Can Failure to Wear Your Seat Belt Lower the Value of Your Claim?

Were you recently involved in a car accident? If so, you may now be attempting to file a claim for compensation. Your purpose will be to recover the costs you have had for medical treatment, the wages you have lost from missing time at work, as well as pain and suffering. However, there may be one issue that prevents you from getting the full amount of the claim you are seeking. 

If You Weren’t Wearing Your Seatbelt, The Value of Your Claim Will Be Lower 

Many states, including Florida, have “modified comparative fault” laws. This means that you can only be compensated out of the other driver’s policy if they have been determined to be at least 51 percent at fault for the accident that occurred. You should also note that the total amount of this compensation can be reduced due to a number of factors, including negligence on your own part.

Wearing your seatbelt is definitely one of these factors. Failure to observe all of the mandated safety protocols while operating a vehicle will lower the value of your claim by as much as 10 percent. For example, if you would have been awarded $100,000, you will now receive only $90,000.

Contact Neri Law Group for the Latest Accident Claim Info 

It is therefore highly recommended that you wear your seatbelt at all times. If you happen to get into an accident, Bradenton FL injury attorneys can help you get the full amount of the compensation that you are due. This should be sufficient incentive to obey all of the currently prescribed vehicle safety precautions.

If you are in any doubt about what the value of your claim will be, you can contact the experienced Bradenton FL injury attorneys. Neri Law Group will be more than happy to address any questions, comments, or concerns that you may have.