The research is clear: Seat belts prevent serious injuries and they save lives. Every person should wear a seat belt every time they are in a vehicle—even for relatively short rides. How much of a difference do seat belts actually make? Our Kansas City car accident lawyer answers the question by providing a comprehensive review of the latest seat belt safety data.
Seat Belts are Required in 49 of 50 States (Mandatory in Missouri and Kansas)
For drivers, seat belts are required in virtually every U.S. jurisdiction. The only state that does not require a seat belt for drivers is New Hampshire. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), another one-third of states do not require seat belts for adults in the rear of the vehicle. Here is an overview of the law in the Kansas City metro area:
- Missouri: Seat belts are required for all drivers and the front-seat passenger. Passengers in the rear of the vehicle are not required to wear a seat belt if they are an adult.
- Kansas: Seat belts are required for all drivers, the front-seat passenger, and for the rear passenger.
Seat Belts Prevent Injuries and Save Lives
Seat belts matter. The most recent research shows that 90% of people always wear their seat belts. It makes a dramatic difference. Here are two data points:
- Nearly 6,500 lives saved per year: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 6,500 lives have been saved each year since the introduction of the first seat belt safety law in the United States.
- Half as Likely to Avoid an Injury: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that wearing a seat belt will cut a person’s injury risk by 50% if they are involved in a crash.
Can You Still Bring a Personal Injury Claim if You Were Not Wearing Your Seat Belt?
Yes. You still have the right to bring a personal injury claim against a negligent party even if you were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. That being said, both Missouri and Kansas are comparative negligence jurisdictions. Comparative negligence allows for the allocation of fault between the parties involved in an accident. If it is determined that your failure to wear a seat belt contributed to your injuries, the amount of compensation you are awarded could be proportionately decreased based on your percentage of fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Kansas City Auto Accident Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City car accident lawyer has the expertise you can trust. If you were hurt in a motor vehicle crash—with or without a seat belt—we are here to help. Give us a call now or connect with us online to set up your no-cost, no-strings-attached case review. With a law office in Kansas City, we handle motor vehicle accident claims in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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