How Seatbelt Laws Affect Truck Accident Cases in Indiana

If you are reading this, it’s likely that you or someone you know has recently been involved in a truck accident. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face the unknowns that come with such an event. You may feel confused, worried, or uncertain about the next steps. At Wyant Law, we want you to know that we are here for you. Our team is committed to guiding you through this difficult time with compassion and professionalism. We will help you understand how Indiana’s seatbelt laws impact truck accident cases and what it means for your potential legal claims.

Understanding Seatbelt Laws in Indiana

In Indiana, seatbelt laws are clear and strictly enforced. Both truck drivers and passengers are required by law to wear seatbelts while on the road. This rule exists not only to protect lives but also to minimize injuries in the event of an accident. Seatbelts are designed to keep individuals from being ejected from the vehicle during a crash and to reduce the severity of injuries by preventing excessive movement inside the vehicle.

For commercial truck drivers, the law requires them to be properly secured in their seats. Commercial trucks, which include semi-trucks, big rigs, and other large vehicles, pose a much higher risk of serious injury or death in an accident due to their size and weight. Indiana’s seatbelt law is especially crucial when considering the dangerous nature of these vehicles on the road. If a truck driver or a passenger fails to wear their seatbelt, they could face legal consequences. However, there are broader implications for truck accident cases beyond just the violation of this law.

Seatbelt Usage and Its Role in Truck Accident Cases

The way seatbelt usage factors into truck accident cases is often misunderstood. While the law mandates that drivers and passengers buckle up, seatbelt usage can affect the outcome of an accident in a number of ways. In cases involving injuries, seatbelt usage—or the lack thereof—can be a key point of discussion.

When it comes to damages in truck accidents, Indiana’s laws consider whether a person’s injuries were worsened by not wearing a seatbelt. This is known as the “seatbelt defense.” In the context of a truck accident, if a victim did not wear their seatbelt, the opposing party may argue that the injuries were more severe than they would have been if the seatbelt had been worn. This argument can be used to reduce the amount of compensation a victim receives. In cases where the truck driver or another party is found to have been negligent, the issue of seatbelt use may also come up during settlement negotiations or in the courtroom.

For instance, if a truck accident causes whiplash or head injuries, a defense attorney might argue that the injuries were more severe because the victim was not wearing a seatbelt. While this argument does not necessarily eliminate liability for the other party, it can reduce the amount of damages that are awarded.

Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you. 

With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.

 

How Seatbelt Non-Usage Affects Damages in Indiana

Indiana is a comparative fault state, meaning that if both parties involved in a truck accident share responsibility, the amount of compensation that each party can receive may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. In the case of seatbelt non-usage, the injured party’s damages may be reduced for exacerbating their injuries by not wearing their seatbelt.

This could have a significant impact on the financial outcome of a case. If you are involved in a truck accident and are found to have contributed to the severity of your injuries by failing to wear a seatbelt, the court may reduce the amount of compensation you can receive. It’s important to note that this does not mean you lose your case altogether. Even if you were not wearing a seatbelt, you may still be entitled to compensation for the damages you suffered due to the truck driver’s negligence.

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My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”

- Kathaleen Boyce

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Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."

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God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."

- Briana Shouse

Insurance companies and defense lawyers often try to use seatbelt non-usage as a way to reduce the compensation owed to victims. They may argue that the injuries would not have been as serious if the victim had worn their seatbelt. As a result, they may offer a lower settlement or attempt to prove that the victim should receive less compensation. This is one of the many reasons why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side.

How Can Wyant Law Help with Your Truck Accident Case?

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Indiana, you may be wondering how seatbelt laws will affect your case. While seatbelt usage may be an important factor in some claims, it is just one part of the puzzle. At Wyant Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are prepared to help you navigate the legal challenges ahead.

Our team can help you gather all the evidence needed to support your claim, including witness statements, expert testimony, and physical evidence from the crash scene. If seatbelt non-usage is brought up by the defense, we will work to demonstrate that the truck driver or another party was primarily responsible for the accident and that their negligence caused your injuries.

We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our attorney will carefully evaluate the details of your case and determine the best course of action to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. Whether you are facing issues related to seatbelt usage or other aspects of the truck accident, we are here to provide the legal support you need.

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The Importance of Having the Right Legal Representation

In the aftermath of a truck accident, there are many factors to consider when pursuing a claim. While seatbelt laws are important, they are just one element of the larger legal picture. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and other drivers on the road. Each of these parties may have contributed to the accident, and identifying who is at fault can be complex.

At Wyant Law, we have experience handling truck accident cases and know how to address all aspects of your claim, from seatbelt laws to issues of negligence, liability, and compensation. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair treatment and the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Indiana, don’t hesitate to contact Wyant Law. We are here to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.

To learn more about this subject click here: Understanding the Importance of Witness Testimonies in Indiana Truck Accident Cases