You were rushing to get down the road, and you forgot to put on your seat belt–and then an accident occurred. Perhaps you routinely decide not to wear your seat belt when driving or riding in a car, always assuming you would stay safe enough.

Then, disaster hit.

If you did not wear your seat belt during a car accident, it may have significantly increased your risk of suffering severe injuries–and substantially worsened the injuries you did suffer. People who do not wear a seat belt have a higher risk of being ejected from the car in an accident, which can increase your risk of traumatic brain injury, broken bones, road rash, and lacerations from the windshield or windows.

Can you still get compensation for the injuries you sustained in your car accident, even if you chose not to wear a seat belt?

Nevada Seat Belt Law

In Nevada, all passengers in a vehicle, regardless of age or position in the vehicle, must wear a seat belt. That includes the 50-year-old driver as well as the twelve-year-old child in the back seat of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, many people still fail to wear their seat belts in a car. Some passengers find them uncomfortable and insist that they do not really need them. Others think they can get away with not wearing a seat belt for a short trip. Accidents, however, can strike at any point, regardless of the duration of the trip–and failure to wear a seat belt may mean severe injury.

Partial Liability in Nevada

Under Nevada law, car accidents can be assigned partial liability: that is, each driver may be assigned a percentage of the fault for an accident, rather than one driver alone bearing full liability for the accident.

Partial liability means that each driver may end up bearing a portion of the fault for an accident. For example, if two distracted drivers drift out of their lanes, they both may bear equal liability for the accident. Likewise, if a distracted driver and a drunk driver collide, they may both share a portion of the liability for the accident. Under Nevada law, this means that each party would pay for the percentage of the damages they caused. However, any party that bears 50% or more liability for the accident will not receive compensation for the accident.

The “Seat Belt Defense” in Nevada

Under Nevada law, if you were not wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident, it does not count as an act of negligence and will not count toward determining fault for the accident and for your injuries. While your other actions, including failure to yield, speeding, or driving while distracted or inebriated, may all contribute to liability in the accident, wearing or choosing not to wear a seatbelt cannot be used against you in the accident. As a result, even if you were not wearing a seatbelt in the accident, you may still have grounds to file a personal injury claim and recover the full damages you deserve for your injuries.

However, you should consult with an attorney to determine how liability in the accident, including failure to wear your seat belt, could impact your ability to file a personal injury claim, as well as what compensation you should expect after an accident.

What Compensation Should I Expect if I Failed to Wear My Seat Belt and Suffered Injuries in an Accident?

You did not wear your seatbelt, despite knowing the risks. You suffered serious injuries in the accident. Now, you need to know just how much compensation you should expect, especially if you’re contending with severe injuries and a long recovery period. Can you expect compensation for plastic surgery that you need due to severe lacerations when you went through the windshield? What about compensation for emergency medical transport?

Talk to an attorney about how much compensation you should ultimately expect for the injuries you suffered in your accident. Keep in mind that the liable party–or, more likely, the liable driver’s insurance policy–will not pay your medical care providers directly for your injuries. Instead, the insurance company will pay out a settlement that you can use to cover the costs of expenses related to the accident, including medical care. Your compensation may also be limited by the limits of the liable driver’s insurance policy. If that driver carries only minimum liability insurance, for example, you may receive less compensation than if that driver carries a high-value policy.

In general, compensation for an auto accident includes:

1. Compensation for medical expenses you sustained as a result of the accident.

Medical costs may include the cost of emergency transport, hospitalization, treatment for your injuries, durable medical equipment, and therapy following the accident. Make sure you keep up with your medical bills so that you can clearly establish the medical costs you faced because of your accident and the injuries you sustained.

2. Compensation for the wages you lost because of your injuries.

Often, you may have trouble going back to work immediately after your accident. Serious injuries may mean that it takes longer for you to get back to work. You can claim compensation for those lost wages–and if your accident causes permanent inability to complete your job duties, you may have the right to claim lost earning potential.

