Everyone knows the importance of wearing a seatbelt, though many of us are guilty of failing to wear one when we get behind the wheel. Not only are they life-saving safety devices that are legally required to be worn by all drivers in the state of Florida, but seatbelts can also protect your claim in the event you are involved in an accident. While many drivers don’t realize the implications of not wearing a seatbelt, it can harmfully impact your attempt to obtain compensation.
If you have been involved in a car accident, accurately determining liability is vital to ensure you are not financially swept away by the situation. You must prove your actions did not contribute to the outcome of the incident, including any injuries, property damage, and punitive damages. By choosing not to wear a seatbelt, you are essentially breaching your duty to drive safely. Therefore, it is far more difficult to prove your need for compensation is another’s responsibility.
According to the law of comparative negligence, you will not be allowed to recover the full amount of compensation you otherwise may have recovered if you were wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident. Deliberately choosing to go against your better judgment by forgoing a seatbelt indicates significant negligence on your part, and it is highly unlikely the opposition will allow this fact to go by unnoticed.
Humbly & Tirelessly Representing the Injured Since 1976
At the Law Office of James M. Stanley, our personal injury attorneys are wholeheartedly committed to protecting your right to compensation. We are determined to promote your needs and best interests to the best of our ability, as our priority is successfully guiding you through this process as seamlessly as possible. Without the right representation, you are putting your entire financial future at risk.
Interested in speaking to a member of our team? Call our firm at (817) 591-4222 to set up a free, initial consultation.