Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important safety steps you can take when you get into a vehicle. Even though it’s critical that you wear one, doing so still has risks. The trade off here is that the seatbelt might injure you, but it could prevent you from dying in the crash.
Injuries from seatbelts are much more common than many people realize. They can range from minor to serious, so anyone who believes they were injured by a seatbelt should seek medical attention. Some possible injuries that can occur include:
Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue damage is one of the most frequent injuries caused by seatbelts. These injuries often appear as bruises that are painful and are caused by the force of the seatbelt keeping you in the seat.
Rib and sternum fractures
Seatbelts can sometimes crack the sternum or ribs, which is a serious medical issue that requires prompt care. These injuries can lead to trouble breathing, and they may cause considerable pain. Fully healing can take weeks to months.
Internal injuries
Internal organs, such as the spleen, intestines or liver, can suffer damage from the seatbelt in a crash. One issue with these injuries is that they aren’t always evident right away. Persistent abdominal pain or bruising on the abdomen are signs that a medical evaluation is necessary.
Neck and spine injuries
An improperly positioned seatbelt can cause spine or neck injuries. It may worsen injuries or medical conditions that are already present. It can also cause whiplash and other injuries.
Anyone who suffers an injury from a seatbelt or any other cause in a crash should seek medical attention. If the crash was the result of another driver’s negligence, seeking compensation is possible.