Everyone knows the importance of wearing a seatbelt, though many of us
are guilty of failing to wear one when we get behind the wheel. Not only
are they life-saving safety devices that are legally required to be worn
by all drivers in the state of Florida, but seatbelts can also protect
your claim in the event you are involved in an accident. While many drivers
don’t realize the implications of not wearing a seatbelt, it can
harmfully impact your attempt to obtain compensation.
If you have been involved in a car accident, accurately determining liability
is vital to ensure you are not financially swept away by the situation.
You must prove your actions did not contribute to the outcome of the incident,
including any injuries, property damage, and punitive damages. By choosing
not to wear a seatbelt, you are essentially breaching your duty to drive
safely. Therefore, it is far more difficult to prove your need for compensation
is another’s responsibility.
According to the law of comparative negligence, you will not be allowed
to recover the full amount of compensation you otherwise may have recovered
if you were wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident. Deliberately
choosing to go against your better judgment by forgoing a seatbelt indicates
significant negligence on your part, and it is highly unlikely the opposition
will allow this fact to go by unnoticed.
Humbly & Tirelessly Representing the Injured Since 1976
At the Law Office of James M. Stanley, our personal injury attorneys are
wholeheartedly committed to protecting your right to compensation. We
are determined to promote your needs and best interests to the best of
our ability, as our priority is successfully guiding you through this
process as seamlessly as possible. Without the right representation, you
are putting your entire financial future at risk.
Interested in speaking to a member of our team?
Call our firm at (817) 591-4222 to set up a free, initial consultation.