Connecticut lawmakers recently passed a new law that says that all residents must wear a seatbelt if they are in a vehicle that is moving, no matter where they are sitting in that vehicle and no matter how old they are. If a person does not comply with the new seatbelt law, they may have to pay a fine. For a long time, seatbelt laws in Connecticut have only applied to drivers, front-seat passengers, and backseat passengers up to 16 years old.
The hope is that this new law will help to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities from vehicle accidents in the state. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in Connecticut, 12,589 injuries occurred between 2017 and 2020 as a result of passengers being unbuckled in the backseat while the vehicle was moving.
What happens to unrestrained passengers in an accident?
If a person is riding in the back of a moving vehicle unrestrained and an accident occurs, there is a good possibility that the person will be physically projected out of the vehicle and injury (or worse) will occur to that person. The injuries that occur may be physical. However, another common injury in the event of an accident is traumatic brain injury, which affects the person’s mental capacity as well.
Long-term injuries
Some of the injuries that result from vehicle accidents eventually heal, and some affect the person for the rest of their life. A seatbelt is a tool that helps to save lives and if it is not used, terrible consequences can occur. However, it’s important to remember that a seatbelt alone does not always give adequate protection. Many people who are wearing seatbelts are injured in accidents. When these accidents are the result of another party’s negligence, the injured can seek compensation for their damages through a personal injury claim.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Connecticut, it may be wise to consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can help you to navigate the system to claim property damage, medical expenses, and/or other losses that you experienced as a result of the accident. Having sound legal advice can help you to recover damages that you need and that you deserve.