During a car accident, your seat belt is one of the most essential safety features you have available. Despite how important seat belts are in preventing the most severe injuries, they can still cause harm themselves. If you’ve been in an accident in Dallas, Texas, and experienced a seat belt injury, you may be unsure of whether you can begin a claim to recover your losses.
With help from a Dallas seat belt injury lawyer, you can fight for the compensation you need. At Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, we can lead you through every step of the process so that you have the best possible chance to get the financial assistance you deserve. Contact us or call (214) 556-8321 today for a free consultation.
How Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Seat Belt Injury in Dallas, TX
At Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, our team can help you by offering a number of crucial services, including:
- Assessing your case during a free consultation
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence that shows who is liable for the losses
- Calculating economic and non-economic damages
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies
- Litigating, if necessary
Filing a personal injury claim in Dallas, Texas, is not something you should ever pursue on your own. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer.
Common Types of Seat Belt Injuries
Seat belts are designed to save lives—but in some accidents, they can also cause serious harm. The severity of seat belt injuries often depends on factors like the speed of the crash and the size of the other vehicle.
Here are some of the most common types of seat belt-related injuries:
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Skin abrasions or cuts where the seat belt contacts the body. Skin tears or burns caused by friction during impact.
- Bruising and Internal Injuries (Seat Belt Syndrome) – Deep bruising across the chest, abdomen, or shoulder. May signal internal bleeding or damage to organs. Often shows few symptoms early on, so immediate medical evaluation is critical.
- Rib Fractures – Caused by the force of the belt restraining your chest during impact. Can result in sharp pain and difficulty breathing. Severe fractures may lead to punctured lungs or other internal organs—a medical emergency.
- Spinal Injuries – Damage to the cervical spine (neck), including fractures or dislocations. Can lead to partial or complete loss of sensation and movement below the injury site. Possible vascular injuries to the neck, which may affect blood flow to the brain.
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get a full medical evaluation after an accident. Some injuries—especially internal ones—may not show symptoms right away.
What to Do After Suffering a Seat Belt Injury in a Car Accident
Taking the right steps after a car accident can protect your health and support your personal injury claim.
Here’s what to do:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Get checked by a doctor right away, even if you feel fine. Serious injuries like seat belt syndrome can involve internal bleeding or organ damage with few early symptoms.
- Ensure a police report is filed – Ask the responding officer to create an official accident report. You’ll need a copy to file a claim or pursue legal action.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, their positions, and any visible damage. If the crash involved road defects, photograph those as well to preserve evidence.
- Understand Texas fault laws – Texas is a fault state, so you’ll need to prove that someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Collect witness information and keep all relevant documents.
- Notify your insurance company – Report the accident to your insurer, but keep the conversation brief. Avoid giving detailed statements before speaking to an attorney.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer – A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, prove fault, value your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company.
Taking these steps not only protects your health but also strengthens your ability to pursue the full compensation you deserve after a seat belt injury.
Contact Our Dallas Seat Belt Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Being in an accident can mean facing medical expenses, pain and suffering, and a number of other losses. If another party caused the collision, filing a personal injury claim provides the chance to receive compensation. Because insurers are always searching for ways to minimize claims, you should never attempt to file without assistance.
At Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer the support you need as you pursue a claim. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Dallas seat belt injury attorney.