Many passengers fall into a sense of false security when travelling in a car. It is quite easy to believe that the car will protect you, should anything happen and you become involved in an accident. It is quite dangerous to think this way, as in many cases, horrific injuries could have been prevented had the passenger been wearing a seatbelt. The passengers do not just have to live with the physical injuries of a road accident, but the psychological injuries too.

The most common form of injury complained about in road accidents is whiplash injury. A perhaps less talked about but still a commonly reported injury is seatbelt injury. It is not surprising that people suffer from seatbelt injury, particularly if you think about the impact of a car accident. When another vehicle slams into the back of your car or slams into the side of your car, you will be naturally jerked forwards or sideways. This jerk reaction will impact your body even if you are wearing a seatbelt.

Nonetheless it is essential that the driver and all passengers wear a seatbelt at all times. It has been proven time and time again that wearing a seatbelt reduces the likelihood of the passenger or driver suffering terrible injuries. Ever since the seatbelt was introduced into the public sphere, thousands of lives have been saved as a result.

If you have suffered a seatbelt injury, it could be because of the negligent behaviour at the wheel. The driver may have been speeding unnecessarily or overtaking dangerously. The driver also may have ignored the weather conditions and be driving recklessly or in road rage. If you feel that you suffered the seatbelt injury due to the driver's negligent behaviour then you have a right to make a claim. It is your personal right as you sustained injuries due to someone else's reckless behaviour.

What to expect if you are involved in a road accident

Depending on the nature of the road accident, you could expect to have the seatbelt dig into your abdomen. This can result in you experiencing abdomen tenderness or even possible bowel injuries. Before you travel next it is possible to take some extra precaution in preventing these types of injuries occurring.

Many drivers loosely put on their seatbelts before taking off, without actually being aware that to avoid suffering personal injury, it is important to make your seatbelt as tight as possible. Seatbelts do save lives in the event of an accident so it is important that you ensure:

• You wear your seatbelt as tight as possible

• Ensure that you always wear the lap belt over your pelvis and hips

• Wear the diagonal strap over your shoulders

Have you sustained seatbelt injuries in a car accident due to the driver's negligence in driving? If so you have a right to make a claim and you should contact our solicitors who will be able to look at your claim and advise you on how to proceed.