Seatbelt Injuries During Missouri Car Crash

Seatbelt syndrome refers to a collection of injuries a person can experience in a car accident despite wearing a seatbelt. While seatbelts are lifesavers and significantly reduce the risk of death and serious injuries in car crashes, they can also cause some injuries due to the forces exerted during a collision.

Here's a breakdown of seatbelt syndrome in Missouri car accidents:

Common Seatbelt Syndrome Injuries:

Soft Tissue Injuries: These include bruises, strains, and sprains to the chest, abdomen, shoulders, and neck. The seatbelt can compress these areas during a crash, causing injuries.
Internal Injuries: In severe crashes, the impact of the seatbelt against the body can lead to internal bleeding or organ damage to the ribs, lungs, or abdominal organs.
Spinal Injuries: Although seatbelts help prevent spinal injuries, the forceful restraint they provide can sometimes cause compression fractures in the vertebrae or injuries to spinal ligaments.

Seatbelt Syndrome vs. No Seatbelt:

It's important to understand that seatbelt syndrome is far less severe than the potential injuries sustained from not wearing a seatbelt in a car accident. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of:

Ejection from the vehicle: This is a leading cause of death in car crashes.
Head injuries: Seatbelts prevent occupants from being thrown forward and striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.
Spinal cord injuries: Seatbelts help maintain proper spinal alignment during a crash, reducing the risk of severe spinal cord damage.

Seatbelt Defense Laws in Missouri:

Missouri is one of several states that allows the seatbelt defense to be introduced in court during personal injury lawsuits arising from car accidents. This means the at-fault party's insurance company can argue that the injured person's own failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to the severity of their injuries and therefore reduce the compensation they receive.

However, Missouri law places a limit on how much the seatbelt defense can reduce a settlement. By law, the maximum reduction is 1%. So, if your total damages are $100,000, the most the at-fault party's insurance company can reduce your settlement due to not wearing a seatbelt is $1,000. You would still be entitled to recover $99,000.

What to Do After a Car Accident with Seatbelt Syndrome in Missouri:

Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity of your pain, see a doctor to get a documented evaluation of your injuries.
Gather Evidence: Collect the police report, accident scene photos, and any medical records related to your injuries.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can advise you on your legal rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, even if you weren't wearing a seatbelt.

Remember: Wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective way to protect yourself in a car crash. While seatbelt syndrome can occur, it's far less likely and severe than the potential consequences of not wearing a seatbelt at all.