3. Compensation for your pain and suffering.

Your car accident injuries can result in immense physical pain and emotional anguish. Many personal injury claims include vital compensation for these key elements of your suffering. Talk to an attorney to learn more about how to include pain and suffering in your claim.

If you suffered injuries in a Las Vegas car accident while not wearing your seatbelt, you may need an attorney to help you understand your rights and to fight to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Gina Corena & Associates today at 702-680-1111 for a free consultation regarding your accident and your rights, including your right to compensation in spite of your lack of seatbelt use.

Car accidents, especially severe ones where seatbelts weren’t worn, can lead to not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma like PTSD. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of PTSD after a car accident and understand the compensation available for such emotional distress.

In some cases, insurance companies might deny your claim, especially if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt during the accident. It’s essential to understand your rights and seek legal assistance if your claim is denied. Learn more about how a lawyer can help if your claim is denied.

As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.

  • This was my first time using a lawyer, which I needed due a major car accident. They made everything simple and stress free, and I couldn’t be happier with the attentive care I received from everyone at the law office. Gresia was fantastic, and kept in touch regularly. She was professional, knowledgeable, and very kind. I would recommend them to anyone.

    - Deb Compton

  • Gina and her crew are truly amazing. They exceeded my expectations. They kept in contact with me throughout the whole time and any questions I did have They would take the time and explain everything so I would know what to expect. I would highly recommend them at any time.

    - Chris S

  • Thank you very much for the services everyone answered every single one of my calls and this firm took care of me from start to finish. Thank you so much Gina for taking on my case and assisting me I will recommend you to everyone.

    - Sayra Sánchez

  • I rarely do reviews but I want to share what an outstanding team Gina Corena has. Mahna Pourshaban did such an awesome job In helping us get our settlement, she has treated us like family since day 1 that we met her.. Me and my family want to tell u guys thank u from the bottom of our hearts.

    - The LOPEZ Family

  • Working with Gina was An amazing feeling as the client to know that my case is being handled professionally and to the best it can be ! Knowing that Gina can handle it gave me confidence and peace, 100 percent recommend Gina and her associates team !

    - Jonathan Rodriguez

  • GINA CORENA is the best attorney indeed! Thank you to her amazing team the attention to detail I received was incredible. 100% recommend to everyone!

    - Clara Maria

  • My experience with Gina Corena’s office was amazing. They were all professional and were easy to reach out to during my whole case. I’d recommend their services 10/10!!

    - Mark Surban

  • I'm really satisfied with the work these ladies provide. They’re Super reliable and Professional, Alexandra was the one that helped me with my case and she’s super nice and sweet. She made sure I was aware about all the updates with my case. Overall the work they provide to the citizens of Las Vegas is top notch. Thank you Gina Corena and associates.

    - Gil Axel

  • This is the best company I have dealt with hands down. I am super thankful with them for all the work they did on behalf of my case. The process was rather simple and very well explained from start to finish. Thank you so much Gina Corena &. Associates. Thank you Kim for assisting in my case.

    - Raidel Echavarria

  • I received nothing but top notch service from this firm not once but twice please keep up the outstanding job customer service is very important to me and your firm went above and beyond again THANK YOU

    - Freda Smith

  • Such a great law firm. This was my first time having to get a lawyer due to an auto accident and they explained all the ins and outs of my case and the process. I will definitively keep them in mind again for the future.

    -Alyssa Ortega

  • If I can give Gina’s firm 10 stars I would. They have the best customer service & most knowledgeable staff I’ve ever come across. The office is always clean and it has a lovely and positive vibe. Thank you to this amazing firm to make my experience fast and easy for me. Gina definitely knows how to care of her clients and treated me like family. I will recommended to my friends and family.

    -Cony Jordan

VIEW ALL

CALL US 24/7

Schedule A Free
Injury Consultation Below

    By contacting Gina Corena & Associates, you agree to receive emails, text messages, and phone calls regarding your legal inquiry, which may be considered advertising material.