When you buckle your seatbelt, you expect it to protect you in a crash — not cause harm. Unfortunately, faulty seatbelts or excessive restraint forces can result in serious injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered a San Diego seatbelt injury, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses. The experienced attorneys at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help.
Our San Diego personal injury lawyers have represented accident victims across California for decades. We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee — meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation.
Contact Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers at (858) 551-2090 to schedule your free case review with a San Diego seatbelt injury lawyer and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Seatbelt Injury in San Diego, CA?
Seatbelt injuries can occur in any car accident, even when the seatbelt works as intended. However, some seatbelt injuries result from defective restraint systems, manufacturing flaws, or design defects.
These cases can be complex, requiring detailed investigation and expert analysis. That’s where Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
Our San Diego car accident lawyers can help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the crash and the seatbelt system
- Working with accident reconstruction and biomechanical experts
- Gathering and preserving key evidence, such as crash reports and vehicle data
- Identifying liable parties — including automakers or parts manufacturers
- Calculating your full damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
As one of San Diego, California’s top personal injury law firms, we’ve recovered over $100 million on behalf of clients. Our San Diego personal injury attorneys know how to identify liability and build strong claims against negligent drivers, manufacturers, or other responsible parties.
When you work with us, you choose a team with 80 years of experience in San Diego personal injury law. Our lawyers are known for their compassionate approach and aggressive advocacy — and we’re ready to fight for you. Contact us today to discuss your case.
What Is a Seatbelt Injury?
Seatbelts are designed to save lives — and they do. However, because seatbelts exert tremendous force in a collision, they can also cause injuries, especially when improperly designed or a malfunction occurs. Seatbelt injuries can range from mild bruising to life-threatening internal damage.
Common Causes of Seatbelt Injuries
Seatbelt injuries can result from several causes, including:
- Defective seatbelt design: A belt that fails to lock properly, retract, or restrain the passenger can lead to severe injuries.
- Manufacturing errors: Weak stitching, faulty buckles, or defective webbing can cause the seatbelt to fail during impact.
- Improper seatbelt placement: Incorrect use or installation can cause the belt to press on vulnerable areas.
- Excessive force: Even properly functioning seatbelts can cause internal injuries in high-impact collisions.
In some cases, seatbelt injuries occur because of vehicle design flaws, such as defective airbags or seat structures that increase the force on the body during a crash.
Types of Seatbelt Injuries
Seatbelt injuries vary depending on crash dynamics, speed, and belt design.
Common types include:
- Chest bruising or rib fractures
- Abdominal injuries or internal organ damage
- Shoulder and clavicle fractures
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash or muscle strain
- Spinal cord injuries or herniated discs
- Lacerations or burns from seatbelt friction
- Internal bleeding or vascular injuries
Seek immediate medical care if you experience pain or discomfort after a collision — especially across your chest, abdomen, or shoulders. Some internal injuries from seatbelts may not be apparent right away.
Who Can Be Liable for a Seatbelt Injury?
Determining liability depends on how the injury occurred.
Potentially responsible parties include:
- Vehicle manufacturers, for defective seatbelt designs or faulty components
- Seatbelt or parts manufacturers, for defective materials or assembly
- Negligent drivers, if their actions caused the crash leading to your injury
- Mechanics or installers, if improper maintenance or installation contributed to the defect
A San Diego seatbelt injury lawyer from Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case, determine fault, and pursue claims against all liable parties.
Damages Available in a San Diego Seatbelt Injury Case
Victims of seatbelt injuries may recover compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a defective seatbelt caused a fatal injury, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, lost companionship, and financial support.
Statute of Limitations for Seatbelt Injury Claims in California
California’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims — including seatbelt injury cases — is two years from the accident date.
Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation. However, exceptions may apply, such as when the defect wasn’t discovered until later.
That’s why it’s crucial to contact an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve vital evidence.
Contact Our San Diego Seatbelt Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you suffered a San Diego seatbelt injury, don’t wait to seek legal help. The skilled attorneys at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience advocating for victims.
Call our law office today to schedule your free consultation with a trusted San Diego seatbelt injury attorney. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.
