Seatbelts save lives, but they can also cause injuries during a serious crash. If you need a Palm Beach Gardens seatbelt injury lawyer, Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is ready to help. Our team has 80 years of combined experience and has recovered over $500 million for injury victims. Reach out today for a free consultation at (561) 944-4000.
Many people are surprised when they suffer serious injuries even while wearing a seatbelt correctly. In some cases, a defective restraint system or high-speed impact may cause severe harm. Our team helps injured victims in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, pursue compensation after painful and costly accidents.
How Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Seatbelt Injury in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
After a crash in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, seatbelt injuries can leave victims dealing with bruising, internal injuries, chest trauma, and ongoing pain. The experienced Palm Beach Gardens car accident lawyers at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers understand how these injuries can affect your health, finances, and daily life.
Our legal team works to investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the collision
- Collecting medical records and accident evidence
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Fighting for maximum compensation in settlement negotiations or court
Our trusted Palm Beach Gardens personal injury attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Overview of Seatbelt Injuries
Seatbelt injuries happen when the force of a crash places heavy pressure on the body. During a collision, the seatbelt locks to keep a person from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle. While this protection saves lives, it can also place stress on the chest, stomach, neck, and shoulders.
Some injuries are minor and heal quickly, while others may require surgery or long-term treatment. The severity of the injury often depends on vehicle speed, crash angle, and whether the restraint system worked properly. Children and older adults may face a higher risk of serious complications.
What Causes Seatbelt Injuries?
Seatbelt injuries are usually caused by the force of a collision. Even when a restraint system works correctly, the pressure from a crash can injure the body.
Common causes of seatbelt injuries include:
- High-speed car accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Truck accidents
- Defective seatbelt systems
- Rollover crashes
In some cases, faulty seatbelt parts may fail to lock or tighten properly during the accident. Poor vehicle design or defective airbags may also make injuries worse. Our team investigates every detail to determine what caused the injury.
What Is My Seatbelt Injury Case Worth?
The value of a seatbelt injury claim depends on several factors. Minor injuries may lead to smaller settlements, while severe injuries involving surgery or permanent damage may result in higher compensation.
Important factors include:
- The seriousness of the injury
- Medical costs and future treatment
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Pain and emotional suffering
A person with lasting spinal damage or internal injuries may face years of medical care. Cases involving defective vehicle parts may also involve larger claims. Our team works to fully understand how the injury has affected your life before pursuing compensation.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover for My Seatbelt Injury?
Victims may recover compensation for both financial losses and personal suffering after a seatbelt injury. Economic damages cover losses that can be measured with bills and records.
Economic damages may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills and surgeries
- Lost income from missed work
- Physical therapy expenses
Non-economic damages cover the personal effects of the injury. These damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. For example, a victim who can no longer exercise, travel, or sleep comfortably may recover compensation for those hardships.
Who Could Be Liable for a Seatbelt Injury in Florida?
Liability for a seatbelt injury in Florida depends on how the accident happened and whether a defective seatbelt contributed to the harm. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible for the injuries a victim suffers during a collision.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- A negligent driver who caused the accident
- A vehicle manufacturer that produced a defective seatbelt
- A seatbelt component manufacturer
- A dealership that sold a defective vehicle
- A repair shop that improperly installed or repaired the seatbelt
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions
A skilled Florida personal injury lawyer can help determine who is responsible and fight to recover the compensation you deserve after a serious accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Seatbelt Injury Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law places a deadline on personal injury claims. In most cases, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation.