In short YES, you need to wear a seat belt. It may seem like a small habit, but it’s one of the most powerful safety decisions you can make every time you get in a vehicle.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Seat Belts Save Lives
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts saved an estimated 13,941 lives in 2015 alone.
Even more alarming:
- Nearly half of the 35,000+ people killed in crashes that year were not wearing seat belts
- An additional 2,814 lives could have been saved if seat belts had been used
These aren’t just statistics—they’re lives that could have had a different outcome with one simple action.
Ejected = Exposed to Greater Danger
One of the biggest dangers in a crash is being thrown from the vehicle. Without a seat belt, your chances of survival drop dramatically.
Seat belts are designed to:
- Keep you securely in place
- Reduce impact with hard surfaces inside the vehicle
- Prevent ejection during a crash
Wearing one could be the difference between walking away and a life-altering injury.
Airbags Alone Are NOT Enough
Many people believe airbags provide all the protection they need—but that’s a dangerous misconception.
Without a seat belt:
- You can be thrown forward into a deploying airbag
- The force of impact can cause serious injury or even death
Seat belts and airbags are designed to work together—not separately.
How to Wear Your Seat Belt the Right Way
To get the full protection, proper positioning matters:
- ✔️ Place the lap belt across your hips, not your stomach
- ✔️ Position the shoulder belt across the center of your chest, away from your neck
- ❌ NEVER put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm
These small adjustments can make a big difference in a crash.
Seat Belt Safety During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, wearing a seat belt is still essential—but it must be worn correctly:
- ✔️ Shoulder belt across your chest, between your breasts
- ✔️ Lap belt below your belly, snug across your hips
- ❌ NEVER place the belt over your stomach
- ❌ NEVER tuck the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm
Proper use helps protect both you and your baby.
Fit Matters: Check Before You Drive
Not all seat belts fit the same. When purchasing a vehicle:
- Test the seat belt for comfort and positioning
- Ask about seat belt adjusters if needed
A properly fitted seat belt ensures maximum protection.
The Seat Belt Dilemma: Millions Still Don’t Buckle Up
Despite all the evidence, seat belt usage is only 90.1%. That means 27.5 million people are still taking unnecessary risks every day.
That “small” 10% gap represents millions of lives exposed to preventable danger.
Injured in an Accident? Your Rights Still Matter
If you’ve been in a car accident—whether you were wearing a seat belt or not—you may still have a valid personal injury claim.
Insurance companies often try to:
- Reduce compensation
- Shift blame
- Deny claims altogether
That’s why having experienced legal representation is critical.
How Herrman & Herrman Can Help
At Herrman & Herrman, we understand how complex accident cases can become—especially when seat belt use is involved.
Our team is ready to:
- Fight back against insurance company tactics
- Protect your rights
- Pursue the compensation you deserve
You focus on healing—we’ll handle the legal battle.
📞 Protect Yourself On and Off the Road
Car accidents are stressful enough. Don’t navigate the aftermath alone.
Contact Herrman & Herrman today for a FREE consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Because your safety doesn’t end when the crash does—it starts with being prepared.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
