Dangers of Lap-Only Seat Belts
Lap-only seat belts have been identified as being unsafe enough that, as of 2007, federal law requires all cars to come equipped with three-point seat belts, or seat belts with a strap for the upper body as well as the lap. However, if you drive an older car, it is very important to be aware of the hazards of lap-only seat belts because they can be very dangerous to riders. In some accidents, people wearing lap-only belts were more injured than they would have been if they had not been wearing a seat belt at all.
Even though newer car models do not have lap-only seat belts, newer and “safer” seat belt models can still be defective and dangerous if they were improperly designed or manufactured. If you have been injured in a car accident due to a seat belt defect, contact the experienced Milwaukee car accident attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. at 800-242-2874 and schedule an initial consultation.
Potential Injuries from Lap-Only Seat Belts
Seat belts are intended to save lives, but lap-only belts can actually be more dangerous than not wearing a seat belt at all in some instances. Some of the most common injuries caused by lap-only seat belts include:
- Hyperextension of the neck
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Dislocated vertebrae
- Internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations
- Muscle strains
These injuries are similar to those experienced by individuals injured by defective seat belts.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been injured because of a defective or malfunctioning seat belt, contact the Milwaukee car accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. at 800-242-2874.
