Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall Car Accident Articles
Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm
A split second on a New Mexico highway can change everything, as the screech of tires and sudden impact turn an ordinary drive into a frightening collision. In that moment, your seat belt holds you in place and may save your life, yet it can also leave behind painful reminders of the crash. Seat belt injuries can include deep bruising, chest pain, or even internal organ damage that is not immediately visible.
Many victims assume their discomfort will fade, but at Parnall Law, we have seen how hidden injuries often worsen in the hours or days that follow. Because the signs can be subtle at first, seeking medical care promptly and obtaining experienced legal guidance is the best way to protect your health and secure the compensation you deserve.
Yes, seat belts significantly lower the risk of fatal and severe injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 23,959 passenger vehicle occupants died in 2023, and 49% of those killed weren’t wearing seat belts. This represents the most recent available data on seat belt fatalities.
This evidence underscores why seat belts remain the most effective safety feature in any vehicle. Yet their life-saving design creates a paradox, as the mechanism that protects you by restraining your body against extreme forces can also cause injury in high-impact crashes. In serious wrecks like rollovers or side impacts, belt pressure across the chest and abdomen can cause soft tissue injuries, fractures, or internal trauma.
A seat belt is designed to hold your body firmly in place during sudden deceleration by distributing force across your strongest bones, including the clavicle, chest, and pelvis, thereby preventing you from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. This relies on modern retractors and locking mechanisms that tighten instantly on impact, and while lifesaving, this tension can also cause strain or injury to soft tissues.
The lap belt restrains your lower body, while the shoulder belt secures your upper torso, working together to stop your forward momentum when the belt locks during a high-speed collision. Unfortunately, this restraint can leave visible bruising across the chest or abdomen, known as the “seat belt sign,” and such marks can signal internal injuries, including bleeding or organ damage.
Seat belt injuries often do not appear immediately, making it critical to see a doctor even if you feel fine after a crash. Serious problems can develop hours or even days later, and without treatment, these injuries can get worse really fast.
Seat belts save lives, but they can still cause injuries in a crash. The damage depends on the force of impact, the angle of collision, and where your body was positioned when the crash occurred.
The shoulder strap crosses the chest, and during a collision, it can cause bruising, fractured ribs, or even damage to the sternum. Victims may experience pain when breathing deeply or moving the upper body.
The lap belt often compresses the abdomen during impact, potentially damaging internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or intestines. Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the stomach area are warning signs that should never be ignored.
The diagonal strap can sprain or fracture your clavicle and shoulder joint in high-speed crashes. If you notice swelling, are unable to move your shoulder normally, or see a deformity near your collarbone, the injury may be serious.
When the belt pulls tight, it can strain muscles and ligaments in your neck, back, or torso. This creates whiplash-like injuries that limit how you move and cause ongoing pain without treatment.
Surface bruising or abrasions where the belt comes into contact with the skin can indicate deeper trauma beneath. This “seat belt sign” is a red flag that doctors use to check for internal injuries, even when external symptoms appear minor.
When seat belts aren’t positioned correctly, particularly lap-only belts, they can cause spinal flexion injuries. These injuries may lead to chronic back pain and nerve damage, and in the worst cases, they can cause paralysis.
We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve
Yes, you can pursue compensation if another driver’s negligence caused the crash or a defective seat belt contributed to your injuries. New Mexico gives you three years to file most personal injury lawsuits under Section 37-1-8 of the New Mexico Statutes. This deadline applies to claims for bodily injuries or damage to your reputation.
If your seat belt malfunctioned due to design or manufacturing defects, you could have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer. On the other hand, if your injuries resulted from another motorist’s carelessness, such as speeding or distracted driving, you can seek damages through a traditional car accident claim.
Regardless of which legal avenue applies to your situation, the compensation available typically covers both economic and non-economic losses. Common recoverable damages include:
It’s also possible to pursue a wrongful death claim if a loved one suffered fatal injuries in a seat belt–related accident. Every case is unique, so having an experienced New Mexico attorney evaluate the evidence, medical documentation, and fault allocation is critical.
At Parnall Law, we understand how difficult a serious crash can be, especially when the device meant to protect you causes harm. Our team represents New Mexicans hurt in crashes involving seat belt injuries. We handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery, reviewing every detail of your case from accident reports and medical records to potential product defects to build the strongest claim possible.
Contact our car accident attorneys at (505) 268-6500 for a free consultation to learn how we can help you protect your health, your rights, and your future recovery.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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Hurt? Call Bert ®
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Parnall Law Firm, LLC
Hurt? Call Bert ®
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Rio Rancho, NM 87124
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