Hidden Dangers After a Car Accident

Seatbelts save countless lives daily on Kentucky roads, acting as the first line of defense in vehicle collisions.

While these essential safety devices significantly reduce fatality risks, they can sometimes cause unexpected injuries during accidents.

Understanding these potential injuries is crucial for residents involved in car crashes.

Common Types of Seatbelt Injuries

Abrasions and Bruising

The most visible sign of a seatbelt injury is often bruising or abrasions where the belt made contact with your body. This distinctive marking, known as the “seatbelt sign,” appears as linear bruising across the chest, shoulder, or abdomen after a collision.

Medical professionals look for specific signs of seatbelt syndrome, including horizontal abrasions or bruises across the abdomen and diagonal marks from the hip to the opposite shoulder crossing over the sternum area.

While these marks might seem superficial, they can indicate more serious internal problems.

Rib and Sternum Fractures

When a collision occurs, the force generated by your body moving forward against the seatbelt’s restraint can be powerful enough to fracture your ribs or your sternum.

These injuries cause significant pain and may restrict your breathing and movement for weeks or months after the accident.

Neck and Head Injuries

Improper seatbelt positioning or the sudden jerk during impact can lead to whiplash, neck strains, or even traumatic brain injuries.

These injuries are prevalent in rear-end collisions, where your head may snap forward and backward rapidly despite the restraint.

Abdominal Injuries

The force of impact can lead to intestinal injuries, including perforation or rupture of the bowel, especially since symptoms of abdominal trauma may not appear immediately after the accident.

This delayed presentation makes these injuries particularly dangerous.

The presence of abdominal wall bruising increases the chance of internal injuries substantially, making this a critical warning sign for medical providers.

If you notice abdominal pain hours or even days after an accident, seek immediate medical evaluation.

Spinal Injuries

Seatbelt trauma can cause vertebral fractures in the spine, often described as “a transverse vertebral fracture, caused by hyperflexion about an axis anterior to the vertebral column,” which occurs alongside abdominal trauma in many cases.

These injuries can have long-lasting effects on mobility and quality of life.

“Chance fractures,” also known as seatbelt fractures, are more common with lap belts than three-point belts and require immediate medical attention to prevent complications like progressive spine deformity.

Seatbelt Syndrome

This refers to a specific pattern of injuries that occur from the restraining forces exerted by seatbelts during accidents, typically affecting the upper torso, chest, and abdomen, sometimes including internal organ damage and spine fractures.

Liability in Seatbelt Injury Cases

Determining who’s responsible for your seatbelt injuries can be complex. Several parties might bear liability for your damages, depending on the circumstances of your accident.

At-Fault Driver

If another driver’s negligence caused the collision, they could be primarily responsible for your injuries.

Kentucky follows a pure comparative negligence system, where a percentage of fault is assigned to each driver involved in an accident, potentially reducing your compensation if you share some responsibility.

Vehicle or Seatbelt Manufacturers

Sometimes the seatbelt itself may be defective. If it fails to function correctly during an accident, such as not locking in place or releasing unexpectedly, the manufacturer might be liable for your injuries.

These cases involve product liability law and require a thorough investigation by experienced attorneys.

When to Seek Medical Attention

After an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

Any visible bruising or marks where your seatbelt contacted your body

Pain in your chest, abdomen, or back

Difficulty breathing

Abdominal tenderness or swelling

Nausea or vomiting

Remember that internal injuries might not show symptoms immediately, making it crucial to get evaluated even if you feel relatively unharmed immediately after the crash.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Seatbelt injury cases require specialized knowledge of Kentucky traffic laws and medical evidence. A skilled attorney can:

Investigate the accident to determine liability

Consult with medical experts to establish the connection between your injuries and the collision

Handle negotiations with insurance companies

Build a compelling case for maximum compensation

Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached

Contact Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers For Help Today

Our team at Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers understands the complexities of seatbelt injury cases and the physical, emotional, and financial toll they can take on Kentucky families.

We’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.

If you’ve suffered seatbelt injuries in a collision that wasn’t your fault, contact us today at 502-888-8888 to schedule your free consultation.

Our clients get our Bigger Share Guarantee and no-win, no-fee representation, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.