There is no doubt that seat belts have saved many lives over the years. They prevent people from moving around and being ejected from the vehicle in a collision.
Nonetheless, even seat belts can’t prevent all injuries. In fact, seat belts can cause very serious injuries. Outlined below are some of the most common injuries caused by seat belts.
Injuries to the shoulder
The top part of a seat belt wraps around the driver or passenger’s shoulder. During a collision, this part of the belt should tighten so that the driver or passenger cannot be thrown forward. While this is a positive because it can prevent the driver or passenger from hitting their head, it puts tremendous strain on the shoulder area.
The muscle, cartilage and tendons in the shoulder can be damaged. In severe cases, the bones in the shoulder may be fractured or dislocated.
Chest and abdominal injuries
The seat belt also wraps across the chest area and abdomen. The rib cage and sternum protect the internal organs during a crash, but this can come at the expense of the ribs and chest bones. The force generated in a crash can cause these bones to fracture, which is extremely painful, and it can endanger the internal organs.
In some cases, the bottom strap of a seat belt can put immense pressure on the abdomen. As the driver or passenger is thrown forward by the momentum of the crash, the belt squeezes the abdominal area. This can result in severe bruising and potentially internal bleeding, which can be fatal.
If you were injured in a car accident that stemmed from negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Exploring your legal options in more detail will give you more insight into your case.