Florida Seat Belt Injury Attorney: Protecting Your Rights After a Crash
When a car accident occurs, wearing a seat belt can often be a lifesaver, but there are times when the seat belt itself causes injury. If you’ve suffered a seat belt injury in a Florida car crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, a Florida seat belt injury attorney understands the challenges you’re facing. Our team is here to help you get the justice you deserve. Call us now at (800) 434-4327.
Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Florida seat belt injury attorney and begin your path to recovery.
How Paul | Knopf | Bigger Can Assist You with a Seat Belt Injury Claim
A seat belt injury can be complex, often requiring a thorough investigation to identify what went wrong and who is responsible. Our skilled Florida seat belt injury attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can help build a strong case for compensation. When you work with our team, we will:
- Examine all evidence: This includes reviewing crash reports, medical records, and any available surveillance footage.
- Identify and interview witnesses: We gather statements from those who saw the crash and can attest to the circumstances.
- Investigate seat belt mechanics: Determining if the seat belt failed due to a defect or improper installation can pinpoint liability.
- Handle insurance negotiations: We’ll deal with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you’re not taken advantage of.
- Prepare for court if needed: If the insurance company doesn’t offer fair compensation, our lawyers are ready to take your case to trial.
Our top priority is to alleviate the burden of legal proceedings so you can focus on healing.
Common Causes of Seat Belt Injuries
Though designed to protect, seat belts can sometimes be the source of injury due to defects or misuse. Knowing these potential causes can provide insight into how your accident might have occurred:
- Failure in seat belt Testing: Manufacturers sometimes skip critical tests at high speeds, leading to unreliable performance.
- False Latching: This occurs when a seat belt appears latched but isn’t secure, increasing the risk of ejection during an accident.
- Anchor Point Failures: Improper installation can weaken anchor points, causing the seat belt to malfunction.
- Retractor Malfunctions: If the retractor doesn’t hold securely, it can create slack, compromising restraint.
If one of these issues or another defect led to your injury, a knowledgeable seat belt injury lawyer in Florida can help identify liability and build your case. Our firm has the expertise to navigate these technical issues and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Common Injuries Linked to Seat Belt Failure
A failed seat belt can lead to severe injuries, as it may not provide the proper restraint during a crash. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Fractures: seat belts can place excessive pressure on bones during impact, leading to breaks or fractures.
- Chest and Rib Injuries: When a seat belt locks, it can cause blunt force trauma to the chest area.
- Organ Damage: Internal organs may be injured if the seat belt puts undue pressure on the abdomen.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Sudden restraint can lead to serious spinal cord injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): If the head is thrown forward or sideways, it may cause significant head trauma.
The effects of these injuries are often life-altering, and they demand significant medical treatment and recovery time. Our team at Paul | Knopf | Bigger s is prepared to seek full compensation for your injuries. Call now at (800) 434-4327.
Compensation Available for Seat Belt Injuries in Florida
Florida law allows injured victims to pursue various forms of compensation. While every case is unique, seat belt injury attorneys in Florida typically pursue two main types of damages for their clients:
- Economic Damages: These cover costs directly related to the accident, including:
- Medical expenses and surgeries
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Medical devices and ongoing care
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages address the personal and emotional toll of the accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship (for family members)
Our attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger will thoroughly evaluate every possible damage source to maximize your compensation.
Why Time Matters: The Florida Statute of Limitations
If you were injured in a car accident in Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly allows your Florida seat belt injury attorney to gather necessary evidence while it’s still fresh.
Building a solid case requires careful investigation and preparation, so don’t delay. Contacting Paul | Knopf | Bigger promptly will give us the best chance to secure a favorable outcome for your case. Call us today at (800) 434-4327.
No Fees Unless We Win
At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive payment if we secure a financial award for you. By choosing us, you’re making a risk-free decision to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Florida Seat Belt Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
Your journey to recovery starts with a free consultation. Paul | Knopf | Bigger is here to help you understand your rights and options following a seat belt injury in Florida. We’re dedicated to standing by you every step of the way and will handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies.
Don’t let the stress of mounting medical bills and missed work hold you back. Call us at (800) 434-4327, or visit fill out our free consultation form today. Let an experienced Florida seat belt injury attorney fight for the compensation you deserve.
Sources:
- https://www.safetyrestore.com/blog/understanding-seat-belt-failure/?srsltid=AfmBOoqSj7bWagAKL_GhojvIo65k8KgJAy4EwwwCvqBCHXCQj2pTlJYO
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470262/
- http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html