Safety Belts, Legal Requirements, and Financial Relief
Seat belt laws, in Florida and around the country, are enacted and enforced to protect drivers and passengers. Being a responsible driver means understanding seat belt regulations, including provisions for children.
After an accident resulting in injury, either because belts weren’t worn or because of an abrasion or fracture connected to an engaged safety restraint, talk to a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer about how financial relief can be pursued and what steps you can take to connect with a full and fair recovery amount.
Florida Seat Belt Laws and Accident Compensation
The state of Florida has strict seat belt laws in place to promote safety. Key provisions include:
- Primary enforcement. Florida is a state that operates on primary enforcement for seat belt violations, meaning law enforcement does not need another reason to pull over a driver. Police can pull someone over solely for not wearing a seatbelt, without needing another violation.
- Front seat belts must be engaged. All drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts, and failing to do so can result in fines and penalties.
- Secondary enforcement for those in the back seat. While primary enforcement applies to front seat occupants, back seat passengers can be fined for not wearing seatbelts only if the vehicle is stopped for another violation.
- Child restraints. There are additional rules in place to keep young people safe. For example, children aged 3 and younger must be secured in a separate carrier or an integrated child seat, and those aged 4 and 5 can use a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a booster seat.
While wearing a seat belt is crucial for safety and you can receive a fine for not having an engaged belt, victims of accidents who were not wearing a seat belt may still be eligible for compensation.
Seat Belt-Related Injuries
It is important to note that while safety belts need to be engaged for optimal safety, there are rare cases where the use of the belts themselves lead to injuries. For instance, seat belt abrasions can occur during a collision. Or in high-impact accidents, seatbelt-related fractures and bruising are possible.
When a seatbelt-related injury is sustained, financial compensation for medical bills is likely in reach. Recognizing that these instances are exceptional and the benefits of wearing seatbelts far outweigh the risks is part of responsible driving. Seatbelt use is not only a legal requirement but also a fundamental aspect of protecting oneself and others on the road.
To learn more about how to stay safe on Florida roadways or what recovery options you have available through an insurance negotiation process, talk to a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
Should you file an injury claim even if you were not wearing your safety belt? The answer is likely yes. After an accident in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach or Pompano Beach, whether seat belts were worn or not, seek assistance from the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Legal teams are available to guide you through legal complexities and connect you with the financial relief you need. To book a no-cost, confidential consultation, call 561-660-9421.
