Seat belts are an essential safety feature in your car. They protect you from crashing through the windshield in a serious collision and can keep you from experiencing a fatal impact. Despite their importance, seat belts themselves can also cause injuries. If you suffered seat belt injuries in Fort Walton Beach, FL, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
At Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent people throughout Florida who have suffered losses in collisions. Take a closer look at how our Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers can help if you suffered a crash involving seat belt injuries by calling (850) 842-5270.
How Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After An Accident In Fort Walton Beach, FL
After a car accident that results in serious injuries, you could quickly start seeing medical bills piling. At the same time, you may lose income as a result of missed work days. Added to this is the physical and emotional distress that often accompanies such injuries, which could lower your quality of life.
Fortunately, under Florida law, you may be able to hold the liable parties responsible for your losses by filing a lawsuit. At Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Fort Walton Beach car accident attorneys has extensive experience in protecting clients just like you. We offer services that include:
- Free consultations
- Case assessment
- Accident investigation
- Negotiations with insurance adjusters
- Litigation, if needed
Our personal injury lawyers have fought for the rights and futures of injury victims throughout northwest Florida for more than 30 years. We’re a family-owned law firm that treats each of our clients with the compassion and respect they deserve. If you’ve suffered losses in a collision, contact our team of lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Common Seat Belt Injuries In Car Accidents
The types of injuries you can sustain from your seat belt can depend greatly on the speed at which you are traveling and how the other vehicle collides with you. In serious car accidents, the seat belt could cause abrasions and bleeding under the skin. Usually, these wounds appear on the abdomen, chest, and neck.
Fractures are also a potential concern with seat belts. Victims can experience broken clavicles and ribs, which can take time to heal but are generally not life-threatening. Other fractures, such as a broken sternum, can put internal organs at risk. Fractured vertebrae can even lead to catastrophic injuries like paralysis.
A seat belt can also cause soft-tissue injuries like sprains and strains. You can experience muscle fiber tears and tendon damage, which can be very painful and could restrict mobility as you heal.
Internal abdominal injuries are a serious concern when it comes to seat belts, especially if you were involved in a high-speed collision. Medical professionals often refer to these injuries as seat belt syndrome. During a crash, the seat belt can compress the abdomen, leading to internal damage to the kidneys, small bowels, stomach, and bladder.
One of the most concerning aspects of seat belt syndrome is that it’s usually not an obvious injury and can take days to exhibit symptoms. This can lead to significant complications that could put your life at risk.
Among the most severe injuries that you can suffer from a seat belt are vascular injuries. The force of the impact can cause the belt to damage crucial blood vessels. Some accidents can even result in the severing of the aorta.
Filing A Claim After A Florida Car Accident
Florida is a no-fault state for traffic accidents. This means that, for the majority of accidents, you need to file a claim against your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. An insurance claim can cover your medical expenses up to the policy limit. If you suffer more serious injuries, however, what are your options?
If you sustain losses that go beyond what your insurance covers, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the party that caused the collision. To do so, you’ll need to prove that negligence occurred, which is not a simple process.
One of the most important steps you can take as you prepare to file a suit is to hire a lawyer. Your legal team can gather the necessary evidence and present a strong claim on your behalf.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to stress over legal fees, either, because car accident lawyers generally work on contingency. This means you only pay if they win, and even then, the payment is a percentage of your compensation.
Contact Our Fort Walton Beach, FL, Car Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered serious seat belt injuries in a Fort Walton Beach car accident, you may be eligible to file a claim against the responsible party. At Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned team is dedicated to fighting on behalf of crash victims throughout the state. Contact our Florida car accident lawyers to get started today.
