Wearing a seatbelt while driving or riding in a vehicle can save lives during a car accident. Between 1975 and 2017, seatbelts are estimated to have saved hundreds of thousands of lives in roadway crashes. While seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries, they can still cause harm in certain types of collisions.
Seat belt syndrome, often referred to as a seat belt injury, involves a pattern of trauma associated with restraint use and includes some of the most common types of injuries seen after serious car accidents. These injuries may include abdominal organ damage, vertebral fractures, and visible seat belt signs, which are bruises or abrasions caused by the force of the restraint across the body.
A seat belt sign, sometimes called a seat belt mark, can be an important warning indicator. In many cases, it suggests the possibility of serious internal injuries beneath the skin, even when external injuries appear minor. Because of this risk, seat belt marks after a car accident should always be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out internal trauma.
Should You Be Worried About Those Seat Belt Marks? What Causes Seat Belt Injuries?
People involved in motor vehicle accidents should never ignore seat belt marks. They can indicate that a person may be suffering from serious injuries, such as severe organ damage. Seatbelt-related injuries are due to the transmission of force during a car crash caused by a passenger’s restraint. They require immediate medical treatment and can be fatal if left untreated.
Common Seat Belt-Related Injuries
Common seat belt injuries include lacerations, abdominal pain and trauma, internal injuries such as internal organ damage, chest injuries, fractured ribs, and injuries in the lumbar and thoracic spines. Seat belt syndrome injuries usually involve serious injury to the kidneys, stomach, bowels, intestines, colon, lungs, and heart.
Seat Belt Signs and Seat Belt Syndrome
The characteristic bruising or abrasion across the chest and belly, where the seat belt makes contact with the upper body, is known as a seat belt sign. Life-threatening internal injuries are very likely if there are seat belt signs after a motor vehicle accident.
Seat belt syndrome combines signs of seat belts and injuries to the abdominal organs and the spine.
Since a seat belt sign can indicate internal injuries, seek medical attention immediately. Visit the emergency department as soon as possible to seek medical care.
What Are The Signs of Seat Belt Syndrome? Is Seat Belt Syndrome Common?
Car accident victims should be aware of the signs of seat belt syndrome. The blunt force trauma brought about by the constricting restraints during an auto accident can result in the following symptoms:
A few different methods can be used to diagnose seat belt syndrome. X-rays and CT scans are frequently used to identify invisible and internal injuries. Immediately becoming life-threatening are severe wounds, particularly those to the abdominal wall or intestinal perforation. A full medical evaluation and physical examination performed by a medical professional can help provide an early diagnosis. By doing this, you may make sure that you receive the proper medical care if you suffer an internal injury. It can help ensure that the patient receives the right treatment for injuries caused by seat belt usage. A pain management doctor can also help diagnose any underlying conditions and provide nonsurgical treatment and therapies.
The short answer is yes. Victims of motor vehicle crashes who have suffered from seat belt injuries and other fatal injuries can sue both their insurance provider and the at-fault driver.
A car accident victim must submit an application for no-fault benefits to the accountable vehicle insurance company within one year of the accident in order to lodge a compensation claim for seat belt syndrome and possibly, more severe injuries. The car insurance company will pay for the victim’s no-fault benefits to cover medical bills.