If you start to notice the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.Ī seat belt injury can be diagnosed with X-Rays or C.T. It can be difficult to know what injuries have occurred until the symptoms begin to appear. If you suspect that you’ve sustained seat belt-related injuries, one of the first signs to look for is the seat belt sign, which is characterized by abdominal pain and bruising around the abdomen in the shape of a seat belt. The body parts that can be most affected by seat belt injuries are:Īround 30% of car accident passengers are treated in hospitals for internal injuries caused by seat belt-related injuries. Wearing a seatbelt while driving or riding in the car is always important, as it can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death. If you suspect you have been injured from wearing a seat belt, seek immediate medical attention. Seatbelt injuries can be serious and life-threatening. The severity of the injuries can vary depending on the force of the collision, the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, and the positioning of the seatbelt. The seat belt itself can cause a significant force to be applied to the body, which can cause injuries like rib fractures, internal organ damage, and spinal cord injuries. Seat belt syndrome, also known as seatbelt injury, is a group of common injuries one can sustain while wearing a seatbelt during a car accident. These laws cover passengers ages 8 to 17 in all seats and 18 and over in the front seat. Does Georgia Have Primary Enforcement or Secondary Enforcement of Seat Belts?Īs of September 1996, Georgia began enforcing primary enforcement laws. Secondary enforcement only allows police officers to ticket a person if they aren’t wearing a seat belt as long as they have been pulled over for another offense first. Secondary enforcement is only recognized in 15 states for front-seat occupants, while 11 states recognize it for back-seat passengers. As of 2021, front-seat occupants using seat belts was five percent higher in states with primary enforcement than in states that did not enforce it, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis 2021.
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These primary enforcement laws are working. Currently, primary enforcement is carried out in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Primary enforcement laws give police officers the right to stop and ticket anyone riding or driving in the front seat that isn’t wearing a seat belt. There are separate seat belt laws that protect children. Also, in 32 states and the District of Columbia, adult back-seat passengers are covered by different laws. Other than New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia require all front-seat occupants to wear seat belts. While seatbelts have been proven to lower the risk of death, in 2009 alone, 53% of people involved in fatal car accidents were not wearing seatbelts. This upgrade resulted in an almost 50% decrease in fatal injuries from car accidents. This is the seat belt we know and use today. In 1973, the three-point harness replaced the lap belts. Seat belts were invented in 1894, but the lap belt didn’t become standard in vehicles until 1964. Call our offices today at (770) 394-8909 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Sandy Springs personal injury attorneys at Ashenden & Associates will fight for you and your loved ones to receive the financial compensation that you deserve. You could be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has suffered seat belt injuries due to a car accident caused by someone’s negligence.
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Since wearing seat belts is required by Georgia law, you can’t avoid all potential seat belt injuries. Even though seat belts can cause some injuries, nothing compares to what can happen if one isn’t wearing a seat belt.Īny injury caused by wearing a seat belt is known as seat belt syndrome. Since seat belts must be strong enough to hold you in place, the force protecting you can also hurt you. While seat belts can save lives in a car accident, they also cause injuries.
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Trucking Accidents Caused By Tire Blowouts.