Everyone knows that they must wear their seatbelt when they’re in a vehicle. This is a simple safety solution that can save lives and reduce the risk that occupants of vehicles will suffer serious injuries if they crash.
Some people don’t realize that there’s also a risk that comes with seatbelts. The very safety feature that’s meant to protect someone could actually cause injuries. Still, the benefits of the seatbelt far outweigh the risk of seatbelt-related injuries.
Possible injuries that may occur
One of the most common seatbelt-related injuries is bruising across the chest and abdomen. The force of a sudden stop can press the seatbelt tightly against your body, leaving bruises or even minor fractures. In some cases, seatbelts can cause injuries to the spine or intestines. This is usually due to a seatbelt that’s not being worn properly.
Decreasing the risk of injuries
In order to reduce the risk of injuries, vehicle occupants must wear the seatbelt correctly. The top strap should land squarely on the shoulder, while the bottom strap should be firm across the hips. If it’s too close to the neck, it could lead to whiplash or other damage to the soft tissues in the shoulder and neck. If it’s across the abdomen, internal injuries may occur.
Victims of car crashes should seek out immediate medical attention. They may opt to pursue a claim for compensation if the cause of the crash was another person’s negligence. This must be done within the time allowed by state law, so swift action is critical in these cases.
