One of the things that can save your life if you are involved in a car accident is a seatbelt. Unfortunately, a study conducted in May and June 2023 found that only 92.4% of Michigan drivers wear seatbelts, the lowest usage rate since 2004. A seatbelt performs many functions, like keeping you in place in a high-impact collision to prevent ejection.
Seatbelts are mandatory under the law, and failing to wear one when in a car can lead to civil penalties like tickets and fines. This article looks at seatbelt laws and injuries in Michigan. If you have questions about your rights and how to receive compensation for seatbelt injuries, our car accident lawyers at Goodman Acker, P.C., can help. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free case review.
Why choose Goodman Acker, P.C. to represent you?
Whether you’re considering compensation for a seatbelt injury or a car accident wound, the car accident attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C. can help. We have over thirty years of experience and have represented clients all over Michigan. We have an in-depth understanding of the Michigan legal system and laws and apply this knowledge to help our clients get favorable outcomes.
Regardless of the circumstances of your case, we will advise you of your rights and protect your interests. Your well-being is our utmost concern, and we commit time and resources to providing you with excellent representation. Call us today at 248-286-8100 to learn how we can serve you.
Common seatbelt injuries in Michigan
Seatbelts were designed for our safety, but they can cause injuries, and the wound severity depends on whether you wear the seatbelt correctly. Also, the force of a car accident determines the seriousness of a seatbelt injury and whether you’ll suffer internal damage. The following are some of the common seatbelt injuries recorded in Michigan:
- Contusions and abrasions
- Bruised and fractured ribs
- Shoulder injuries
- Chest and sternum injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Vascular injuries.
Most seatbelt injuries have delayed symptoms, so do not hesitate to get a medical checkup if you suspect you sustained one. Also, ensure you get checked if you feel sore or tenderness in your chest area and have difficulty lying down. Your medical record is also crucial proof when seeking compensation or insurance benefits.
Michigan seatbelt laws
Michigan places a lot of emphasis on seatbelt use and penalizes drivers and passengers who fail to wear one. The state has also introduced initiatives to encourage seatbelt use and create awareness of the benefits and disadvantages of not using one. One such initiative is the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, and motorists who fail to buckle up face a $65 fine.
Below, we examine the different seatbelt laws in Michigan for various seating positions.
Front and backseat car occupants
Under MCL 257.710e(3), drivers and passengers riding in the front must “wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt” when they are in a motor vehicle that is being driven on Michigan roadways. Those riding in the back who are 16 or older do not have to wear seatbelts in a car or truck. However, to ensure your safety, you are advised to buckle down even when in the rear of a car, as unrestrained backseat passengers are more likely to sustain a severe injury.
Children
Under MCL 257.710e(5) and MCL 257.710e(3)(b), children between the ages of 8 and 15 must wear seatbelts whether they are riding in the front seat or the back seat of a vehicle. On the other hand, kids between the ages of 4 and 7 who are less than 4 feet 9 inches in height must be properly secured in a child restraint system like a car or booster seat.
Furthermore, under MCL 257.710e(3)(a) and 257.710d(1)(2), children under the age of 4 must be in a child restraint system like a rear- or forward-facing child car seat and must ride in the vehicle’s back seat. A child can be secured in the front only if older children occupy the rear seat, and the passenger’s airbag must be deactivated. Finally, children and teenagers in a school bus do not have to wear seatbelts as provided in MCL 257.710e(2).
What happens if you violate Michigan’s seatbelt law?
In 2000, Michigan law made failing to wear a seatbelt a primary offense for which police officers can pull you over. The only exception is if you’re riding in a bus or an antique vehicle manufactured before January 1, 1965. If you violate the Michigan seatbelt law, you will pay a $65 fine consisting of a $25 civil fine and court costs and $40 for justice system adjustment.
Book a free consultation with our experienced Goodman Acker, P.C. Lawyers
Even if you obey the seatbelt laws in Michigan and other road rules, you might still get injured in a car accident. When this happens, do not hesitate to seek legal representation. Our Goodman Acker, P.C. team is always available to provide legal guidance and help you make decisions in your best interests. Contact us at 248-286-8100 for a free case review; we work on a contingency-fee basis.
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN
Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]
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