Seat belt injuries can occur when the force of a crash causes the restraint to press against the chest, abdomen, or other parts of the body. While seat belts are essential safety devices, a serious collision in Louisville, KY, can still leave occupants with painful injuries that require medical treatment.
If another driver caused your injuries, a Louisville seat belt injury lawyer at Hendy Johnson Vaughn can explain your rights under Kentucky law and your options for pursuing compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek payment for medical expenses, lost income, and other accident-related losses. Contact us today at (502) 540-5700 for a free consultation.
How Can Hendy Johnson Vaughn Help After a Seat Belt Injury in Louisville, KY?
At Hendy Johnson Vaughn, our Louisville personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience representing injured people and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients.
When you are facing medical expenses and lost income after a collision in Louisville, KY, our team can help by:
- Investigating the crash and gathering evidence
- Explaining your options under Kentucky law
- Preparing and filing insurance claims
- Documenting your injuries and financial losses
- Negotiating with insurers for an appropriate settlement
- Taking your case to court when necessary
A Louisville car accident lawyer can handle the legal process and advocate for the compensation available under Kentucky law. Contact us today to schedule a free case review and discuss your next steps.
What Types of Seat Belt Injuries Can Happen in a Car Accident?
Seat belt injuries can occur when a restraint is positioned incorrectly or when the force of a collision causes the belt to place significant pressure on the body. A shoulder belt should cross the chest rather than the neck or sit under the arm or behind the back. The lap belt should rest across the hips rather than the abdomen.
Even when a seat belt is worn correctly, the force of a serious collision can cause injuries where the restraint contacts the body. Common injuries may include:
- Chest bruising
- Fractured ribs
- Fractured collarbones
- Strained chest muscles
- Abdominal injuries
Some injuries may heal with time and medical care, while others can become medical emergencies. More serious seat belt injuries can involve internal organs, blood vessels, or the heart.
Internal Bleeding
A seat belt can place significant pressure on the abdomen and chest during a collision. This force may damage internal organs or tear blood vessels. Broken ribs can also injure nearby organs or blood vessels.
These injuries may cause internal bleeding. Symptoms can include abdominal or chest pain, low blood pressure, and cold or clammy skin. Because internal bleeding is not always visible, accident victims should seek prompt medical attention when they experience concerning symptoms after a crash.
Perforated Intestines
Severe pressure on the abdomen can damage or perforate the intestines. An intestinal perforation can cause internal bleeding and allow bacteria and other intestinal contents to enter the abdominal cavity.
This damage can lead to peritonitis, a serious infection of the tissue lining the abdomen. Treatment may include antibiotics and surgery to repair the perforation and address damaged or infected tissue.
Cardiac Tamponade
The heart is surrounded by a protective sac called the pericardium. Severe chest trauma can damage the heart or nearby blood vessels, allowing blood or other fluid to collect inside this sac.
This condition, known as cardiac tamponade, can prevent the heart from pumping normally and can become life-threatening. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Emergency treatment may involve draining the fluid and treating the injury that caused it.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Seat Belt Injury in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses a choice no-fault auto insurance system. Depending on your insurance coverage and the circumstances of the crash, no-fault benefits may initially cover certain accident-related losses regardless of who caused the collision.
For people subject to Kentucky’s no-fault limitations, state law restricts when damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience can be recovered from an at-fault driver. The threshold may be satisfied when qualifying medical expenses exceed $1,000 or the accident causes certain injuries, such as a bone fracture, permanent disfigurement, permanent injury, loss of bodily function, loss of a body member, or death.
Who Could Be Liable for My Seat Belt Injuries?
The fact that a seat belt contributed to an injury does not necessarily mean the injured person caused the harm. A negligent driver may still be responsible when their actions caused the collision that produced the injury.
For example, a driver who was speeding and following too closely could cause a rear-end accident. If the impact caused the victim’s seat belt to fracture a rib or injure an internal organ, the resulting injury may be part of the damages claimed against the responsible driver.
A successful injury claim generally requires evidence connecting the other party’s negligent act to the crash and the resulting injuries. Medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and other evidence may help establish what happened and document the victim’s losses.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Seat Belt Injury?
The compensation available after a crash depends on the severity of the injuries, the victim’s financial losses, applicable insurance coverage, and other circumstances.
Depending on the case, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
Kentucky’s no-fault rules and the victim’s insurance coverage can affect how and from whom these losses are recovered. An attorney can review the available insurance policies and determine which claims may apply.
Contact Our Louisville Seat Belt Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Seat belt injuries can range from painful bruising and fractures to serious internal injuries that require emergency treatment. If another person’s negligence caused your crash, you may have options for recovering compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other qualifying losses.
Hendy Johnson Vaughn can investigate what caused the collision, deal with the insurance companies, and help you understand how Kentucky’s auto insurance laws apply to your claim. Contact our Louisville seat belt injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.