There are certain factors in a car accident that can make the victim’s claim for compensation more complicated. One of these is not wearing a seat belt when involved in a car accident. This does not mean that you do not have a claim against the negligent driver, but it could result in you having to be realistic about your claim and accepting less in compensation for your injuries.
How Not Wearing a Seat Belt Could Affect Your Claim for Compensation After Your Car Crash
In Nevada, a driver and his passengers are required to wear a seat belt. In some cases, whether you were wearing a seat belt will have no bearing on the seriousness of your injuries caused by a car accident. In this situation, the fact that you were not wearing a seat belt should not reduce your claim—at least not by much.
However, not wearing a seat belt often can increase the severity of the injuries in a car crash or the likelihood that the person would die. If not wearing a seat belt contributed to your injuries, it could affect the amount of compensation you receive under Nevada’s comparative negligence laws. These rules could affect your claim as follows:
- If the cause of your injuries was 51 percent or more due to the fact that you didn’t buckle up, you would have no claim for compensation against the negligent driver.
- If the cause of your injuries was less than 51 percent due to not wearing a seat belt, you would have a claim for compensation against the negligent driver. However, your settlement amount from him would be reduced by the percentage that you are found to be at fault. This amount could still be substantial.
- Even if you could not make a claim for your personal injuries, you may still be able to file a claim for your property damage against the negligent driver or your own insurance company if you purchased collision insurance.
- Even if you are at fault in causing your injuries, you could file a claim under your medical coverage for payment of your medical expenses if you bought that coverage.
Three Ways to Help Your Family Buckle Up and Stay Safe
While adults need to wear seat belts, it is even more critical that children do so. Because of their small size, they are even more vulnerable to suffering catastrophic injuries or dying in a crash. Here are ways to increase your family’s seat belt usage:
- Set a good example by always using your seat belt.
- Make sure your children are properly buckled up in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt—whichever is appropriate for them.
- Have your children remain back seat passengers properly buckled up until they are 13 years old or older.
Have You Been Involved In A Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced Henderson car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule a free initial consultation.