By
Cary Grant
Motor vehicle accidents are a common occurrence on our roads, with thousands of lives lost and injuries sustained each year. One important aspect of road safety is to wear a seat belt while driving.
In many states, it is not only a legal requirement to wear seat belts while driving, but it also has implications on insurance for cars in the event of an accident. If seat belts are not used while driving and there is an accident, it can have significant implications for your motor insurance claims.
Continue reading to know more about the seat belt rules in India and how not wearing it can affect your claim process.
Why is Wearing a Seatbelt Essential?
- Seat belts keep occupants securely inside the vehicle during a crash, reducing the risk of being ejected. Ejection dramatically increases the likelihood of major injury or fatality.
- Seatbelts disperse the impact force of a collision over the strongest bodily areas, like the pelvis and chest. Serious injuries like brain trauma or spinal cord damage are less likely as a result.
- Seat belts prevent occupants from being thrown around inside the vehicle, minimising the risk of hitting hard surfaces or other occupants, which could cause additional injuries.
- Seat belts hold the body in place, protecting vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs from impact injuries. This can significantly reduce the severity of injuries sustained in a crash.
How Not Wearing a Seatbelt Can Hurt Your Insurance Claim Process
Now that you know why wearing a seatbelt is essential, let us now look at how driving without a seatbelt may hurt your insurance claim process.
- Firstly, insurance companies assess fault in accidents based on various factors, including adherence to traffic laws and safety regulations. You must understand the proper way to wear a seat belt, as not wearing it properly can be perceived as a violation of these regulations. This could potentially shift the liability of the accident onto you, even if another party was primarily at fault. This could result in a reduced settlement or even denial of your claim altogether.
- Moreover, the absence of a front and back seat seatbelt can exacerbate injuries sustained in an accident. Insurance providers take into account the extent of injuries when determining the compensation amount. By not wearing a seatbelt, you increase the chances of severe injuries, which may lead to higher medical expenses and longer recovery periods. Consequently, insurance companies may scrutinise your claim more closely, questioning the necessity and extent of your medical treatment.
- If you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, it may cast doubt on the accuracy of your version of events, potentially resulting in delays or complications during the claims process.
Common Injuries Resulting from Seat Belt Non-Usage
Injuries can range from mild to fatal, and they can also cause disability. Other probable injuries induced by not using a seat belt include the following:
- Head Injuries
- Abdominal Injuries
- Spinal Injuries
- Facial injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Hand or leg injuries
Conclusion
The question of whether claims will be paid if seat belts are not used while driving is largely contingent upon the specific terms and conditions outlined in the insurance policy. However, it’s essential to note that negligence or non-compliance with safety measures such as wearing seat belts might affect the claim process and car insurance renewal online.
Moreover, opting for insurance plans from a reputed insurance provider can provide added protection and coverage for unforeseen circumstances, emphasising the importance of selecting comprehensive policies tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I have medical expenses due to not wearing a seatbelt?
Medical expenses resulting from not wearing a seat belt might not be fully covered by your insurance policy, especially if it’s determined that your injuries could have been less severe had you worn one.
- Why are seat belt laws important?
Seat belt laws are crucial for ensuring the safety of vehicle occupants. Wearing seatbelts significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision or sudden stop.