Everyone knows the importance of buckling up while riding in a vehicle. Seat belts offer the best possible protection from injuries in the event of a car accident. However, many people don’t realize that the seat belt itself could be the cause of certain injuries. While it is still best practice to always wear a seat belt, it’s important to be aware of what seat belt syndrome can look like. That way, you know to seek fair financial compensation for these injuries with your Las Vegas car accident lawyer.
Understanding “Seat Belt Syndrome” After a Car Accident
Seat belt syndrome describes one or multiple injuries that can occur when the belt of a safety harness compresses parts of the body in a motor vehicle collision. Any place where the belt comes into contact with an individual’s body in a car crash could result in seat-belt related injuries from the force of the impact.
Common Types of Seat Belt Injuries
Seat belt syndrome can involve many different injuries to various parts of the body, ranging from minor harm to severe, catastrophic or even fatal injuries. These injuries may be immediately apparent or may take hours (or even days) to show symptoms. Seat belt syndrome injuries can include:
- Bruising
- Contusions
- Soft-tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Cuts or lacerations
- Compression or crush injuries
- Rib fractures
- Collarbone damage
- Abdominal injuries
- Internal injuries or organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries or whiplash
- Shoulder injuries
You can do your best to prevent seat belt syndrome with proper placement of the shoulder and lap belts. The belt should lie flat across the hips, not stomach. The shoulder belt should go across the chest, not around the neck or behind the back.
Signs and Symptoms of Seat Belt Syndrome
You may have seat belt syndrome after an automobile accident in Nevada if you feel signs of an injury in places where the seat belt restrained you in the crash – namely, your shoulder, chest, abdomen and hips. Symptoms can include pain, weakness in the legs, visible marks or bruising, tissue swelling, muscle strain, dizziness, blood in your urine or stool, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. Keep in mind that your adrenaline from the collision could mask pain immediately after the accident. This is why you should always visit a doctor or emergency room after a car crash, even if you initially feel fine. A doctor may diagnose you with seat belt syndrome after a physical examination and x-rays.
Can You Recover Compensation for Seat Belt Syndrome in Las Vegas?
In Nevada, a car accident victim has the right to seek financial compensation for injuries, property damage, financial losses, and pain and suffering from the person or party at fault for causing the crash. If you or your car accident attorney can prove that the other driver is to blame for the accident, that driver’s insurance company can be responsible for paying for all of your damages – including seat belt syndrome. Securing fair compensation may take representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas. The right attorney will specialize in car accident law and have the legal resources to dedicate to your case. An attorney can negotiate for maximum compensation for your seat-belt related injuries while you focus on healing. To begin your case with a free consultation, contact Koch & Brim, LLP 24/7.