Seat Belt Myths

Illinois has enacted legislation requiring all drivers, front seat passengers, and children who are younger than 8 years of age to be appropriately restrained while a vehicle is in motion. Some Illinois residents think that they are actually safer when they don't wear safety belts. Here are two major myths associated with seat belt use.

The "Thrown Clear" Myth

Myth: Being thrown clear of a vehicle during an accident increases your chances of escaping without injury.

Statistics do not support this contention. Usually, when unbelted people are involved in a car crash, they are propelled through the windshield, abraded along the pavement, and/or struck by other vehicles (or their own). These scenarios result in much more serious injuries than those sustained in a crash where the victim was wearing a seat belt.

The "Escape From Fire/Water" Myth

Myth: Wearing a seat belt increases my chances of dying if my car catches on fire or goes underwater.

First, car accidents under these circumstances only occur about .5% of the time - so you're much better off protecting yourself from more traditional crashes. But even when cars are engulfed by flames or water, the people in the vehicle have a much better chance of escaping if they are not injured, dazed, or unconscious due to the impact which resulted from the initial car accident.

Hiring a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney

After a serious car accident, recovering from your injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills. Retaining the legal services of a Chicago personal injury attorney can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.

The Chicago personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation - 312-263-1080.