Seat belts are essential safety features in your vehicle that can protect you from the most serious injuries in the event of a car accident. As important as seat belts are, though, they can also cause injuries themselves in collisions. If you suffered a seat belt injury in York, Pennsylvania, knowing your rights and whether you can file a personal injury claim is essential.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you need to address losses like medical bills, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. Contact us today at (717) 995-8998 to schedule a free consultation.
How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help After a Seat Belt Injury in York, PA
A seat belt injury can leave you needing extensive medical care and even having to miss work as you recover. If the accident that caused your injuries was another party’s fault, one of the options you may have is to begin a personal injury claim. This is where securing the right representation is vital.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our team of York car accident attorneys can provide a variety of services to guide you through this process.
We can help with these crucial steps:
- Evaluate the claim during a free consultation
- Investigate the car accident and how you sustained the seat belt injuries
- Collect evidence
- Establish liability
- Calculate your full losses
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement is not possible
For decades, our top-rated team of attorneys has fought for the rights of clients throughout York, PA. We have over 250 trials under our belts and are prepared to take a case to court if needed. Schedule a free consultation with a York personal injury lawyer.
Common York Seat Belt Injuries
In a car accident, you can suffer injuries from the force that the seat belt exerts to keep you from hitting your head or crashing through the windshield.
The following are some of the most common seat belt injuries you can sustain in York:
Friction Burns
As the seat belt does its job and keeps you from jerking forward in the crash, it can rub violently against your skin. This leads to friction burns, which are painful injuries that could get infected if not addressed promptly.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Some of the most common injuries you can sustain involving a seat belt are those to your ligaments, muscles, and tendons. You can suffer bruises, muscle strains, and ligament sprains throughout your chest, shoulders, and even the pelvic region. These are painful injuries that can leave you with swelling and stiffness.
Rib Fractures
The force of the impact can cause your ribs to break. Fractures in this area are difficult to treat because it’s challenging to immobilize the affected bone. You may feel pain when breathing or moving.
Organ Damage
Organ damage can occur if the seat belt puts significant pressure against an organ, or if a rib fracture causes the bone to puncture a lung or damage organs such as the spleen or heart. These are potentially catastrophic injuries that require immediate medical assistance.
Internal Bleeding
It’s also possible for the seat belt to injure important blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding. This is an issue that can develop into hemorrhagic shock, which could cause organs to shut down and, if it’s not addressed in time, can be life-threatening.
Internal bleeding is often difficult to spot initially because the only sign of it is usually a bruise. By getting medical attention immediately after the accident, you can prevent the issue from getting worse.
Spinal Injuries
The seat belt prevents your torso from moving, but the rest of your body doesn’t stop shifting about during the crash. This means that your vertebrae, which make up the spinal canal, can suffer fractures that could impact your spinal cord.
It’s possible to sustain herniated discs, too. These structures cushion your vertebrae, but if they push against nerves or other parts of the spine, you could experience severe pain, numbness, and range of motion problems.
The most severe spinal injuries tend to involve the spinal cord. Any damage to this area can result in paralysis.
Can You Pursue a Personal Injury Claim for Seat Belt Injuries?
Even though seat belts save lives, they can still cause serious injuries during a collision. If another driver caused the accident, you may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim for the injuries caused by the seat belt itself.
Many people assume that seat belt injuries are minor because the restraint system helped prevent even worse harm. However, injuries such as rib fractures, internal bleeding, spinal injuries, and organ damage can require extensive medical treatment and lengthy recovery periods.
A personal injury claim may allow you to seek compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Future medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
To recover compensation, you generally must show that another party’s negligence caused the accident that led to your injuries. Seeking prompt medical treatment and speaking with an experienced York car accident lawyer may help protect your rights and strengthen your case after a collision.
Contact Our York Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Experiencing any type of car accident can mean suffering physical and psychological injuries that impact your entire life. When those injuries are related to your seat belt, liability can become complicated. The right advocate can determine who is responsible for what you suffered and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our award-winning team of York car accident attorneys can fight for your best interests while you focus on healing. Schedule a free consultation with us to get started today.