Wearing Seat Belts Helps If You Are In A Personal Injury Accident

Posted on April 15, 2026 - By Steven Boyd
Steven Boyd
Seat Belt

Wearing seat belts helps if you are in a personal injury accident. As experienced Buffalo personal injury attorneys, we strongly urge everyone to wear a seat belt. Studies have proven again and again that wearing a seat belt lowers the risk of personal injury in motor vehicle accidents. However, choosing not to wear a seat belt does not mean you cannot seek damages in a personal injury lawsuit; plus, it may lower the amount you recover for your injuries.

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New York State Law For Not Wearing Seat Belts

Under New York State law, if an injured person was not wearing a seat belt and the defense chooses to raise the issue, evidence of not wearing a seat belt cannot be used at trial to prove that the injured person caused the accident or injuries, but it may be used to prove that he or she would not have been injured as badly if the seat belt had been used.
Even if the defense chooses to raise this as an issue, they must comply with certain rules. First, they must have informed the injured person and the court beforehand that they would be using this defense. Second, they must submit evidence showing how wearing a seat belt would have changed the injuries. In most cases, this means that they will need a professional who can provide details regarding how wearing a seat belt would have resulted in lesser injuries.

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Steve Boyd

Since 1999, Steve has been a beacon of hope for survivors, representing them with utmost dedication in the most challenging times of their lives. Catastrophic injuries, accidents, sexual abuse, wrongful death incidents – your battle becomes his. Recognized by peers and clients alike, Steve successfully leverages his years of experience to secure substantial verdicts and settlements for clients. Representing over 3,000 personal injury survivors in New York State and Pennsylvania, his accolades speak for his unwavering resolve.

Suffered A Personal Injury In A Car Accident?

Everyone should wear their seat belt. If you did not and suffered a personal injury in a car accident, however, you should still speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights. We can be reached at  716-600-0000 or 716-400-0000.

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Unsure if you have a case? Let’s have a conversation; it will be completely confidential. We’ll believe you. We’ll walk you through the process so that you understand what this is, what we’ll do, and how your case will go as we stand with you every single step of the way.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Steve Boyd who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney specializing in child sexual abuse and clergy abuse cases.

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