The Impact of Seatbelt Use on Broken Bones in Car Accidents

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality for many drivers. While modern vehicles are built with numerous safety features, a seatbelt remains one of the most effective measures to reduce the severity of injuries during a collision. Among the common injuries sustained in car accidents, broken bones can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. But how does seatbelt use specifically impact the risk and severity of broken bones?

Whether you’ve already been in an accident or want to understand your legal options, this guide offers essential insights into the relationship between seatbelt use and broken bones—and why making safety a priority is critical.

By the Numbers: Broken Bones in Car Accidents in Fairfax, VA

Fairfax, VA, sees its share of car accidents every year due to busy commuter routes and dense traffic. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there were over 2,000 crashes in Fairfax County in 2022, with hundreds of drivers and passengers suffering injuries. Broken bones, specifically, are among the most reported non-fatal injuries in these collisions.

Statistics reveal that wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%. However, for individuals not wearing a seatbelt, the chances of sustaining fractures, including severe or life-altering broken bones, increase significantly. These statistics underscore the importance of proper seatbelt use every time you’re in a vehicle.

How Seatbelts Reduce the Risk of Broken Bones

The primary function of a seatbelt is to restrain your body during a sudden impact, preventing you from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle. By doing so, seatbelts drastically decrease the likelihood of high-force impacts, which often cause broken bones. Here’s how they help specifically with bone fractures during a crash:

• Distributing Impact Force: Seatbelts distribute the force of the collision across stronger parts of the body, such as the pelvis and ribcage, reducing strain on more fragile areas like wrists, ankles, or arms.
• Preventing Ejection: Being ejected from a vehicle dramatically increases the likelihood of multiple fractures or fatal injuries. A seatbelt keeps you securely inside the car, within the safety features like airbags.
• Reducing Secondary Collisions: Without a seatbelt, passengers are thrown against interior surfaces of the car or collide with other passengers, leading to bone fractures and other injuries. A seatbelt lessens the chance of these secondary impacts.

Common Broken Bone Injuries in Car Accidents

Even with a seatbelt, certain bone fractures still occur in car accidents due to the immense forces involved. Some of the most common broken bone injuries include:

• Rib Fractures: Seatbelts that restrain your chest can sometimes cause stress fractures to ribs during high-impact collisions.
• Wrist and Arm Fractures: Drivers and passengers instinctively brace for impact with their hands, which can result in fractured wrists or arms.
• Leg Fractures: Knees and legs may strike the dashboard or be trapped under steering columns, leading to fractures in the femur, tibia, or fibula.
• Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures: The shoulder strap of a seatbelt, in restraining the torso, can result in collarbone injuries during severe crashes.

While these injuries are often treatable, they may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended periods off work—all of which can disrupt victims’ lives.

How Seatbelt Use Affects Personal Injury Claims

If you’ve been in a car accident in Fairfax, VA, and sustained broken bones or other injuries, seatbelt use (or lack thereof) can play a crucial role in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Here’s how it works:

• Contributory Negligence in Virginia: Virginia follows strict contributory negligence laws, meaning that if you are found even partially at fault for your injuries—such as not wearing a seatbelt—it could bar you from recovering compensation. This includes damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Defending Against Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often use seatbelt non-use as a defense to reduce or deny claims. They may argue that your injuries would not have been as severe had you worn your seatbelt.
• Proving the Other Driver’s Fault: While your seatbelt usage is factored into the case, proving the negligence of the other driver, such as speeding, distracted driving, or DUI, remains central to securing compensation.

Documenting your seatbelt use following a car accident can strengthen your position during negotiations or court proceedings.

Seeking Legal Help as an Accident Victim

Recovering from broken bones and other injuries after a car accident is challenging enough—navigating a personal injury claim shouldn’t add to your stress. This is where a skilled car accident lawyer in Fairfax, VA, can make all the difference.

Tips for Protecting Your Rights After an Accident

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: A medical evaluation will document your injuries, including any bone fractures, and serve as critical evidence for your claim.
• Preserve Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Keep your medical records and receipts organized.
• Do Not Delay Seeking Legal Advice: Time is of the essence when filing a personal injury claim. Virginia typically imposes a two-year statute of limitations for such cases.

At Whitestone Young, PC, our experienced attorneys understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be. We’re here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Prioritize Your Safety and Understand Your Options

Seatbelts remain a critical component of car safety, significantly reducing your risk of broken bones and other severe injuries in the event of an accident. However, even with all precautions, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Fairfax, VA, it’s important to protect your legal rights and seek expert guidance.

The compassionate team at Whitestone Young, PC is ready to help. Call us today at 703-591-0200 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward recovery.