Car Accident Lawyers – Seatbelt Law

 

INJURED BY SEAT BELT IN CAR ACCIDENT – ATTORNEYS

Our car accident lawyers have represented hundreds of people injured in crashes. We know that seatbelts save lives and reduce injuries – if they are used. However, many people are actually injured by the seat belt or airbag in the crash. In fact, our car accident lawyers have based cases on seatbelt or airbag injuries. For example, an airbag deployment frequently causes burns and ear ringing. Of course, the injuries are far less severe than they would be without the safety equipment.

Minnesota has car accident safety laws, including laws related to seatbelt use. Below is the primary MN law regarding seat belt usage. If you have any questions about this, you are welcome to call us and speak with a top car accident lawyer. Our attorneys will answer your questions.

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Car Accident Seat Belt Injury

169.686 SEAT BELT USE REQUIRED; PENALTY.

Subdivision 1. Seat belt requirement.

(a) Except as provided in section 169.685, a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt shall be worn by the driver and passengers of a vehicle. This includes both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped,

(b) A person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates paragraph (a) is subject to a fine of $25. In addition, the driver of the vehicle in which a violation occurs is subject to a $25 fine for each violation. However, the court may not impose more than one surcharge under section 357.021, subdivision 6, on the driver. Further, the Department of Public Safety shall not record a violation of this subdivision on a person’s driving record.

Subd. 1a. Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) “Passenger vehicle” means:

(1) a passenger automobile defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24;

(2) a pickup truck;

(3) a van;

(4) a commuter van, as defined in section 168.126; and

(5) a recreational vehicle, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27.

(c) ‘Passenger vehicle’ does not include a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, bus, school bus …

(d) ‘Pickup truck’ means a truck, regardless of manufacturer’s nominal rated carrying capacity, that is commonly known as a pickup truck.

(e) ‘Van’ means a vehicle, regardless of the manufacturer’s nominal rated carrying capacity, of a box-like design that: First, has no barrier or separation between the operator’s area and the remainder of the cargo-carrying area. Or second, is designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver.

Subd. 2. Seat belt exemptions.

This section shall not apply to:

(1) a person driving a passenger vehicle in reverse;

(2) a person riding in a vehicle in which all the seating positions equipped with safety belts are occupied by other persons in safety belts;

(3) a person who is in possession of a written certificate from a licensed physician verifying that because of medical unfitness or physical disability the person is unable to wear a seat belt;

(4) a person who is actually engaged in work that requires the person to alight from and reenter a motor vehicle at frequent intervals and who, while engaged in that work, does not drive or travel in that vehicle at a speed exceeding 25 miles per hour;

(7) a person driving or riding in a pickup truck while engaged in normal farming work or activity.

AUTO ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYERS MINNESOTA CASES

Auto insurance issues after being injured in a crash can be complicated. If you have been injured in a car accident, call us for a free consultation. Pam Rochlin and David Rochlin are car accident attorneys with more than 25 years’ experience. We have handled hundreds of auto, truck, and motorcycle cases throughout Minnesota.

The primary focus of our top car crash lawyers is on getting you and your family fair and full compensation after an auto accident injury. Our best attorneys represent people injured by the seatbelt, shoulder belt, and airbag because of a car crash. We have offices to meet you in Edina, Woodbury MN, Minneapolis, and St. Louis Park. In addition, a lawyer from our office will also meet you at your home.

We handle car accident cases in St. Paul, Roseville, Forest Lake, White Bear Lake, Anoka MN, Brooklyn Park, and Brooklyn Center Also, Maple Grove, Plymouth MN, Eden Prairie, Apple Valley MN, Burnsville, Albert Lea, and throughout Minnesota. A car accident injury lawyer will answer your questions and make sure your rights are protected. Most importantly, we never charge anything unless you receive compensation for your injuries.