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(253) 272-5226Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injuries in a car accident. Their use is backed by decades of research and required by Washington State law. In this post, we’ll look at data about seatbelt safety, what the law says, and how seatbelt use can impact your personal injury claim.
We’ll also cover special situations, like seatbelt use during pregnancy or for people with medical conditions.
So, buckle up (pun intended) and let’s dive in.
The data is clear: seatbelts save lives and prevent serious injuries. Here are a few stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Washington law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. The full law is detailed in RCW 46.61.688.
Here are a few key points you should know:
Bottom line: you must always wear a seatbelt when riding in a moving vehicle.
Washington has one of the highest seatbelt usage rates in the country. In fact, about 93.3% of drivers buckle up, according to the 2024 Target Zero report.
Still, unrestrained driving remains a serious concern. Consider these sobering facts:
Washington’s Target Zero plan aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Make sure to read our summary about the 2024 findings.
Yes, sometimes seatbelts can cause injuries, especially in high-speed crashes. This makes sense when you consider the way vehicle passengers jolt in a collision. However, seatbelts usually prevent much worse harm.
Some examples of common seatbelt-related injuries include:
Remember, these injuries are generally less severe than what could happen without a seatbelt.
Suppose you decide to chance it. Maybe you are rushing to work or think you’re in the clear because you’re only a couple miles from home. But here’s what could happen if you don’t wear a seatbelt and are in a crash:
Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, not wearing a seatbelt could hurt your personal injury claim.
Not everyone is able to use a standard seatbelt. Some people have unique needs. Here are a few common examples and guidelines:
Pregnant drivers and passengers should wear the lap belt below the belly and the shoulder belt across the chest. Never wear the belt across or above the stomach. This protects both the parent and the unborn baby in a crash.
Washington’s car seat laws require:
(See our full Washington State Car Seat Guide for more information.)
Some people can’t safely wear standard seatbelts due to medical disabilities, such as wheelchair use or spinal deformities. In Washington, people with qualifying medical conditions may be exempt from wearing a seatbelt with a written certification from a licensed doctor or chiropractor. (See RCW 46.61.688(6).)
After a car accident, both police and the insurance company will ask: “Were you wearing a seatbelt?” Let’s look at how your answer can impact your personal injury claim.
Wearing a seatbelt shows you were acting responsibly. If you’re injured, it’s harder for the insurance company to argue that you caused your own injuries.
If you weren’t buckled in, the insurance adjuster may argue that your injuries were avoidable, or that you made them worse by not following the law. That could reduce your compensation.
In Washington, if you’re found partially responsible for your injuries, your compensation may be reduced. For example, let’s say you were awarded $10,000 for your injuries, but the insurance company or court finds you 25% at fault for not wearing a seatbelt. Your award would be reduced to $7,500.
Were you injured in a crash in Washington, whether you were wearing a seatbelt or not?
At Ladenburg Law, we’re here to help. It’s always free to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys, and we only get paid if we win you compensation.
Give us a call at (253) 272-5226 or fill out the short form on our website. We’ll reach out to schedule your free case review.