Truck accidents are among the most dangerous collisions on Utah roads, often leading to injuries for victims. However, the simple act of buckling up can significantly reduce the risk of harm in these accidents. Unfortunately, even with seatbelts, injuries in truck accidents can be significant, leading to complex claims for compensation. This is where the expertise of a lawyer becomes critical. An experienced attorney can investigate your case, help you understand the laws involved, and pursue the compensation you deserve for the full extent of your injuries and other losses.
At Feller & Wendt, our attorneys are dedicated to helping truck accident victims like you recover the maximum compensation for their claims. We have many years of experience helping our clients secure favorable outcomes for their cases and have the knowledge and skills necessary to fight for you. We understand the unique challenges of recovering from a truck accident and can handle every detail of your claim on your behalf as you heal and recover.
Life-Saving Seat Belt Statistics
It has been proven that buckling up saves lives in car and truck accidents. Your seat belt can keep you secure and save you from being ejected from the vehicle, which is almost always fatal. According to the most up-to-date data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the use rate for seat belts in 2022 was 91.6%. In 2017, seat belts succeeded in saving an estimated 14,599 lives. Seat belts could have saved an additional 2,549 lives had they been in use at the time of the accidents.
Choosing not to use a seat belt can be devastating for victims. In 2021, 50% of accident fatalities could have been prevented if the victim had used their seat belt. Additionally, seat belts may not be as effective if worn improperly. Putting the seat belt behind your back or over your arm may result in severe injuries.
Common Reasons for Seat Belt Failure
Unfortunately, seat belts can fail even if you buckle up, causing life-altering injuries in the event of a truck accident. If you were injured due to a seat belt failure, you may have grounds to sue the manufacturer for damages. A few common reasons for seat belt failures include the following:
- Faulty latches: If your seatbelt clicks but fails to latch or becomes undone mid-ride, you may be more susceptible to significant injuries in the event of a truck accident.
- Pretensioner issues: The pretensioner is designed to tighten the slack on the seat belt when an accident occurs. If the pretensioner fails, you may not be adequately restrained during a collision.
- Webbing failures: The webbing in a seatbelt is designed to withstand strain and hold you in place when an accident occurs. When this webbing is faulty, it can rip and tear during an accident, placing drivers and passengers in danger.
This is a partial list, and other seat belt failures could cause severe injuries. An experienced attorney can investigate your case to determine the exact cause of your accident and who can be held accountable for your losses.
Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney At Feller & Wendt
If you have been injured in a truck accident, the experienced attorneys at Feller & Wendt are here to assist you. We understand the ins and outs of Utah’s personal injury laws and can leverage our experience and skills to fight for you. Our attorneys know the stress you are under and will do everything in our power to make your claim as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
To learn more about how we can help you, schedule a free consultation by calling (801) 499-5060 or completing our contact form today.
