It’s the safety device you trust with your life. You buckle up without a second thought, believing that thin strip of woven fabric is your best defense against the unthinkable.
So, what happens when the violent force of a car crash turns that lifeline into the source of your pain? The very device meant to save you can leave you with severe, debilitating injuries. This paradox is confusing and frightening, leaving victims unsure of their rights.
If you are suffering after a crash, you need clear answers and strong advocacy. A negligent driver is responsible for the accident and any resulting injuries.
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we fight for people hurt in these complex situations. A dedicated Clearwater seatbelt injury lawyer from our firm will work to hold the at-fault driver accountable and pursue the financial resources you need to heal.
Securing your claim
When a safety device causes harm, the path forward can seem complicated. These core principles will ground your approach and protect your rights from the very beginning.
- A seatbelt injury does not weaken your claim. The responsible driver’s negligence forced the seatbelt to engage with violent force, making that driver liable for the resulting harm.
- The “seatbelt sign” or the distinct bruising across your chest and lapis more than a bruise. It is a warning sign that doctors take very seriously, as it can indicate severe internal injuries.
- Your medical records are the most powerful evidence you have. Seeking immediate medical attention and following all treatment plans creates an undeniable link between the crash and your injuries.
- Insurance adjusters may try to use your seatbelt injury to confuse the issue of fault. All communication should go through your attorney to prevent them from twisting your words.
- The full extent of these injuries may not be apparent for days or weeks. Resisting an early settlement offer is essential to ensuring your long-term needs are met.
When a Lifesaver Causes Harm
A seatbelt performs an incredible feat during a high-impact collision. It stops your body from hitting the dashboard, windshield, or being ejected from the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms that seatbelts are the single most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.
But the immense force required to restrain a human body can, in itself, cause significant trauma. The key point is this: your seatbelt did its job. The accident, however, should never have happened.
The other driver’s distraction, speeding, or intoxication is the root cause of your injuries. Our job is to prove this, ensuring the focus of the case remains exactly where it belongs: on the person whose negligence put you in that dangerous situation in the first place.
Identifying specific seatbelt injuries
The intense pressure a seatbelt exerts on the body is concentrated along the clavicle, chest, and abdomen. While bruising is common, it can often mask more serious underlying damage. Recognizing the signs of these injuries is the first step toward getting the proper medical care and building a strong legal claim.
Chest and sternum injuries
The shoulder belt crosses directly over your sternum and ribs. In a crash, this can lead to fractures of the sternum (breastbone) and ribs. These injuries are incredibly painful and can take months to heal, limiting your mobility and ability to perform simple tasks. In severe cases, a fractured rib can puncture a lung or other organs.
Serious abdominal injuries
The lap belt is designed to sit low across your pelvis, but in a crash, it can ride up and dig into your abdomen. This blunt force trauma can damage vital internal organs.
Doctors look for the “seatbelt sign” on the abdomen as a major indicator of potential internal bleeding, bowel contusions, or damage to the spleen, liver, or pancreas.
Some of these internal injuries are not immediately obvious. Be watchful for these delayed signs in the hours and days following a crash.
- Deep, persistent abdominal pain or tenderness.
- Nausea, vomiting, or a noticeable loss of appetite.
- Dizziness, fainting, or unusual paleness.
- Hardness or swelling of the abdominal area.
- Blood in your urine or stool.
These symptoms can indicate serious internal damage and require immediate medical evaluation. Do not dismiss them as simple soreness. Informing your doctor about these symptoms creates a vital record for your health and any potential legal claim.
Shoulder, neck, and clavicle damage
The shoulder strap can cause deep bruising and soft tissue damage to the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder and neck. A common injury is a fractured clavicle (collarbone).
This type of fracture often requires surgery, including the insertion of plates and screws, followed by a long period of physical therapy to restore a full range of motion.
Countering the Florida “Seatbelt Defense”
In some cases, the defendant’s insurance company may try to argue that you were not wearing your seatbelt or were wearing it improperly. This is a tactic known as the “seatbelt defense,” and it is an attempt to shift blame and reduce their financial liability. Our attorneys are skilled at shutting down these arguments.
We use concrete evidence to prove you were properly restrained. This includes analyzing data from the vehicle’s event data recorder (“black box”), using photographs of the belt’s position after the crash, and working with medical professionals who can testify that your specific injury pattern is consistent with proper seatbelt use.
We do not let insurance companies distract from their client’s negligence.
