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Home > Car Accident > The Role of Seatbelts in Car Accident Cases

Written by Jelena Tiemann and Peter B. Tiemann

Last Updated : November 14, 2025
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Posted on Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 10:39 am    

Seatbelts are one of the simplest yet most effective safety measures in any vehicle. They save thousands of lives every year and significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries in car accidents.

Beyond safety, seatbelt use can also play a major role in personal injury car accident cases, influencing everything from liability to compensation. Below, Tiemann Law Firm outlines how seatbelts come into play in personal injury claims.

Why Seatbelts Matter in an Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by nearly 45% for drivers and front-seat passengers. Seatbelts keep occupants securely in place, preventing them from being thrown forward or ejected from the vehicle during a collision.

However, when someone is injured in an accident, whether or not they were wearing a seatbelt can become a key issue in determining fault and damages.

Seatbelt Use and Comparative Negligence

In many states, personal injury claims are governed by comparative negligence laws, which determine how much compensation an injured person can recover based on their share of fault. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that an injured person’s compensation can be reduced by their percentage of fault in causing or worsening their own injuries.

If a driver or passenger wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may argue that the injuries were made worse because of that choice. This is known as the “seatbelt defense, and it is recognized in California. Essentially, it claims that the injured party contributed to their own harm by failing to take reasonable safety precautions. Depending on state law, this can reduce the amount of compensation awarded, even if the other driver caused the crash.

The Role of Seatbelts in Car Accident Cases

Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car crash, always seek immediate medical attention and document the accident thoroughly. Whether you were wearing a seatbelt or not, you may still be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the full recovery you deserve.

If you have a personal injury case that you want help pursuing, contact the car accident attorneys of Tiemann Law Firm to set up a free, same-day consultation at (916) 999-9000 or toll-free: 855-999-9000.

Categories: Car Accident

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