Seat belts are super important when it comes to car accidents—and there is a reason they are required by law in just about every state. When you wear a seat belt, it keeps you securely fastened in your seat, reducing the chances of serious injuries or even worse outcomes in the event of an accident. Like most states, Tennessee has a law that requires everyone to wear a seat belt. However, that does not mean that everyone always abides by the law. Sometimes people are in a hurry and forget to fasten it. Sometimes they don’t worry about it because they are only going a few minutes down the road. Or maybe they just don’t enforce the rule for their passengers, figuring those passengers can make their own decisions about safety.

Now let’s imagine that you were one of those people who were only driving around the block so you did not even think about putting on your seat belt. Unfortunately, someone in another car was texting and not paying attention. They rear-ended you pretty badly at a high rate of speed. You weren’t wearing your seat belt, so your body got tossed around in the front seat during the car accident. Now you have serious back and neck pain. Can you even sue the other driver if you weren’t wearing your seat belt? After all, it may have prevented some of the whiplash.

The good news is, the fact that you were not wearing it can’t be brought up in court in the state of Tennessee. Even if you made a mistake and forgot to buckle up, the Tennessee law says that it cannot be held against you in court when pursuing legal action against another driver. In fact, even if the police who came to the scene of the accident handed you a ticket for not wearing it, it is still not admissible in court.

Why is the lack of seat belt not admissible in court?

Now we know that someone who was not wearing a seat belt during an accident is not considered admissible as evidence in court. The reason for that is because courts see the purpose of introducing evidence as providing relevant and reliable information that can help determine liability and assess damages. Not wearing a seat belt does not directly relate to the cause of the accident or the negligence of the other party involved. Basically, whether or not the victim was wearing a seat belt, the other driver still caused the accident to happen.

The legal principle behind this is often referred to as the “seat belt defense” or “seat belt rule.” It recognizes that the decision not to wear a seat belt is a personal choice that, while important for individual safety, should not be used to unfairly impact the outcome of a car accident case. It is understood that accidents can happen regardless of seat belt usage, and attributing fault solely based on seat belt non-usage may not accurately reflect the circumstances of the accident.

The purpose of the seat belt rule is to prevent prejudice against accident victims who may have suffered injuries due to the negligence of another party, even if they were not wearing a seat belt. This ensures a fair and unbiased evaluation of liability and damages by focusing on the actions and responsibilities of all parties involved directly in the accident.

Can you still pursue a personal injury case against the other driver?

In Tennessee, you can still sue the other driver for personal injury damages even if you were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. If you experienced injuries to your neck or back, like in the example above, you may want to seek compensation for doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and other medical-related costs. When evaluating a personal injury claim, the court will assess the actions and negligence of all parties involved in the accident. While you may see seat belt non-usage as being considered a factor, it does not automatically absolve the other driver of their responsibility for causing the accident or any resulting injuries.

Penalties for not wearing a seatbelt in Knoxville

Penalties for not wearing a seat belt vary in every state. In Tennessee, not wearing a seat belt is considered a traffic violation and can result in fines. These fines can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the location and whether it’s a first offense or a repeat violation.

According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, if you drive unbelted, you can expect:

• Class D misdemeanor charge
• $30 fine for first violation in lieu of a court appearance
• $55 fine for second or subsequent violation in lieu of a court appearance

Remember, it’s important to always buckle up

Life can be chaotic and sometimes even important things slip our mind, like wearing a seat belt. However, there is a reason it is the law and comes with charges and fines for not using one. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 26,325 people were killed in car accidents in 2021—and about 50% of them were not wearing a seat belt. They also say that wearing a seat belt is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash, as other protective equipment, like air bags, are simply not enough on their own. However, even if you do everything to protect yourself, accidents still happen and you can still get injured.

If you were injured in a car accident where you were not wearing a seat belt, it is important to consult with a Knoxville attorney who can evaluate the specific details of your situation. Securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries can be a complex and challenging process. While not wearing a seat belt is not admissible in court, it doesn’t mean that pursuing a personal injury claim will be a breeze. This is where the experience and guidance of our Knoxville car accident attorneys at Banks and Jones become invaluable. Call us or submit our contact form today for a free case evaluation.