Safety experts emphasize the importance of buckling up, whether you are a driver or passenger. While seat belts have saved countless lives, they can cause injuries when involved in high-impact car accidents. The force of a crash, body position at the moment of impact, and how the seat belt rests against the body can all affect the outcomes. While seat belts are an important part of passenger protection, their use is not without risks in certain situations.
What Are the Most Common Seat Belt Injuries?
Seat belt injuries can affect areas where the restraint comes into contact with the body, including the chest, abdomen, shoulder, and neck. Common injuries include:
- Bruising and abrasions, which may occur when the fabric of the belt rubs or presses against the skin under sudden pressure. These marks are often visible across the collarbone or lower abdomen and may be referred to as a “seat belt sign.”
- Rib fractures may occur due to the force distributed across the chest wall during a high-speed impact. In more severe collisions, this can lead to injuries to the lungs, such as pneumothorax or pulmonary contusions.
- Abdominal trauma can also result from lap belts compressing the stomach area. This may affect internal organs like the liver, spleen, or intestines.
- Shoulder injuries, including sprains or dislocations, may result from the upper part of the restraint.
- Neck strain or whiplash can occur when the head and neck are jolted forward despite the torso being held back by the belt.
How Do Seat Belt Injuries Affect Children and Smaller Adults?
Children and individuals with smaller frames are more vulnerable to seat belt-related injuries, as improper seat belt fit plays a significant role in injury patterns among these groups. For example, when the shoulder strap crosses the neck instead of the chest, there is a higher chance of cervical spine injuries or airway damage.
Lap belts that sit too high on the abdomen instead of the hips can cause spinal or intestinal injuries. Children in booster seats may also experience injuries if the seat belt is not properly adjusted to their height and weight. Careful attention to proper restraint positioning is especially important for young passengers.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Seat Belt Injuries?
While many seat belt injuries resolve with time and medical care, others can have lasting effects:
- Rib fractures may cause persistent chest pain or breathing discomfort.
- If internal organs are affected, recovery may involve surgery, prolonged hospitalization, or permanent loss of function.
- Injury to the spine or spinal cord can have serious consequences, including chronic pain, mobility impairment, or neurological issues.
- Scarring from deep abrasions or burns caused by seat belt friction may also be long-lasting.
- In some cases, psychological effects may occur after a traumatic collision, especially when physical injuries are combined with emotional distress.
These aftereffects may interfere with daily life and require ongoing treatment.
How Can Medical Help Support a Legal Claim for a Seat Belt Injury?
Medical records are a central part of any legal case involving personal injury. They provide documentation of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Seat belt-related injuries are often clearly described in emergency department notes, imaging reports, and follow-up care summaries.
A visible “seat belt sign” may prompt physicians to order imaging tests to check for internal injuries. These records can demonstrate a link between the restraint use and specific injuries sustained during the collision. Medical records also show the timeline of recovery, which may affect claims for pain, suffering, and lost wages.
Delaware County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Advocate for Seat Belt Use and Help Clients With Injuries
Our Delaware County car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. have extensive experience with personal injury claims related to motor vehicle crashes and offer confidential consultations. To learn more, call our Media or West Chester, Pennsylvania office at 610-565-3701 or submit our online form. We proudly serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.