Las Vegas Seat Belt Injury Compensation Lawyers

Seat belts are recommended, although there are serious injuries related to their use since in some cases the lack of a seat belt implies a greater risk of death. The seat belt does not change the total force received by the occupant in a car accident. However, distributes it in less vulnerable places in the pelvic area and, in the case of the three points, in the thorax, the sternum, and the clavicle. Additionally, it prevents the occupant from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of a collision, making it more effective compared to not wearing a seat belt in car rollover accidents. Although it should be clear that its use does not reduce the risk of suffering an injury, it does reduce the number of serious and fatal injuries.

Also, even though seat belts have been shown to reduce mortality in car accidents, the so-called seat belt syndrome has been described since 1962. Many studies reported injuries caused using seat belts, mostly related to the use of the pelvic type, but there are also reports of the use of the three-point belt. Some of the most common types of seat belt injuries are attributed to incorrect use of the device, which should be placed under the anterior superior iliac spines on each side and diagonally across the chest, crossing the middle third of the clavicle. Due to the consequences that these can cause in the body of the victims, the search for fair compensation is necessary. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a Las Vegas seat belt injury compensation lawyer.

HOW DO THE SEAT BELTS WORK?

When a vehicle traveling at 50 km/h collides with a solid barrier, the barrier creates a force that reduces the vehicle’s speed to zero. Unlike the vehicle, the people and objects inside the vehicle do not directly hit the barrier, so they continue to move at 50 km/h until something stops the force to bring their speed to zero.

For unbelted vehicle occupants, this drastic reduction in speed can cause an impact on the vehicle’s instrument panel, steering wheel, windshield, or, in the event of a physical ejection, the ground or an object outside the vehicle. Just as the vehicle sustains damage when colliding with a barrier, so does the human body, which suffers blunt force trauma when colliding with a high-speed object. These injuries can be very serious or fatal.

Although seat belts continue to be the most effective safety measure to reduce serious and fatal injuries in the event of a collision, they are not exempt from being the cause of these injuries on certain occasions.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF SEAT BELT INJURIES IN LAS VEGAS?

Like any other type of device, seat belts are also subject to failure or damage. These can originate from factory defects or damage suffered due to its misuse, which will prevent it from fulfilling its main task of protecting the lives of the drivers and passengers of a vehicle. Among the most common causes of seat belt injuries, we have:

• The seat belt disengages by itself during an accident or collision.
• The belt is not fastened correctly.
• The belt jams because its retractor is worn, which can cause it to come loose during an accident.
• Seat belt design or factory problems, such as a mismatched buckle.
• Material or fabric of the belt is in a deplorable state, being able to suffer a total rupture or tears.
• Lack of seat belt maintenance.

TYPES OF INJURIES RECOGNIZED IN SEAT BELT INJURY CLAIMS IN THE STATE OF NEVADA

We will now address some of the most common types of injuries caused by the seat belt and recognized in claims in Nevada, many of which are attributed to mechanical failures by the vehicle manufacturer and of course to the incorrect use of the device, which can cause a lot of damage to the integrity of drivers and passengers of the vehicle.

• Traumatic brain injuries, such as Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)
• Concussion and contusion
• Broken bone injuries
• Nerve damage injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Chest injuries
• Abdominal injuries
• Loss of limbs or amputations
• Burns or lacerations, among others.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE AFTER A SEAT BELT INJURY?

Being in a car accident and being injured while wearing a seat belt can be a scary experience, so stay calm and follow these recommendations:

• Seek medical attention

When you are the victim of an accident and are physically injured, the first thing you should do is call 911.

• Make an official report

An official report must be issued to the authorities such as the police or fire department where the event is specified in detail.

• Conduct research and gather information

It is essential to carry out a primary investigation, where evidence is collected in the form of photographs, videos, or testimonials from those present at the time the injury occurred.

• Go in search of professional support

Contact a seat belt injury claim attorney to ensure you get the best possible advice for your case.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON SEAT BELT INJURIES IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

In every legal claim, there is a deadline for it to be received, this period is the so-called statute of limitations. In the state of Las Vegas, Nevada, the statute of limitations for all personal injuries, including seat belt injuries, is two years from the date the injury occurred. To achieve better compensation in claims of this type, you must proceed immediately. A personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, Nevada, can advise you throughout the development of your process so that it is presented without any inconvenience.

WHAT DAMAGES CAN YOU RECOVER IN A SEAT BELT INJURY CLAIM?

In seat belt injury cases, a person can and is entitled to recover all financial losses suffered from the injury, in addition to receiving compensation for all pain and emotional repercussions to their health.

Damages to obtain in compensation:

• Medical expenses, bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications.
• Physical rehabilitation expenses.
• Lost wages due to inability to work.
• Loss of future income.
• Pain and physical suffering.
• Emotional and psychological stress.
• Loss of quality of life.

HOW CAN A SEAT BELT INJURY COMPENSATION LAWYER HELP?

Hiring a lawyer is an important decision and can bring many benefits for compensation in a seat belt injury claim:

• Provide legal advice in a specific area.
• Report the incident to the insurance companies and try to reach a settlement.
• Determine who is responsible for causing the injury.
• Review all evidence and collect testimony.
• Record economic losses and value emotional losses.
• If you need to appear in court, a lawyer can represent you and defend your interests in a professional manner.

CONTACT A LAS VEGAS SEAT BELT INJURY COMPENSATION LAWYER

The chances of being involved in an accident and injuring yourself while wearing a vehicle seat belt seem almost non-existent, but it can happen. Injuries are scary, but with enough preparation, anyone can make the best of a bad situation or prevent it from getting worse. Our law firm is comprised of professionals specializing in Las Vegas personal injury claims who possess the skills to settle a case. We incorporate contingency rates, the same ones that facilitate the payment of our fees until the end of the claim action. Your well-being and satisfaction are important to us, contact our team of experienced seat belt compensation lawyers at Heidari Law Group today at 1-833-225-5454.