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Recovering Damages From Car Accident Injuries in South Dakota if You Weren’t Wearing a Seatbelt

On Behalf of | Aug 24, 2022 | Car Accidents

South Dakota has one of the lowest seatbelt usage rates in the United States. According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, before 1994, only 26 percent of front seat passengers used their seatbelts. In 2015, approximately half of the victims of car accident fatalities were not buckled up at the time of the crash. To increase driver and passenger seatbelt usage, the state passed a law requiring all vehicle operators and passengers in the car to wear a seatbelt when it is moving. Wearing a seatbelt can often prevent serious injuries or death in a car accident. What happens if you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence and were not wearing a seatbelt? Our South Dakota car accident attorneys explain more about your legal rights and what compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Recovering Damages After a Car Accident if You Weren’t Wearing a Seatbelt

Even if you were not wearing a seatbelt when a car accident occurred, you may still be able to recover damages for your injuries since your failure to buckle up was not the cause of the collision. The fact that you were not wearing a seatbelt cannot be held against your case and is irrelevant. You may face a fine of $25 for being caught not wearing your seatbelt.

Hiring a South Dakota car accident attorney can help determine the value of your case. You may be able to recover the following types of damages:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

Do You Need a South Dakota Car Accident Attorney?

If you were injured in a car crash and were not wearing a seatbelt, contact Northern Plains Justice, LLP for a consultation. We can help you get the compensation you deserve after being injured in a South Dakota car accident due to another party’s negligence. To schedule an appointment to discuss your case, contact us online or call our office at 605-644-5003. We charge no fees until we win your case.

 

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