How Tennessee Seatbelt Laws Impact Your Car Accident Injury Claim
The moments following a car accident are often filled with confusion and anxiety. Beyond the immediate physical pain and damage to your vehicle, you might find yourself worrying about the legal implications of the crash. A common concern for many Tennesseans is whether failing to wear a seatbelt at the time of the collision prevents them from seeking compensation.
If you were injured in a crash while not buckling up, you might assume you have no legal ground to stand on. However, Tennessee law is more nuanced than that. While seatbelt use is mandatory and vital for safety, failing to wear one does not automatically forfeit your right to pursue a car accident injury claim. Understanding how seatbelt laws interact with personal injury cases is essential for protecting your rights and maximizing the compensation you can receive with the help of Bill Easterly & Associates.
The Admissibility of Seatbelt Non-Use in Court
One of the most distinct aspects of Tennessee law regarding car accidents is the admissibility of seatbelt evidence. Generally, Tennessee statutes are favorable to the plaintiff in this regard. In most civil lawsuits arising from car accidents, evidence that you were not wearing a seatbelt is inadmissible.
This means the defendant (the person who hit you) typically cannot tell the jury you weren’t buckled up to prove you were negligent. The law effectively prevents the defense from arguing that you should have anticipated the accident and worn a seatbelt to prevent injury.
This rule is designed to ensure that the focus of the trial remains on the cause of the accident itself, rather than shifting blame entirely to the victim for not using safety equipment. This does not stop the police from reporting that you were not wearing a seatbelt, which the court can use when deciding your fault, regardless of what the defendant says about it.
Modified Comparative Fault and Compensation
Tennessee operates under a system known as “modified comparative fault.” In simple terms, this means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident or your injuries. If a court or jury finds you to be 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
While the failure to wear a seatbelt is generally inadmissible to show negligence, the concept of fault still looms large in settlement negotiations. Insurance adjusters are aware of the comparative fault rules. Even if they cannot use the seatbelt evidence in court, they may try to argue that your injuries were exacerbated by your own actions during settlement talks to lower their payout offer.
If you are eligible for compensation, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.
Exceptions: Product Liability Claims
There is a significant exception to the general rule regarding the inadmissibility of seatbelt evidence. If you file a product liability lawsuit against a car manufacturer — alleging, for instance, that the seatbelt itself was defective and caused your injury — the defense is allowed to introduce evidence regarding your use (or non-use) of the seatbelt.
In these specific cases, the manufacturer can argue that your failure to properly wear the seatbelt constituted “improper use” of the product. This evidence can be used to shift a significant portion of the fault onto you, potentially barring you from recovery under the modified comparative fault 50% bar.
How Non-Use Can Affect Injury Severity
Even outside of product liability cases, the defense may attempt to mitigate the damages they owe by focusing on the severity of your injuries. While they may be restricted from saying “the plaintiff was negligent for not wearing a seatbelt,” they might attempt to introduce expert testimony regarding the mechanics of the injury.
These professionals might argue that specific injuries, such as severe head trauma or spinal injuries, were caused or worsened because the occupant was not restrained. If a jury is permitted to hear expert testimony suggesting that your car accident injury would have been minor had you been restrained, it could influence their calculation of damages, potentially reducing the financial award you receive.
Protecting Your Claim: The Role of an Attorney
Navigating the intersection of seatbelt laws and injury compensation requires a deep understanding of Tennessee’s legal landscape. Because the rules regarding admissibility are strict but contain exceptions, having legal representation is crucial.
Our experienced attorney can file motions to suppress evidence of seatbelt non-use, ensuring the defense does not violate state statutes. Furthermore, if the defense attempts to use expert testimony to claim your injuries were your own fault, your lawyer can challenge these assertions with counter-experts and medical evidence proving the negligence of the other driver was the primary cause of your suffering.
Contact Bill Easterly & Associates for Help
If you have suffered a car accident injury in Tennessee, do not let the fear of seatbelt regulations keep you from seeking the justice you deserve. The law provides protections that allow you to pursue compensation, but you need a skilled advocate to enforce them.
At Bill Easterly & Associates, we understand the complexities of Tennessee injury law. We are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients, regardless of the complications surrounding their claims. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
