Seat belts save lives and should be worn by everyone in a vehicle while driving. There are laws on this in Georgia to protect those who are on the road from some of the more serious injuries that can occur in a car accident. When it comes to filing a car accident claim, however, seat belt evidence cannot be used and will not count against someone who is injured in the accident or more seriously injured because they did not have their seat belt on at the time of the accident.
Seat Belt Evidence Cannot be Used in a Car Accident Claim
In a lawsuit regarding a car accident, according to Georgia statutes, seat belt usage cannot be discussed or used as evidence. This means that even if you weren’t wearing your seatbelt during an accident and received more serious injuries as a result, that cannot be entered into evidence or used against you. The fact of whether or not someone was wearing a seat belt cannot be used to determine compensation, either, so compensation cannot be reduced based on a driver or passenger failing to wear their seat belt while in a vehicle.
What Vehicles are Included in the Seat Belt Law?
The seat belt law covers any passenger vehicles, such as cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. Motorcycles, vehicles designed for off-road use, and those used for agricultural reasons are not considered passenger vehicles, so the law does not apply to them. This law also does not apply to buses, semi-trucks, or other large vehicles that are designed to hold more than 10 passengers or that aren’t designed for use with passengers.
Seat Belts are Required for the Front Seats in Georgia
Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt, no matter how old they are, when the vehicle is being driven. For adults, seat belt use is not required when in the back seat. Vehicles must have functional seat belts throughout the car, so they can be used by children and adults when driving. If someone 17 or older is not wearing a seat belt in the driver or front passenger’s seats, they could receive a ticket.
The Seat Belt Laws for Children
Children who are 8 to 17 years old must wear a seat belt no matter where they sit in the vehicle. This means that those who are between 8 and 17 years old must wear a seat belt in the back seat, even if an adult wouldn’t need to wear one by law. Infants and children who are under eight years old are required to be in a car seat that is designed to be appropriate for their weight and height. The age doesn’t matter when it comes to car seats, as fitting in the seat correctly is more important.
Potential Fines for Not Wearing a Seat Belt
If someone in the vehicle is not wearing a seat belt, a police officer can stop the vehicle and issue a ticket. If an adult in the front seat is not wearing a ticket, they will receive the ticket and be required to pay a fine. If a child is not wearing a seat belt, the driver of the vehicle will receive the ticket and will need to pay the fine.
While there are laws stating who must wear a seat belt and when it is recommended that everyone in a vehicle wear a seat belt at all times. Still, if you’re in a car accident and weren’t wearing a seat belt, it will not negatively impact any lawsuit for compensation.
