It seems that we are constantly bombarded by public safety campaigns and ads reminding us to wear seatbelts. In many cases, our own vehicles even remind us to buckle up by playing annoying buzzing sounds until we have been coaxed into compliance. While seatbelts can be uncomfortable, it is important to remember that the alternative is much worse. Floridians were reminded of that the hard way after a recent accident in Pembroke Pines that killed three people and hospitalized five others. The only one wearing her seatbelt at the time was a two-year-old girl
A family was traveling on Interstate 75 in their Buick when the vehicle’s driver lost control and veered into a construction zone. Authorities are not yet sure what caused the accident, but they do know that the car flipped multiple times. The force of the wreck sent several of the occupants flying out of the car. The two-year-old child survived, but lost her mother, a sister and a brother in the crash. Her father was hospitalized in critical condition.
Passengers who don’t buckle up drastically increase their chances of being ejected from a vehicle during an accident — those who don’t wear the restraints are 30 times as likely to be ejected as those who do. Being thrown from an out-of-control car results in serious injury or death, with the majority of those ejected dying from their injuries. Seatbelts work to keep passengers in place so that the vehicle’s other safety features can protect them.
If you or a family member has been hurt in a vehicle wreck in the Manatee County area, the auto accident attorneys at the Bradenton firm of Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation against negligent drivers.