By now, everyone knows that seatbelts save lives. In fact, since they first debuted, seat belts have contributed to a significant decline in traffic fatalities across the decades. However, even though there is little doubt of their effectiveness, not everyone buckles up – especially in Georgia. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia ranks sixth in the nation for unrestrained passenger fatalities. Put simply: Georgia passengers are not buckling up, and it’s killing them.
Safety critics have long pointed to Georgia’s relaxed seat belt laws as a reason why so many passengers and drivers refuse to buckle up on the road. Georgia has a mandatory seat belt law, but it only covers those who are sitting in the front seat. The law only requires passenger seat belts for those between the ages of six and 17.
If you’re an adult in Georgia, you technically do not have to wear a seat belt when you’re in the back seat. This has led to a relaxed approach when it comes to seat belt usage. As a result, more passengers are dying in car accidents than nearly everywhere else across the country.
Why Should You Wear a Seat Belt?
If you’re riding in a car, it is important to always buckle up. No matter where you sit in a motor vehicle, a seat belt can potentially save your life.
Since 1975, seat belts have saved an estimated 374,276 lives. Nearly 15,000 people are alive today simply because they wore a seat belt in an accident in 2017 alone. According to the NHTSA, front-seat passenger seat belt use reduces the risk of death by 45 percent and reduces the risk of serious injury by 50 percent.
Data shows that men are more likely to die in car accidents because they weren’t wearing their seat belts. In addition, more unrestrained deaths occur at night – possibly intoxicated or high passengers who simply forget to buckle up.
Sadly, many drivers and passengers fail to buckle up when they’re going short distances. They share the idea that since they’re not going far – the dangers are less. This is untrue. In fact, the NHTSA showed that 52 percent of all car accidents occur within a five-mile radius of your home. In addition, 69 percent of all car accidents occur within just 10 miles of the home.
When a Car Accident in Georgia Does Occur
If you suffer an injury in a car accident in Georgia, your life may never be the same again. You may struggle with disabilities and impairments, or you may find yourself in serious financial strains because of your injuries and inability to work. When this occurs, you need a law firm on your side that can help you collect the money you need – and deserve.
Even if you were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, you can still file a claim against the “at fault” driver seeking compensation. Many people believe that because they weren’t wearing a seat belt, they can’t collect compensation. This is not true. An experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can review your case and help you determine the best course of legal action.
When fighting the insurance companies, they may try to reduce your claim because you weren’t wearing a seat belt. This is because Georgia observes modified comparative negligence. The more the insurance company can show that you contributed to your accident and injuries, the less they have to pay you.
This is why it is important to have a lawyer on your side from the very start. We fight aggressively to help all our injured clients obtain maximum compensation.
Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers
For years, the Kim Law Team has helped injured car accident victims who suffered from injuries in car accidents across the state of Georgia. We know the complications you face when dealing with insurance companies, especially if you were not wearing a seat belt at the time of your accident. We know that they will try to use this to reduce your claim. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers work hard to prevent this from happening. From Buckhead to DeKalb, we have helped secure millions for our clients.
If you suffered an injury in a car accident anywhere in Atlanta, we can help you pursue maximum compensation. Our law firm offers FREE initial consultations and reviews, so you can get the answers you need – when you need them. Call 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. Just call and JUST WIN.
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