However, a significant number of people are still ignoring the compulsory law to wear a seatbelt in the rear of cars which came in 17 years ago. Surveys suggest that many people still do not realize it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt in the rear of cars. Without a seatbelt you are 30 times more likely to be thrown from a car after an accident, and three quarters of people thrown from a car are killed!



Even if you are fortunate enough not to be killed when not wearing a seatbelt, you are much more likely to be seriously injured if you fail to wear a seatbelt. Most new cars are fitted with safety devices designed to minimise your injury in the event of an accident. But all of these systems are designed to work most efficiently when the user is wearing a seatbelt.

In addition, if you are involved in an accident and suffer injury whilst not wearing a seatbelt, any claim for compensation will be reduced by at least 25% for "contributory negligence", in effect, your decision not to protect yourself whilst wearing a seatbelt.

1stClaims Director Comment

As a personal injury solicitor myself dealing with accident compensation claims for 14 years I have seen the horrific results that can be caused by a road traffic accident. I have also heard many other dreadful true stories. The worst one was from a solicitor friend of mine. Please read on if you do not wear seatbelts, or a member of your family doesn't.

My friend was acting for the girlfriend of a deceased passenger who had been sitting in the same car as she had when they were involved in an accident. He has been sitting directly behind her in the rear of the car when the collision occured but had not been wearing his seatbelt.

At the inquest the girlfriend asked the coroner what would have happened if her boyfriend had been wearing his seatbelt. The coroner replied that sadly there would probably not have been an inquest because the boyfriend would have survived.

It is tragic events like this, and the death of Diana, that prove beyond doubt that wearing seatbelts is compulsory for very good reason, it saves lives.

Please ensure that you wear seatbelts, not only to comply with the law, or not even to, but to ensure your loved ones do not need to hear the coroner tell them what happened if you had not been so stubborn and put your seatbelt on.

Nicholas Jervis, Director.

If you have been involved in a Road Accident, you need prompt and efficient attention. You need a replacement car, often treatment, and help with your insurance claim forms. We can provide all of this assistance and much more. You do not need to be left alone to cope, take some help from the experts.http://1stclaims.co.uk is run by a non practicing personal injury solicitor with over 14 years whiplash and road accident claims experience.