Think about how many signs and advertisements you see about wearing a seatbelt any time you get into a car. These adverts aren’t just there for show. A simple seatbelt can save your life in the event of an accident. However, there is still the risk of injuries from the force of impact. A properly-fitting seat belt can cause a bruise to form on your chest and torso and potential internal injuries that need prompt medical attention.
A common injury from an accident is seat belt syndrome, where the seat belt causes minor injuries due to the sudden deceleration. At Compass Law Group, LLP, we’ve seen firsthand the extent of the devastating injuries a car accident can cause. We’ll go over what seat belt syndrome is, what causes seat belt bruises, common seat belt injuries, and your legal rights after a car accident.
What is Seat Belt Syndrome?
Seat belt syndrome refers to a collection of injuries sustained in a high-speed car accident related to the secure seat belt system in your car. Your seat belt keeps you secure in your vehicle in the event of a collision, and the force of impact from a sudden stop can put pressure on the seat belt, causing minor injuries.
The most common sign of seat belt syndrome is bruising on the upper body and pelvis area where the seatbelt rests across your body. Depending on the severity of the accident, the force of impact can cause internal damage to organs and other parts of the body.
Don’t take this information and run to the conclusion that seat belts aren’t safe. They protect you from much more fatal injuries in a high-speed collision, and they save lives. Minor bruising is a much better outcome than a fatality.
Causes & Types of Seat Belt Bruises
Seatbelt bruises are caused by the force of impact during a collision. When a car is traveling at high speeds and comes to a sudden stop, whether that be hitting the brakes hard or colliding with something, that sudden deceleration creates a force of momentum that tries to pull you forward toward the front windshield.
Your seat belt secures you in your chair so you don’t go flying through the windshield. That force and momentum have to go somewhere, and typically, it goes into the seatbelt holding you in place. This puts sudden force where the belt rests on your body, creating bruises.
There are three types of bruising you can get from a seatbelt: subcutaneous, intramuscular, and periosteal. Subcutaneous bruises are caused by blood vessel damage just beneath the skin. Intramuscular bruising goes a little deeper, as it’s caused by blood vessel damage in your muscles. Lastly, periosteal bruising is the deepest kind of bruise that goes all the way down to the bone. The bone’s periosteum, or surface, is damaged by the force.
It’s normal for a seat belt bruise to change colors as it heals. The bruise will start off looking reddish before transitioning to a deep purple. From there, it’ll shift to green and then yellow as it fades. These unpleasant colors are healthy for bruise healing as the pooled blood dissipates and the blood vessels heal.
Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
A medical professional will look for visual signs of seatbelt bruises as well as other symptoms commonly associated with the injury. Look for linear patterns of bruising on your torso that can extend from the shoulder down to your pelvis. Think about where a seatbelt typically sits on your body and check for any skin discoloration in those areas.
In addition to visible bruising, you may also experience additional symptoms. You may notice tenderness in the bruised area, mild swelling, pain, and even difficulty breathing. Monitor these symptoms carefully to ensure they don’t progress or become worse.
If you notice any alarming symptoms of serious injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Get medical attention right away if you notice persistent pain that doesn’t go away or worsens, excessive swelling, loss of motion or paralysis, or severe changes in your bowel movements. These signs can point toward internal organ damage or a serious spinal injury.
Common Injuries Linked to Seat Belt Bruises
The extent of the injuries from a seat belt bruise depends on the severity of the accident. Collisions that occur at higher speeds mean there’s more force put into the seat belt, which can lead to more severe injuries. Victims are most often injured in areas where the seatbelt makes contact with the body, such as the shoulder, chest, and pelvic area. Some of the more common injuries associated with seatbelt bruises include:
- Chest and Abdominal Trauma
- Cuts and Abrasions
- Muscle Pains
- Fractured Ribs or Sternum
- Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage
- Spinal Injuries or Nerve Damage
Seat Belt Bruise Medical Evaluation and Treatment
Regardless of how bad the accident was, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even minor bruising on your chest can indicate a more serious issue that’s not obvious at first. Medical professionals have the tools and education to do a full examination and check for any internal injuries.
A doctor will perform various imaging tests to make sure there’s no serious internal damage to vital organs. This can include X-rays to check for fractures as well as CT scans to check your muscles and organs. These tests can catch issues you won’t see from a physical exam so you can receive treatment quickly.
The sooner you get checked, the sooner you can start treating your injuries. For minor seat belt bruises, doctors will typically prescribe the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. For the first few weeks after your accident, rest as much as you can so your body can heal. Use ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. You can also reduce swelling with compression garments or wraps and keep the injury elevated. These allow the swelling to go down and reduce general pain and discomfort.
Your doctor may also prescribe pain medications for more serious injuries. Take them as prescribed and monitor your pain levels carefully.
In severe cases, you may require surgery to correct internal damage. This typically means a brief stay in the hospital while you recover.
Legal Rights After a Seat Belt Bruise
If you’ve found yourself in a car accident that’s left you with seat belt bruises, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You have the right to file a personal injury claim and receive compensation for the damages. These damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
When considering whether to file a claim, consider your options. You can receive compensation for an accident if you’re found to have limited or no fault in causing the accident. You’ll also need to determine which party is liable for the damages. If you have proof that the fault lies with another driver, they could be found liable for the damages. However, you can’t sue a car manufacturer unless you have proof that the seat belt malfunctioned or failed.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of how bad the injuries look, go to a doctor and get a thorough check-up. Not only does this make sure you’re okay and not in any immediate danger, but this starts the paper trail of your injuries.
- Document Your Injuries: Get thorough documentation of your injuries, including medical records and other types of evidence such as pictures. All of this will be used to build your case and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: A reliable legal team will help you collect the evidence you need and navigate the legal system toward success. They’ll be there every step of the way.
Protect Your Rights & Get the Help You Deserve with Compass Law Group
A seat belt can save your life in the event of a car accident, and this shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, it’s good to be aware of the potential injuries from a seat belt so you can be prepared in the event something happens. It’s better to walk away with a few bruises than not to walk away at all.
If you need legal help after a serious car accident, Compass Law Group, LLP is here to help. Our team of personal injury attorneys will fight for your rights with the dignity and respect you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us for our services unless we win your case. Schedule a free consultation today to see what your options are moving forward.
