Buckling Down on California Personal Injury Laws: What Role Does Wearing a Seatbelt Play in Your Ventura Car Accident Case?

There is one thing about driving that virtually every Ventura driver knows: wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself in a car accident. However, if you were injured in a car accident in Ventura, you may still be wondering how your seatbelt use (or lack thereof) will affect your ability to recover compensation. After a serious wreck in Ventura, the reality is that most Ventura car accident victims do not just face physical pain, mounting medical bills, and lost income. In fact, they also face legal questions about fault, responsibility, and how insurers will treat their claims for compensation. One question that often comes up in the minds of Ventura car accident victims is, “If I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, does that mean I can’t get compensation?” The answer is: no. However, how your seatbelt use factors into your ability to recover compensation in your Ventura car accident case depends on California law and how the facts of your crash are presented.

Seatbelts and Ventura Car Accident Cases: What You Need to Know

The good news is that California personal injury laws allow injured car accident victims in Ventura to pursue money compensation even if they share some fault for their own injuries. Known as “pure comparative negligence,” this legal doctrine means you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame for your injuries, although, importantly, your recovery will likely be reduced by your share of fault. In practical terms, even if you were not buckled up, you still may have a valid claim. However, it is critical to discuss your case (and especially your seatbelt use) with an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

How an Experienced Ventura Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation

Getting in touch with an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer after a serious car accident happens is the best first step that you can take to protect your rights to compensation under California personal injury laws. An experienced Ventura car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, retrieve the police report, examine whether seatbelt usage was even possible (was the belt functional?), and retain experts to assess whether the injuries would have been avoided or significantly lessened if a seatbelt had been used. An experienced Ventura car accident lawyer can ensure that your claim is timely filed and can fight for you to get compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.

No Ventura car accident victim should have to navigate the complexities of a car accident alone. If you were injured in a car accident in Ventura and you need legal help, contact the experienced Ventura car accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC. Contact Zavala Law, PC today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.