The short answer to this question is yes, you can get a personal injury settlement if you were not wearing a seatbelt. However, it is important to understand that a seatbelt can be an important factor in the amount of compensation you receive.
In most states, it is illegal to drive without wearing a seatbelt. This is because a seatbelt can help protect you from serious injury in a car accident. When a car accident occurs, the force of the impact can cause you to be thrown from the vehicle and suffer serious injuries. Wearing a seatbelt can help prevent this from happening, or at least reduce the severity of the injuries you sustain.
When you file a personal injury claim, the court will consider all the factors that led to the accident, including whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt. If it is determined that you were not wearing a seatbelt, the court may reduce the amount of compensation you are awarded. This is because the court may view your lack of safety as a contributing factor to the accident and your injuries.
It is important to note that even if you were not wearing a seatbelt, you may still be able to recover some compensation for your injuries. The court may still take into account other factors, such as the other driver’s negligence or the severity of your injuries.
At the end of the day, it is important to understand that the court will consider all the factors that led to the accident, including whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt. While a seatbelt can help protect you from serious injury in a car accident, you may still be able to recover some compensation for your injuries even if you were not wearing one.
