fill out our online form or call us for more information to receive a free case review.
Basic Illinois Seat Belt Laws
In Illinois, all drivers and front seat passengers have a legal obligation to wear a seat belt while a vehicle is in motion. In addition, passengers under 19 must wear a seat belt if a driver is under 18 years old. All children under 8 years of age, regardless of their location in a vehicle, must be secured in an approved child safety restraint system.
Seat Belt Injury Facts and Statistics
In serious car accidents, seatbelts might restrain individuals if the vehicle reaches speeds in excess of 100 m.p.h. The results of a crash at excessive speeds can leave individuals with whiplash, severed limbs and other serious injuries. A study published by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that thousands of individuals suffered from lap and shoulder injuries when they used their seatbelt.
The NHTSA released the following seat belt injury statistics in a study entitled, “Seat-Belt Injuries in Medical and Statistical Perspectives:”
- 4,617 individuals suffered from lap injuries after using a seat belt. That accounts for an injury rate of 24.2 percent.
- 81,461 individuals suffered from lap/shoulder injuries after using a seat belt. That accounts for an injury rate of 25.2 percent.
- 129,327 individuals suffered injuries as a result of using no seat belt, at an injury rate of 54.6 percent
Research Studies on Internal Organ Damage Resulting from Seat Belt Use
Numerous other published research studies have tracked the injuries that individuals suffer from in auto accidents after using their seat belt. In a study published in the Southern Medical Journal, Dr. Greingor and Dr. Lazarus discovered that patients with seat belt injuries frequently suffered from sternal fractures and abdominal injuries.
The study is entitled, “Chest and Abdominal Injuries Caused by Seat Belt Wearing,” revealed findings of passengers involved in auto accidents who:
- Suffered from an increase in abdominal tenderness;
- Suffered from bowel injuries;
- Suffered from an increase in higher mortality and morbidity rates involving a delayed diagnosis of bowel injuries.
Types of Seat Belt Injuries
There are common injuries that victims can suffer from the use of seat belts as restraining devices:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Whiplash
- Fractured sternum
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and trauma
- Abdominal injuries
- Bowel injuries
- Skin abrasions
Contact Experienced Illinois Auto Accident Lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC Today
If you received a seatbelt injury during a car accident, then please speak with one of our attorneys for help today. We understand how overwhelming it can be to consider filing a lawsuit for a seat belt injury. Please feel free to discuss your questions or concerns with our Illinois auto accident lawyers at any time. Contact us here for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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