A car accident can be a stressful experience even when you’ve done all the right things, like wearing a seat belt. But what if you weren’t wearing a seat belt and you got into a car accident? If you find yourself wondering, “Can I still file a car accident claim if I wasn’t wearing a seat belt?” then it helps to understand the seat belt laws for the state where the accident took place. There are certain laws in place to protect drivers and passengers, including wearing a seat belt for safety. If you were not wearing a seat belt during a car accident, you run the risk of experiencing more serious injuries than those protected by these safety features. Talk to your car accident chiropractor about documenting your injuries for a car accident claim and make sure you get the quality health care you need to fully recover.
Benefits of Using Your Seat Belt
There are a number of benefits to wearing a seat belt, even if you are just driving up the street to the store or taking the same drive to work and back every day.
Prevent Ejection from Vehicle During a Crash
Seat belts were first designed to help prevent passengers from being ejected from the vehicle during a crash. The first safety belts only strapped around the waist, and advancements in technology and safety have created the safer options we have today. Now, seat belts also cross from your shoulder to your hip to help hold your upper body in place as well.
Protect Children During an Accident
Seat belts are a very important part of keeping your children safe in the car. If you were to get into a car accident with children in the car, a seat belt helps to prevent them from getting seriously injured or even ejected from the vehicle.
Reduce Severe Injuries from a Car Accident
Seat belts should be one of the must-have safety features in your next car. Seat belts also help to reduce the severity of injuries you may suffer due to a car accident. The seat belt helps to hold your body in place, and when worn properly, it can keep you from a more serious injury like a blow to the head.
Consequences of Not Wearing a Seat Belt
There are consequences for not wearing a seat belt, no matter whether you were in a car accident or not. These consequences will depend on what state you are in. Pay attention to these seat belt laws in Georgia:
Seat Belt Violation Penalties
You can receive a violation penalty for not wearing a seat belt while riding in a vehicle. The penalty includes a ticket and fine that depends on the age of the occupants and whether this is a first-time offense.
Risk of Injury to Driver and Passengers
If you are not wearing a seat belt, you actually risk your own health and safety as well as the other passengers in the vehicle. If you are not buckled in, your body can get jostled and thrown around in the vehicle, which can actually cause your body to harm others even if they are wearing a seat belt.
Decrease Compensation for Car Accident Claim
If you are not wearing a seat belt during a car accident, then you also risk receiving a decrease in compensation for a car accident claim. You can still file a claim if you were not wearing a seat belt during a car accident, but you may not be fully compensated.
Treating Injuries with a Car Accident Chiropractor
No matter whether you were wearing a seat belt or not, if you were in a car accident, then you need to visit a car accident doctor as soon as possible. Car accident doctors diagnose and treat car accident injuries every day and can help recognize serious injuries. The sooner you seek treatment after a car accident, the more effective your treatment will be. This can also help you to avoid developing any complications or other issues like chronic pain. Visit a car accident chiropractor in Tucker at AICA Orthopedics. Our team of car accident doctors will treat your injuries and help you file a car accident claim.