Three people who were seriously injured in a recent Sumter County traffic accident were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision, according to local police.
The April 30 crash occurred on State Road 44 near Morse Boulevard, Click Orlando reports. A sedan ran a red light at the intersection and collided with a sport utility vehicle, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
“The sedan’s three occupants — a 35-year-old man in the driver’s seat with a 22-year-old woman and 30-year-old man as passengers, all of Leesburg — were seriously injured in the crash, the report states,” Brandon Hogan writes for Click Orlando. “Troopers believe none of them were wearing a seatbelt.”
The SUV driver, who was reportedly buckled up at the time of the collision, was also sent to the hospital in critical condition.
FHP said it was still investigating the accident.
Seatbelts Save Lives
Seatbelts are vital safety devices that have saved countless lives and prevented serious injuries in car accidents throughout Florida and around the globe.
Seatbelts save nearly 15,000 lives every year, according to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than half of all people killed in passenger vehicle accidents each year are not wearing seatbelts at the time, NHTSA says.
The safety devices work primarily by keeping people in their seats when crashes happen rather than being ejected. They can also cut down on the impact with an airbag or seat back by restraining drivers and passengers.
Legal Rights for People Injured in Florida Traffic Accidents
Anyone who is injured in a car, truck, motorcycle or other traffic accident in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash.
The money damages typically available in these cases are designed to put the injured person back in the financial position that he or she was in before the accident. That includes money for medical bills, missed wages, and other economic consequences of the collision.
In a tragic situation in which a person dies in a traffic accident, certain family members can seek similar compensation for wrongful death. While no amount of money will replace your loved one, it can help ease some of the monetary stress that often comes with losing a spouse, parent or other family member.
For those who survive a crash, not wearing a seatbelt can limit your ability to get compensation for your injuries. A person who is not wearing a seatbelt at the time of a crash is likely to share at least some of the responsibility for his or her injuries under Florida law.
Speak With a Villages Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or other accident, it is vital to seek the advice of an experienced injury attorney. Villages accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people and families across the community for more than two decades.
Our office is conveniently located in the Villages. We are also proud to represent clients throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages accident attorney.
