How to Handle Seat Belt Injuries in a Cleveland Car Accident Claim

Although seat belts are designed to protect passengers and drivers, they can sometimes lead to unexpected injuries. After a car crash in Cleveland, it is important to be aware of seat belt injuries and legal options for including these damages in a claim.

If you or someone you love has been injured by another driver’s negligence, the experienced Cleveland car accident lawyers at Friedman, Domiano & Smith are ready to help you. When you call for a free legal consultation, we will learn more about your unique situation and walk you through potential legal options.

We have been helping injured victims for decades, securing millions in compensation for our clients. Call our law offices today to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal rights. 

What Are Seat Belt Injuries?

Seat belts are intended to protect drivers and passengers during a collision by restraining them, evenly distributing weight and preventing ejection from the vehicle. However, the force exerted by seat belts can sometimes cause injuries.

What Are Common Types of Seat Belt Injuries?

Understanding the common types of seat belt injuries can help raise awareness about their potential impact and emphasize the importance of proper seat belt use. The type and severity of seat belt injuries vary and could include:

Chest Injuries

Chest injuries could include:

• Surface Bruises: The shoulder belt can cause bruising on the chest, which may present as tender, discolored areas on the skin. Bruising can be caused by the impact and pressure exerted by the seat belt during a collision.
• Contusions: Deeper tissue bruising may affect the muscles, blood vessels and connective tissues in the chest area.

Fractured Ribs

A seat belt could cause car crash victims to sustain fractures and other complications to the chest area:

• Rib Fractures: The force of a seat belt can cause fractures or breaks in the ribs. Rib fractures are especially painful, making it difficult for injured victims to breathe deeply. Crash victims with cracked or fractured ribs could also suffer secondary complications.
• Complications: Depending on the severity of the fracture and where it is located, it could puncture the lungs. The fractured bone or bone fragments could also penetrate surrounding tissues and cause damage to nearby organs.

Abdominal Injuries and Internal Organ Damage

Internal organ damage refers to any injury or harm to the organs located inside the body, which may include:

• Liver and Spleen Injuries: Severe impacts from the seat belt can cause trauma to internal organs such as the liver and spleen. This damage can result in internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated.
• Aortic Injury: In extreme cases, significant chest trauma from the seat belt may injure the aorta, the body’s main artery. This degree of damage could cause severe internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Abdominal Hemorrhage: The pressure of a seat belt against the victim’s abdominal area during a crash could be forceful enough to cause severe damage and internal bleeding. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling and other signs of shock.

Neck and Back Injuries

Neck and back injuries during a car crash typically occur due to the sudden and forceful movement at impact.

Common seat belt injuries to the neck and back may include:

• Whiplash: This common neck injury occurs from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision. While the seat belt helps to restrain the body, the head and neck can still move violently, causing strain or tears in the neck muscles and ligaments.
• Cervical Strain: In addition to whiplash, the sudden deceleration felt during a collision can also cause strain and sprain injuries of the cervical spine muscles and ligaments.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain can result from any car crash, even when wearing a seat belt. Victims who sustained whiplash or cervical strain and sprain may also experience chronic headaches and upper back pain.

Spinal Injuries

• Herniated Discs: The force of the seat belt can worsen existing spinal conditions or cause new injuries, such as herniated or bulging discs in the cervical or lumbar spine. This can compress nerves and lead to pain radiating down the arms or legs.
• Vertebral Fractures: The impact of a collision can cause fractures of the vertebrae, which may cause significant pain, neurological deficits and even long-term disability.

Exacerbation of Pre-Existing Conditions

Seat belt injuries can exacerbate pre-existing back conditions. The force of a seat belt can lead to chronic back pain or degenerative disc disease. Victims may experience worsened symptoms and increased discomfort.

Shoulder Injuries

Seat belts can lead to various shoulder injuries during a collision, often due to:

• Forceful Restraint: During a car crash, the sudden restraint from the seat belt could put pressure on the shoulder joint, potentially causing it to dislocate.
• Ligament Overload: The ligaments in the shoulder are responsible for stabilizing the joint. In a crash, the force can be so great that it overstretches or tears this ligament, causing a sprain.

When Should I Seek Medical Treatment for Seat Belt Injuries?

It is a good idea to seek medical treatment immediately after a car crash to ensure you did not sustain any internal injuries. You should also seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Visible bruising or swelling
• Numbness or weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Delayed symptoms
• Headaches or dizziness

How Could Seat Belt Injuries Impact Car Crash Victims’ Lives?

Besides physical health, seat belt injuries could impact car crash victims in several ways such as:

• Emotional and Psychological Effects: Car crashes are extremely traumatic. Many victims may experience psychological injuries. Some examples include anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These emotional injuries can last long after a victim’s physical injuries have healed.
• Financial Burden: Medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and lost wages due to missing work during the recovery often cause a significant financial burden for victims and their families.
• Quality of life: Severe injuries can lead to long-term or even permanent disabilities. Victims may no longer be able to perform daily activities, enjoy favorite hobbies or maintain personal relationships in the same way as before the crash.
• Legal and Insurance Issues: Navigating the legal and insurance processes to seek compensation for injuries can be stressful and time-consuming for car crash victims.

How to Prevent Seat Belt Injuries During a Car Crash?

Seat belts are crucial for safety. If they are not worn properly, however, it could increase the chance of sustaining injuries during a crash.

Drivers and passengers should ensure their seat belt is fastened properly, such as by:

• Ensuring the belt fits snugly across your chest and hips.
• Placing the shoulder belt so that it rests across the middle of your chest, not your neck.
• Positioning the lap belt so that it lies across your hips, not your abdomen.
• Adjusting the seat belt for comfort and consider using an extender if needed for safety

Reach Out to Friedman, Domiano & Smith After Car Accident Injuries

Injured in a Cleveland crash you did not cause? If so, you should not have to try to navigate the complex legal process on your own. When you work with one of the knowledgeable attorneys at our firm, we manage every aspect of your case, keeping you fully informed every step of the way.

If you need assistance or have questions about your specific situation, do not hesitate to reach out to Friedman, Domiano and Smith. There are no upfront fees or obligations. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you.