Being in a car accident can mean facing an array of injuries, including those caused by your seat belt. Although the seat belt is a life-saving safety feature in your vehicle, it can still cause damage that could require medical care. Learn more about the types of seat belt injuries you can suffer and whether you can file a personal injury claim to recover your losses.
Soft Tissue Injuries
One type of injury you can suffer is the “seat belt sign.” It’s a visible red mark, abrasion, or bruise across your abdomen, chest, or neck. This mark indicates that the person sustained a sudden impact with the seat belt.
Shoulder strains from the force exerted by the seat belt on the body are also common in collisions. The tendons and joints in your shoulder can suffer damage, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling.
The treatment of soft tissue injuries from seat belts can involve rest and the use of hot and cold therapy to assist with the swelling. Your doctor might provide anti-inflammatory medications, too.
Chest And Rib Injuries
In speeding accidents, the forceful impact of the shoulder strap against the rib cage could result in a broken rib or collarbone. You may notice sharp pain when you try to breathe, laugh, or cough, as well as pain when you move.
There could be visible discoloration and a crunching or grinding sensation when you move your torso. Rest and painkillers are often needed during the healing process.
Spinal And Neck Trauma
The sudden deceleration that occurs in a collision can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck, resulting in whiplash. In severe accidents, the vertebrae in the neck can also fracture from that whip-like motion.
You can experience pain, stiffness, and swelling with whiplash. If you sustain a spinal injury, you could struggle with sensations and movement below the site of the injury. It could be the result of a vertebra pressing against nerves or actual damage to the spinal cord.
Treatment for whiplash may include pain management, gentle movement and exercises, and physical therapy, depending on the severity of the injury.
Internal Abdominal Damage
Lap belts, especially if they were not positioned correctly, could result in organ lacerations. They can injure the spleen, liver, or kidneys. Significant pressure from the seat belt during high-speed accidents can even result in intestinal perforation.
Internal damage can have symptoms that include abdominal pain, swelling, pain that spreads to the shoulders, and digestive changes. If you have internal bleeding, you can experience dizziness, cold and clammy skin, and confusion. This is a medical emergency.
Internal abdominal damage will often require surgery to address the ruptures and bleeding. These injuries require fast action to prevent shock.
Contact Rafi Law Firm Today For A Free Consultation With An Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
If you suffered a seat belt injury because another party caused a car accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. These are complex legal processes that you should not begin without representation. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you gather the right evidence, calculate your losses, and negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement.
Call Rafi Law Firm today to arrange a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients throughout Fulton County and the greater Atlanta metro area in Georgia.
Rafi Law Firm – Atlanta
1776 Peachtree St NW UNIT 423, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 800-9933
