I Was Injured in a Florida Car Accident But Was Not Wearing My Seat Belt. Can I Still Recover Damages for My Injuries?

Florida is one of several states allowing the so-called “seat belt defense.” This defense is used when a defendant is accused of causing a victim’s injuries as a result of a crash. The defendant asserts that some or all of the victim’s compensation should be reduced if the victim was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the car accident.

Fortunately, if you were not wearing a seat belt and were injured in an Ocala car crash, you may still have a claim for damages. Your first step should be to contact an experienced Florida accident attorney, who can then help you consider the following arguments:

• The lack of use of the seat belt did not worsen your injuries.
• The lack of use of the seat belt did not cause your injuries.
• Due to your height, you sit closer to the steering wheel and therefore your injuries were made worse because of your height, not the lack of seat belt.
• Due to your weight, the seat belt was less effective.

Unfortunately, failing to wear a seat belt during a crash can add complications to your claim for compensation. For this reason, it is vital that you contact an attorney to advise you on your rights. For information on how to protect yourself, view our free guide Seven Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case. Our office of experienced Florida car accident attorneys is here to help. Call the Jeffrey Meldon & Associates today at their toll free number: 800-373-8000.

We at Meldon Law strongly believe that public education is the first step in the prevention of an accident or in the recovery from one.

We are experienced personal injury attorneys, trial attorneys, negotiators, litigators, paralegals, and staff that have been proudly working to get accident victims the justice they deserve for over 40 years in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Inverness, and the rest of North Central Florida and North Florida. Accidents involving a car crash, truck wreck, and motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and criminal defense are all included in our practice.

Based on Jeffrey Meldon’s, founder of Meldon Law, over 40 years of helping accident victims get justice and a fair shake from the insurance companies, he has written the consumer guide book, Seven Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Florida Accident Case. You can request your free, no obligation copy right now, or contact our office for your complimentary copy sent to you today.

Contact Meldon Law at 800-373-8000 immediately if you have been involved in a serious auto, truck, or motorcycle accident. We are in your community, have the experience and resources required to work towards obtaining a fair settlement for you – we are here to help you.