Always Wear a Safety Belt in a Car

By now, every responsible driver should know the importance of wearing a safety belt. This is true for everyone in the vehicle as well. Whether we are talking about a short drive to a corner store a couple of blocks away or a long road trip, either situation can result in a catastrophe if the vehicle occupants are not properly buckled in.

We hear the importance of seat belts all the time, but the statistics behind the legal reinforcement make their use so crucial to safety. Consider the following statistics put together by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

National Seat Belt Accident Numbers

1. In 2017, automobile accidents killed 37,133 people in the United States. 47% of those killed were not wearing seat belts.
2. That very same year, safety belts saved approximately 14,955 lives in accidents that would otherwise have proved fatal in America.
3. 51% of men that died in car crashes in 2017 were not wearing their seat belts.
4. Wearing a seat belt while in the front seats can lower your risk of deadly injury by 45%, and another 50% reduction can be found in moderate to critical injuries.
5. The use of a safety belt is even more important when driving in a small or light vehicle. They can minimize the threat of fatal injury by 60% and a reduction in minor to large injuries by 65%

While it’s true that passenger vehicles are more secure than ever before, that does not negate the requirement to stay safe and vigilant. We cannot allow airbags, auto-driving, and collision detection to allow us to feel secure in our cocoon, forgetting to put on our seat belts.

It’s Not Just Smart; It’s the Regulation

Under Utah legislation, everybody in the car must be using a seat belt when the vehicle is moving. All passengers 16 years of age and under must wear age-appropriate restrictions, such as car seats, regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle.

“I was not wearing my safety and security belt. Can I still collect a settlement?”

The short answer is “yes,” but there may be limitations depending on your case. Utah is a modified comparative negligence state. Meaning the plaintiff can generally seek compensation for damages should they be less than 50 percent responsible for the accident and injuries. Their level of mistakes can impact the plaintiff’s complete settlement.

Seeking an SLC Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an automobile mishap in or around the Salt Lake City area, you may be looking for compensation from various drivers’ insurance companies. In general, that insurance provider does not wish to pay you and may even attempt to lessen its customer’s responsibility to lower the amount of compensation to you, or in some cases, refute it outright. That is why it is essential to have an experienced car accident law firm on your side. The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez has been efficiently representing Utah vehicle crash victims for years. Call our office at (801) 590-3275 or contact our office online to speak with a legal representative or schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. This website contains general information relating to areas of law familiar to our firm. The information should not be construed as legal advice or other professional advice. You should not rely on the contents of this website as such. Participation on this website does not create any kind of attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or representation, please contact my office, and I would be pleased to discuss your case with you and see if my firm can help.