False Concepts About Seat Belt Use

Seat belts are fundamental for driver and passenger safety, and these devices are designed to protect individuals should a motor vehicle accident occur. Despite their proven effectiveness and the fact that seat belts have saved many lives, misconceptions surrounding seat belt use persist.

Drivers in Clearwater, Hudson, Tampa need to be committed to promoting safety in order for Florida accidents and injuries to be avoided. Debunking common misconceptions is part of this process. If you were hurt in an accident, despite your efforts to travel safely, discuss accident recovery with a Florida injury attorney.

Common Myths About Seat Belt Use

Seat belts are a primary line of defense, and their design assists in preventing occupants from being ejected from a vehicle in the event of an accident. They also minimize the risk of a person being injured by a blow against hard surfaces in the vehicle’s interior.

Even though seat belts are an effective safety feature, myths surrounding their use remain. Common seat belt misconceptions:

• Not needed for short trips. Car crashes can occur at any time, whether the distance traveled is long or short. Short trips to a friend’s house or the grocery store are not exempt from the potential dangers of the road, so seat belts need to be worn consistently.
• Airbags provide enough protection. While airbags complement seat belts, they are not a substitute. Seat belts have a specific purpose, securing passengers in place is the role of a vehicle safety belt.
• Belts may cause injuries by restricting movement. Seat belt designs have improved over time, and modern belts allow for controlled movement during an accident.
• Sitting in the back seat is safe enough. All occupants, regardless of their seating position, need to wear seat belts to travel safely. Should a collision occur, all unrestrained passengers can pose a danger to themselves and others in the vehicle.
• Accident risks are not present in slow-moving traffic. At low speeds accidents are still possible, and the force generated in a collision, whether slow or fast, can lead to harm. Seat belts provide crucial protection in all driving conditions, fast or slow.

It is possible that seat belt usage can affect liability determinations, and it is also important to recognize that whether or not a seat belt was worn a Florida injury attorney can play a crucial role in accident recovery.

Negotiation and Settlement Options

With expertise in Florida personal injury law, an attorney can review the documentation you have surrounding an accident injury, collect more evidence if required, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Typically, a fair settlement is reached through negotiation, but if that is not possible, your Florida personal injury lawyer will provide you with strong representation in a Florida court of law.

How will you not wearing a seatbelt at the moment of a collision affect your case? After an accident, the attorneys at Roman & Roman can provide you with invaluable support, regardless of seatbelt usage. To connect with 100 years of combined experience, call for a free consultation.

Although the law firm of Roman & Roman has offices in Clearwater, Hudson and Tampa, we handle cases and claims throughout  Florida. We also meet personally with our clients if at all possible, rather than impersonally over the phone or on the Internet.