Road accidents, depending on their severity, can leave victims mortally wounded and mentally scarred. Seatbelts have long been hailed as a potent safety measure to reduce injuries in the event of a crash. Despite this assured role in safety, millions of road users continue to disregard the critical benefit of seatbelts for their overall well-being.
This article delves into the substantive laws on seatbelts in Connecticut. At the end of the blog, you should understand how these laws may affect your personal injury claim. If you wish to speak to a professional about the matter, you should connect with attorney Russell Berkowitz of Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice & Injury Lawyers.
Seat Belt Laws in Connecticut
Connecticut's seat belt law is stringent for children. Infants under the age of two should be buckled up in rear-facing baby seats. Forward-facing seats can be used for kids older than two but younger than 5. Every other child over the age of five but under 16 must fasten their seatbelt at all times. The law is slightly different for anyone above the age of 16, where only drivers and front passengers are required to strap on at all times.
Primary Enforcement Law
The Primary Enforcement Law in Connecticut warrants a police officer to stop your vehicle and ticket you if you are found to have contravened the above seat belt laws. This law is indiscriminate in its application.
The Primary Enforcement seatbelt law in Connecticut applies to all vehicle occupants, regardless of age. So, when you’re driving the car, or in a car, ensure that everyone has their seatbelts on. People should help children and older adults adjust their seatbelts and get in a comfortable position before they fasten their own.
Seatbelt Defense
Connecticut uses the comparative modified negligence rule for personal injury claims. This rule allows you to claim compensation even if you contributed to your accident. However, the compensation might be reduced by the percentage of your contribution, and if your cumulative contribution is more than 50%, then you’re completely barred from recovering any compensation.
Seatbelts reduce the severity of injuries. Not fastening your seatbelt may lead to ejection through the windscreen due to impact. So, the critical question is, can the other driver claim that your injuries would not have been sustained if you had worn your seatbelt?
According to Connecticut General Statute § 14-100a, failing to wear your seatbelt cannot be considered contributory negligence. This is good news for your claim, but remember, you will still be held negligent if you were engaged in other activities while driving.
If it is determined that you were texting while driving, adjusting your rearview mirror, or engaging in any other activity that could have taken your attention away from the primary task of driving, then the settlement you are entitled to is reduced proportionately.
The same case applies to other negligent driving habits, such as running a red light, weaving in and out of traffic, and getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Either way, staying safe out on the road is paramount.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
In brief, children under two should be fastened to rear-facing baby seats. You are allowed to use forward-facing seats for children under the age of five. All other kids under the age of sixteen should strap their seatbelts at all times. For adults, only the driver and front passenger are required to buckle up at all times.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact a personal injury attorney for advice on your options for compensation. Personal injury lawyers understand how the law applies to these cases and can help you file your claim.
Conclusion
Car accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. People out on the road must be cautious, and staying vigilant can really safeguard your existence. Wearing a seatbelt is a great safety measure that has helped save countless lives over the years and plays an important role in helping people get their dues in personal injury claims.
