Seat belts are the most important safety invention of the automotive industry, and have saved thousands of lives.
Yet it is also possible for a seat belt to cause injuries due to the impact of the body against the safety belt in a crash or because of seat belt defects.
These unique cases can leave victims with many questions about their legal rights. It is important to hire an attorney with experience handling seat belt injury claims in Las Vegas to help you get the results you need.
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Common Seat Belt Injuries and Their Causes
Seat belt injuries can occur in a car accident when the vehicle occupant’s body is flung forcefully into the safety harness. The impact between the body and the belt can result in what is known as “seat belt syndrome,” or a pattern of injuries in the locations where the belt touches the body – typically, the chest, shoulder and lap.
Common types of seat belt injuries include:
- Bruising and soft-tissue injuries
- Cuts and abrasions
- Broken ribs
- Chest injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Vascular injuries
If a seat belt is defective, this can increase the risk of injury. Seat belt latch failure, for example, can lead to the belt failing to protect the user in a vehicle collision. The most frequent locations for harmful car accidents in Las Vegas are busy roadways, such as the Las Vegas Strip, Summerlin Parkway and I-15.
Legal Options for Seat Belt Injury Victims in Las Vegas
If you sustain seat belt injuries due to the typical forces of a car crash in Las Vegas, the driver or party at fault for the collision may be held responsible as part of your car accident claim. You can list your seat belt injuries on your claim and recover the costs of related medical care and other losses.
If, however, there is evidence that your seat belt was defective, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the seat belt manufacturer or dealership. It is important to collect as much evidence as possible after your seat belt injury to support your claim. This may include a police accident report, photographs of the scene, witness statements and your medical records.
How a Specialized Las Vegas Seat Belt Injury Attorney Can Help
Hiring a car accident attorney in Las Vegas with experience specifically handling seat belt injuries can give you an edge during insurance claim negotiations or a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney can investigate to determine the cause of your injuries and search for evidence to prove fault, which may include hiring subject-matter experts.
Your lawyer will seek maximum financial compensation for past and future losses, such as medical costs, property damage, pain and suffering, and lost wages. It is important to find an attorney with local knowledge of Nevada laws and Las Vegas courts for the strongest possible seat belt injury claim.
Don’t Wait to Contact an Attorney
Under Nevada law, you have no more than two years from the date of your automobile accident to file a seat belt injury claim (Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190). However, an insurance claim should be filed much sooner – ideally, within a day or two of the crash. Protect your rights by contacting an attorney as soon as possible.
A lawyer from Edward Bernstein & Associates can provide you with the legal expertise and compassionate guidance that you need to get through this difficult time. Schedule a free case consultation with our seat belt injury attorneys in Las Vegas to learn more.