Raleigh Car Accident Seat Belt Injuries
Did you recently suffer injuries from a seat belt in a car crash? You’re not alone. Seat belts protect people, but they can also lead to painful injuries that bring medical bills, time away from work, and plenty of stress. These injuries can raise many questions, especially if it’s not clear who’s responsible.
A car accident seat belt injury lawyer from Hardison & Cochran can look into your case, explain your options, and guide you through your injury claim. We know how to deal with insurance companies and understand the details that matter in seat belt injury claims. Contact us today to arrange your free consultation. Let us help you get the answers you need and take action to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Common Types of Seat Belt Injuries in Car Accidents
Seat belts keep people safe in car accidents, but they can also cause injuries during a crash. While these injuries are often less severe than those that could occur without a seat belt, they still matter. The following are some examples of the most common types of car accident seat belt injuries:
- Bruising and Surface Wounds – If a crash throws the body forward, modern seat belts tighten quickly to hold vehicle occupants in place. This can leave deep bruises, red marks, and even scrapes along the path of the belt across the chest, shoulder, and stomach. Doctors refer to this pattern as the “seat belt sign.”.
- Abdominal Injuries – The lap part of a seat belt presses across the lower belly, so the impact force from crashes can lead to damage inside the abdomen. This can include injuries to the intestines, spleen, pancreas, or liver. Even if there’s no pain right away, internal injuries like these can lead to severe problems like bleeding, organ damage, or infections without immediate treatment.
- Spinal Injuries – Seat belts sometimes cause injuries to the lower spine, especially in crashes where the vehicle flips or jerks forward suddenly. One type of spinal injury, called a Chance fracture can affect the middle or lower back if the spine bends sharply over the lap belt. This is a serious injury that can lead to weakness, numbness, and even paralysis.
- Chest Injuries – The shoulder strap of a seat belt can cause broken ribs, cracked breastbones, or bruised lungs in a crash. These injuries usually hurt when breathing, coughing, or moving the upper body. In more severe cases, the force of the crash can also affect the heart or blood vessels in the chest.
- Collarbone and Neck Injuries – If shoulder straps ride up too high or if someone turns their head at the moment of impact, the seat belt can put substantial pressure on the neck or collarbone. This can lead to collarbone fractures, muscle strain, or damage to nerves or blood vessels.
- Soft Tissue and Muscle Strain – Crashes often stretch or tear muscles and ligaments in the neck, back, and shoulders. These injuries may not be apparent immediately but can lead to stiffness, headaches, or persistent pain. They’re common in rear-end or side crashes where the body twists or snaps back suddenly.
When Seat Belts Cause More Harm Than Good
Seat belts undoubtedly save lives. However, they can also cause serious injuries in some crashes.
A seat belt works by stopping your body from moving forward during a sudden impact. That opposing force can press hard on your chest, stomach, or neck and cause injuries to your organs, spine, or bones. These injuries can be painful, take a long time to heal, and sometimes require surgery.
In rare cases, seat belts can even make crash injuries worse. For example, this can occur if the belt presses against an already weakened spine or is worn incorrectly. While it’s still safer to wear a seat belt than not, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of seat belt injuries after a crash.
Legal Challenges in Seat Belt Injury Cases
Seat belt injury cases often involve tricky questions about who or what caused the harm. Insurance companies might argue that your injuries aren’t as bad as you say, or they could claim that you were wearing the seat belt incorrectly. Some may even try to say that you wouldn’t have suffered the injury if you had used the seat belt “properly,” even if that’s not true. Others might try to shift the blame or delay payment.
A lawyer can step in and deal with these tactics. They can gather the medical records, crash reports, and expert opinions you need to prove what really happened. An attorney can also explain your rights and help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.
Proving Liability in Raleigh Seat Belt Injury Claims
You need to show who caused the crash and how that person’s actions led to your injury to win a seat belt injury claim. The at-fault party could be another driver, a seat belt manufacturer, or some third party.
When you work with an experienced lawyer, they can dig into the facts, collect crash reports, review medical records, and work with experts to figure out what went wrong. They can also investigate whether a faulty seat belt, poor vehicle design, or bad installation job played a role.
Your attorney can help you hold the right party responsible and push for fair compensation by building a strong case and showing how the injury has affected your life.
How Hardison & Cochran Can Help with Your Seat Belt Injury Case
When people choose Hardison & Cochran, you’re not just hiring a law firm. You’re forming a relationship with real people who will treat you with respect, honesty, and care. Here’s what one former client had to say about working with us:
“Ben Cochran is the absolute most genuine, honest, and sincere person you will ever meet. He treated me with respect and dignity throughout this entire process. His professionalism is unmatched! Hopefully I won’t ever need this firm again, but if I do, I know I’m in good hands!”
— Polo D.
If you suffered a seat belt injury in a car accident, now is the time to speak with a lawyer who knows how to help. The car accident seat belt injury lawyers at Hardison & Cochran have spent over 40 years helping people throughout North Carolina. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in fair compensation for car accident victims, and we’re ready to help you demand the recovery you deserve. Contact our team today to discuss your situation and get answers in a free, no-obligation consultation.
