Understanding Seat Belt Syndrome Injuries

Key Takeaways

• Seat belts are designed to save lives, preventing fatalities in motor vehicle accidents.
• Unfortunately, while seat belts are a proven protective life-saving measure in crashes, they can sometimes cause serious injury, known as “seat belt syndrome.”
• Seat belt syndrome injuries can manifest in several ways after a motor vehicle crash; always seek medical help immediately.
• Working with a knowledgeable and skilled Michigan car accident attorney can help you obtain the necessary compensation.

Car manufacturers began selling vehicles equipped with three-point safety belts in the late 1950s, and states began requiring them to be installed in the 1960s. Although, it took a long time for laws to materialize requiring people to wear them.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, seat belts save approximately 15,000 people yearly in car accidents. Furthermore, statistics indicate about 25,400 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in 2022. Tragically, 50% of these fatal injuries may have been prevented had the individuals worn their seat belts.

While seat belts are critical in saving lives, they sometimes contribute to injuries. If you or a loved one suffers a seat belt syndrome injury after being in a car accident, the caring and compassionate attorneys at Matz Injury Law can help. Contact our office for a free case evaluation.

What is Seat Belt Syndrome?

Doctors refer to internal damage caused by seat belts compressing upon the abdomen during a crash as seat belt syndrome. Due to the hidden nature of some of these injuries, they can go undiagnosed in an accident victim and lead to serious injury. Common types of injuries associated with seat belt syndrome include damage to the stomach, kidneys, bladder, colon, small bowels, and spine.

What Causes Seat Belt Injuries?

The force and pressure of a collision can activate a driver’s or passenger’s safety belt. When this occurs, the belt can compress the accident victim’s chest and abdomen, causing external or internal injuries. Factors leading to injury include seat belt design, improper seat belt use, and rapid deceleration when a car comes to a sudden halt.

What Injuries and Medical Conditions Are Caused by Seat Belt Syndrome?

Seat belt injuries may be or initially appear to be minor, but unfortunately, they can also turn out to be serious and potentially life-threatening, especially for “hidden” visceral injuries.

• Intra-abdominal injury
• Abdominal wall injury
• Intestinal injury
• Internal organ injury
• Kidney
• Colon
• Bowel perforations
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Lungs
• Bones (and other musculoskeletal structures)
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal bleeding
• Lumbar spine damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Spine fractures or other vertebral injuries
• Vascular injuries

How To Identify Seat Belt Syndrome After a Car Crash?

Usually, traffic accident victims with seat belt syndrome will notice bruises and abrasions on their abdominal area. Some dizziness and weakness may also be present. However, other injuries may lurk beneath the surface in the internal area of the body.

Early diagnosis is critical. Your healthcare professional will look for patterns of injury and likely order diagnostic testing through bloodwork, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

Symptoms of Seat Belt Syndrome

Anytime a belt injury is possible or suspected, it is important to seek medical attention and get a physical examination immediately. Victims of seat belt syndrome tend to notice a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Seat belt marks across the abdominal area
• Abdominal pain and bruising
• Feelings of abdominal muscle strain or pain
• Pain in the sternum
• Leg weakness
• Bloody urine or stools
• Vomiting or coughing up blood
• Changes in urination or bowel movements (including constipation or bleeding)
• Trouble with breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Prolonged swelling or discoloration
• Pain between the ribs or hips
• Shock

Additionally, signs of dizziness or weakness could indicate a seat belt-related injury or internal organ damage. If you or a family member experience the above, seek medical care from an emergency department as soon as possible. Inform the provider about the accident and a potential lap belt injury.

Can I Make a Claim for No-fault Benefits?

Michigan is a no-fault insurance state. To claim no-fault benefits, you must file within one year of the accident. Michigan uses a “priority” system for insurance, and you will need to follow the procedure.

Can I Sue for Seat Belt Syndrome?

Yes, you can sue for seat belt syndrome. You can pursue compensation through the insurance company and/or the at-fault driver, depending on the circumstances. Sometimes, an insurance company may deny a claim, or your PIP benefits may become exhausted. If so, you can sue for any economic and non-economic losses you’ve suffered and did not receive compensation.

Related Resources

• Common Types of Seat Belt Injuries Caused by Accidents: Seat belt injuries can be serious or minor. Either way, a car accident victim should always be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out potential severe injury or complications.
• How Not Wearing a Seat Belt Impacts Your Car Accident Claim: Michigan law requires the use of seat belts. If you were not wearing yours during an accident, you may still be able to obtain compensation, but not wearing one is considered a misdemeanor in Michigan.

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

Matz Injury Law is a client-first Michigan-based law firm. Clients often select our attorneys to represent them in personal injury cases because they know they will deal with a communicative and transparent attorney. Our clients are never pushed off to an assistant. They will speak directly with a Matz if they have questions or want a case status update.

Our attorneys have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas to meet with clients. To date, we have generated more than $300 million in compensation for our clients.

One of the unique qualities of working with Matz Injury Law is that our fees are much lower than most personal injury law firms. Instead of charging the standard 33 1/3%, we charge just 22%. This means more money goes to you and your loved ones.

Testimonials

“Jared Matz of Matz Injury Law is an excellent attorney. He is very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing assistance in matters of law. He goes above and beyond for his clients and has wonderful caring attitude.” – Carl R.

“We recently had a horrible tragedy in our family and had to seek legal help. We were fortunate to find Matz Injury Law. Steve Matz contacted us immediately and got right to work. From the moment we reached out to Steve he demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and genuine care of our legal needs. Throughout the entire process Steve Matz provided care and timely communication, ensuring we were informed and comfortable every step of the way. There was never a problem reaching Steve, every email and phone call was answered directly by Steve. His depth of knowledge and attention to detail were evident in his strategic approach to our case, resulting in a favorable outcome that exceeded our expectations. Steve Matz not only represented my interests with skill and dedication but also showed compassion and empathy, making a stressful situation much more manageable. We are immensely grateful for Steve Matz guidance and support. We would not hesitate to seek their assistance again in the future. He is not your billboard attorney where you are just another number. We highly recommend Matz Injury Law.” – Robert B.

Suffering From Seat Belt Syndrome? Contact Us Today.

The aftermath of a car accident can be terrifying, especially if you are not sure if you have suffered a serious injury or not. It is always recommended to be examined by a qualified medical professional as soon as possible, especially if a seat belt hurts you.

The legal complexities associated with accidents and insurance companies can be overwhelming. The experienced attorneys at Matz Injury Law understand the trauma or other issues you might face. We care about your welfare, and your needs are important to us.

To obtain a free consultation, call us at 1-866-22Not33 or, if you prefer, fill out our online contact form.