Wearing a seatbelt is not an option in Washington. It’s the law.
But even though it’s the law, it can’t be held against an injured driver or passenger in a personal injury lawsuit. The rules of evidence prevent defendants from introducing evidence that an injured person was not wearing a seatbelt.
A lot of people injured in car accidents don’t get the compensation they deserve because of an incomplete understanding of the law. They effectively screen out their own claims based on perceived challenges. Probably the most common perceived challenge is that they can’t recover if they weren’t wearing a seatbelt. This simply isn’t the case.
If you’re in an accident it’s important to consult with an attorney. It’s a little like Antiques Roadshow. You don’t know what your case is worth until you speak with an expert. It may be that your case is less than you thought but it’s equally likely that it’s worth far more.
The Legal Examiner and our Affiliate Network strive to be the place you look to for news, context, and more, wherever your life intersects with the law.
Comments for this article are closed.