Safety Belts: Crucial Life-Savers in a Car Accident
A recent tragic accident highlights why properly using safety belts is critical for everyone in a vehicle. A St. Lucie County head-on collision involving a wrong-way driver left one dead and a 3-year-old seriously injured. According to reports, the deceased woman was sitting in the backseat of the car, and not wearing a seatbelt. The child, also sitting in the backseat, was restrained in a seatbelt but not a car seat as required by Florida law. While seatbelts and child restraints cannot prevent every injury, they significantly reduce the risk of severe harm in car accidents.
Florida Laws on Safety Belts and Child Restraint Use
Florida’s Safety Belt Law requires drivers and front-seat passengers use safety belts when the vehicle is in motion. Drivers must ensure that all passengers under the age of 18 are sitting with proper restraints such as a seat belt or child restraint device appropriate for their age, weight, and height. According to Florida law:
- Children through age 3 must sit properly secured in a separate car seat or vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat, based on child’s age, weight and height.
- Children ages 4-5 may use a booster seat.
- All passengers 18 and under must wear a seatbelt, regardless of seating position.
Violating these laws can result in fines, points on your license, and increased risks during a crash. As detailed by the Florida Department of Transportation, fines start at $30 for not wearing a seatbelt and $60 for improperly restraining a child. Beyond penalties, these laws aim to protect drivers and passengers. Buckling up could mean the difference between life and death in a crash.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
Safety belts save lives, but don’t stop car accidents from occurring. Even the most cautious individuals can fall victim to negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, Schwed, Adams & McGinley can help. With over 200 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys handle personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Not wearing a seatbelt does not prevent you from recovering damages for your injuries. Florida law allows injured parties to seek compensation even if they were not wearing a safety belt at the time of the crash. Our team specializes in helping clients navigate these complex situations. Call Schwed, Adams & McGinley today at 877-694-6079 or email us at contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your legal rights and fight for the justice you deserve.