New York’s New Seat Belt Law
Seat belts can be life-savers when you’re struck by a careless driver. These safety devices prevent you from being thrown from the car or from striking surfaces in the car, which can cause dangerous or even deadly injuries. While seat belts can also cause injuries, they can still save lives.
That’s why New York is changing its laws surrounding seat belts. If you’re worried about being injured in a car accident, know the laws surrounding your case. Your car accident attorney can help you understand the state’s changing laws and what you can do about your case following a car accident.
What Is New York’s Newest Seat Belt Law?
On November 1, 2020, New York’s new seat belt law went into effect. The new seat belt law applies to people 16 years and older–they must now wear a seat belt in the back seat. The prior law only required the driver and front passenger to wear a seat belt.
The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is $50 and up to three points on your license. For passengers under sixteen 16, it’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure they’re wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a driver can be between $20 and $100 and up to three points on their license.
Have questions about this law and how it can impact you? Talk to a lawyer about your case.
Common Seat Belt Injuries
While seat belts save lives in motor vehicle accidents, they can still cause serious injuries. Victims of seat belt injuries due to a motor vehicle accident can seek compensation for their pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.
Some common seat belt injuries from a motor vehicle accident can include the following:
- Liver laceration
- Spleen laceration
- Sternum fracture
- Clavicle fracture
- Fractured ribs
- Cervical spine fracture
- Bruising or discoloration
- Shoulder injuries
- Abdominal wall injuries
- Chest wall injuries
Seat belt injuries from a motor vehicle accident often result in internal injuries. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, vomiting, blood in urine or stools, coughing up blood, or vomiting blood can be signs of a serious internal injury.
These symptoms may not appear immediately after a motor vehicle accident but can take weeks or months to develop. Internal injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident can be life-threatening. Prompt medical attention is essential.
Seek Out Guidance from a Car Accident Lawyer in NYC
If you or a loved one was the victim of a seat belt injury caused by a motor vehicle accident, the New York City seat belt injury lawyers at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP are here to help. The car accident seat belt injury lawyers at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP are skilled at handling seat belt injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents.
Our firm’s motto is “Don’t Be A Victim Twice.” Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation. The call is free. The consultation is free. You don’t pay us unless we are successful. That’s “Our Fee Guarantee – No Fee Unless Successful!”