Consequences of Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | January 31, 2025 | Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the national seat belt usage rate was 91.9% in 2023. While it seems that the overwhelming majority of people realize the value of seat belts, tens of thousands of drivers still don’t wear them as they should. The negative consequences of not wearing a seat belt can range from minor to catastrophic.
Increased Risk of Injury
Something as simple as not wearing your seat belt can increase your risk of suffering common car accident injuries.
For instance, if you are involved in a rear-end crash, your seat belt could keep you from being jolted into the windshield. However, if you aren’t buckled up, you could hit the dash or windshield. Depending on the speeds involved, you may even go through the windshield and out onto the pavement.
The National Safety Council reports that wearing your seat belt can drastically reduce your risk of injury or death, especially when riding in the front of a vehicle. When front-seat car passengers buckle up, they reduce their risk of death by 45% and their risk of moderate to critical injuries by 50%.
Tickets
California takes seat belt usage very seriously, which is why it has a stiff penalty structure for seat belt tickets. If you are an adult and are caught not wearing your seat belt, you could receive a $162 fine. If you are driving, and you have a passenger under 16 in the vehicle who is not properly belted, you could receive a $490 fine.
Compromised Personal Injury Claims
If you are involved in a traffic crash where the other party was negligent, you may be entitled to compensation. However, if you aren’t wearing your seat belt, the courts may view your decision as contributing to your injuries.
As a result, the amount of compensation you are entitled to could be reduced. In severe instances, you may not be able to recover any compensation, even if the other driver caused the accident.
Higher Medical Bills
If you are involved in a crash and aren’t wearing your seat belt, your injuries will likely be worse. Head-on crashes and T-bone collisions are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents you can experience. These collisions become even more dangerous when you aren’t wearing your seat belt.
More serious injuries mean higher medical bills, which can lead to long-term financial hardship.
Long-Term Disabilities
Car accidents can leave you with permanent disabilities that negatively impact the rest of your life. Your risk of suffering serious or long-term injuries increases when you don’t buckle up. Some examples of long-term disabilities associated with car accidents include traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord damage.
Higher Car Insurance Rates
If you get a ticket for not wearing your seat belt, it will be reported to your insurance company. This can result in higher car insurance premiums.
If you are involved in a car crash and aren’t buckled up, your insurance company will likely find out about that as well. It may substantially increase your rates or drop your policy altogether. In either case, the entire matter will be hard on your wallet.
Buckle Up And Stay Safe
The truth is that car accidents do happen, even if you are being attentive. However, wearing your seat belt reduces your risk of injury and helps protect your right to file a personal injury claim. So the next time you get behind the wheel or hitch a ride with a friend or family member, take an extra second to buckle up. It might just save your life.
Contact the Car Accidents Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000