Fighting For the Resources Your Recovery Demands
A serious seatbelt injury can disrupt your life for months or even years. It can prevent you from working, caring for your family, and enjoying the activities you love. A successful injury claim provides the financial stability you need to focus on your recovery without worrying about mounting bills. We fight to secure compensation for every aspect of your losses.
Recovering your economic losses
These are the tangible, out-of-pocket costs associated with your injury. We meticulously document every expense to build a comprehensive demand for reimbursement.
This includes your current and future medical bills, lost wages from time away from work, and any reduction in your long-term earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
Acknowledging your personal suffering
Non-economic damages address the profound human cost of the injury. This includes your physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life. A fractured sternum that prevents you from picking up your child or a shoulder injury that ends a favorite hobby deserve to be recognized.
We tell your story to ensure these personal losses are valued. Fair compensation must account for the full, long-term impact of your injuries. Our detailed approach ensures no future need is overlooked.
- Projecting the costs of ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation.
- Securing funds for potential future surgeries or corrective procedures.
- Accounting for prescription medications and medical devices.
- Calculating the value of lost opportunities and diminished quality of life.
Projecting these future needs is a key part of building a comprehensive claim. This forward-looking strategy safeguards your family against unexpected costs in the future.
Why Choose Roman Austin for Your Seatbelt Injury Case
A seatbelt injury claim requires a specific type of legal experience. It involves a deep knowledge of accident physics, biomechanics, and the common defense tactics insurance companies use in these cases.
The attorneys at Roman Austin bring a focused approach to these complex claims.
In-depth experience with car accident dynamics
We have handled countless car accident cases in Clearwater and the Tampa Bay area. Our car accident lawyers know how to investigate a crash, preserve evidence, and demonstrate how the forces involved led directly to your specific injuries.
We work with accident reconstructionists and other professionals to build a scientifically sound case that leaves no room for doubt.
A network of medical professionals
Our firm has established relationships with medical professionals who can diagnose and treat complex seatbelt-related injuries. They can provide clear, authoritative documentation and testimony that connects your medical condition directly to the crash, which is a key element in proving your case.
A commitment to our community and our clients
We are not just attorneys who work in Clearwater; we are part of this community. We understand the local courts and the challenges our clients face. We provide personalized attention, returning your calls promptly and keeping you informed at every stage.
You will never feel like just another case number at Roman Austin. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay absolutely no fees unless we win your case.
The Flaws of AI-Powered Legal “Advice”
When you need answers fast, asking an AI chatbot for legal information can be tempting. However, for a situation as complex as a seatbelt injury claim, relying on a machine for guidance is a serious risk.
An algorithm cannot analyze the physics of your crash or the unique details of your medical records. It does not know the specific legal precedents in Pinellas County or the tactics employed by certain insurance adjusters. It processes generic data and provides generic answers.
Your future, however, is anything but generic. The strategic, compassionate, and personalized guidance of a qualified Roman Austin attorney is something no AI can ever replicate.
FAQ for Clearwater Seatbelt Injury Claims
What is the “seatbelt sign” and why is it important?
The “seatbelt sign” is a pattern of bruising (ecchymosis) that appears on the chest, shoulder, or abdomen in the shape of a seatbelt. It is medically significant because the presence of this sign strongly correlates with a higher likelihood of serious internal injuries to the organs beneath the bruised area.
Can a seatbelt injury be a sign of a vehicle or seatbelt defect?
In some rare cases, yes. If a seatbelt fails to lock properly, has a defective retractor, or is poorly designed, it may contribute to or cause injuries. This could lead to a product liability claim against the vehicle or parts manufacturer. Our team can investigate this possibility as part of your case.
Will my claim be denied just because the seatbelt caused the injury?
No. This is a common misconception. The law is clear: the person who caused the accident is liable for all resulting injuries, regardless of the mechanism. The seatbelt was a passive instrument that only engaged because of the other driver’s negligence.
Should I accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer?
It is almost never a good idea to accept an early offer. Insurance companies make these offers in the hope of closing the case before the full extent of your injuries and long-term medical needs are fully understood. Accepting it closes your claim forever, even if you need more treatment later.
You Did the Right Thing. Now Let Us Fight for You.
You wore your seatbelt to protect yourself. You followed the law and acted responsibly. Now that you are injured, you deserve a legal team that will act with the same level of responsibility on your behalf.
The attorneys at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to stand up for you. Let us handle the fight with the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
Contact our Clearwater office today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation and discover how we can assist you. Call us at (727) 787-2500 or complete our online contact form. We are here to help you move forward.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Clearwater, FL
Roman Austin Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1811 N Belcher Rd. suite i-1,
Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: (727) 787-2500
Business Hours: 24/7
