Skipping Your Seatbelt? Data Shows It Could Lead to Higher Insurance Rates and Denied Claims

A recent study of existing data by the personal injury law firm Anidjar & Levine emphasises on the vital role that seatbelts play in minimizing injuries and fatalities in car accidents, as well as their effect on insurance claims and premium rates.

The data research stresses on the fact that not wearing a seatbelt increases the risk of injuries and physical harm which may result in elevated insurance cost and significant denial of claims.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Findings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), provided data for the same and it revealed that around 25,420 occupants of passenger vehicles were killed in road and traffic accidents in 2022. Shockingly, around 50% of deaths occurred to people who were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The research also highlighted the fact that the youth meaning young adults ranging from 18-24 are the people who are least likely to wear seatbelts, putting them at a higher risk of sustaining serious injuries or fatalities in a collision.

Major Findings From The Data

• According to their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data analysis, wearing a seatbelt can reduce the fatality and serious injury risk by 50% in the event of a crash.
• According to the data from The Zebra, depending on the state in which the infraction occurs, not wearing a seatbelt may lead to a 29% increase in auto insurance rates.
• Additional data from The Zebra supports the conclusion that seatbelt violations are categorized as moving offenses, which can remain on a driver’s record for three years.

Impact On Insurance Claims

While processing accident-related claims, Insurance companies often take seatbelt usage into picture. The usage of seatbelt by the driver during the accident is a really big look out. If it’s known that the passenger refrained from wearing a seatbelt during the crash, it can highly influence the result and outcome of the insurance claim. In most of the cases, the insurance company argues on the point and may reduce the claim amount and sometimes even deny the money altogether – based on the point that the injuries could have been avoided and saved by the proper use of seatbelt.

Legal Implications

Moreover, using a seatbelt while driving is a matter of necessity, safety and a civil responsibility in various legal houses and jurisdictions. Several states consider failure to wear a seatbelt a contributing factor in determining fault for personal injury claims. This directly means that even if the other party caused the accident and even if it’s not your fault, by not wearing a seatbelt could possibly reduce or eliminate a victim’s right to claim full insurance compensation as their fault and negligence was the main reason for their injuries and whereabouts.

Expert Opinion From Anidjar & Levine

The study by Anidjar and Levine in this instance sends a clear message: failing to wear a seatbelt has far-reaching effects that go beyond mere bodily injury. The firm claims that the financial and legal ramifications are equally significant, especially when it comes to insurance companies and injury claims.

“Our study’s results clearly show how crucial seatbelt use is to reducing the financial and physical effects of auto accidents. Wearing a seatbelt not only dramatically lowers the chance of serious injury or death, but it can also result in significant financial liabilities, such as increased insurance premiums and possible claim denials, according to the firm.” Our goal is to advocate for stricter enforcement of seatbelt laws to enhance public safety and to ensure that all drivers and passengers are fully aware of the legal and financial implications of not wearing a seatbelt.”

This highlights a larger problem: The majority of drivers underestimate the long-term financial consequences of a seatbelt violation and lack awareness of them.

Long-Term Financial Risks

In addition to immediate medical expenses, these risks include higher insurance rates (up to 29% higher, according to data from The Zebra) and a driving record blemish that could last for up to three years. Over time, these fines can add up to thousands of dollars in additional expenses.

Need For Stronger Enforcement And Education

The conclusions only state that wearing a seat belt while driving should be the foremost things for a passenger to avoid injuries and accidents. Wearing a seatbelt can help passengers to avoid unwanted financial wastage and more than that seat belt can act as a life changing habit. Wearing a seatbelt still acts as one of the easiest and the most effective ways to protect yourself from unwanted tensions and hassles. Moreover wearing a seatbelt can save you from financial loss and to have a strong hold in front of the insurance companies if some mishap or accidents take place.

The research draws the attention towards increasing the need for vital and stronger seatbelt use and more awareness and robust education among people about the importance and usage of seatbelt. There are states in America where seat belt usage is implemented on priority and traffic-related fatalities are much lower.