The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that between 2004 and 2008, seat belts saved more than 75,000 lives. With such a simple act as clicking the buckle into the harness, it's a wonder that Georgia drivers are still issued citations for failure to use a seat belt.

Georgia seat belt laws require that all drivers and front-seat passengers age 18 and older use a seat belt when riding in a passenger vehicle. A passenger vehicle is classified as any motor vehicle designed to carry 10 passengers or fewer. This excludes pickup trucks, motorcycles, motorized cycles and vehicles equipped for off-road use.

Because Georgia is a primary law state, a police officer does not need any reason besides observation to pull a driver over for failure to wear a seat belt. If you are pulled over and cited for not wearing a seat belt, you may be assessed a fine of up to $15.

In the event you are in an accident in which you are not wearing a seat belt, the defendant's attorney may try to use this as evidence against your claim
. Because injuries sustained in a crash are usually more severe for victims who were not wearing seat belts, many defense attorneys try to claim that your own negligence in your failure to use your belt contributed to your injuries.

Our article library contains more information regarding Georgia seat belt laws, and how they affect children and can impact your personal injury claim. Seat belt laws are in place for your best interests, and it's best to follow them at all times to prevent injury in the event of an accident. 

Contacting an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are the victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, whether in a traffic accident or some other type of accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you may be eligible for to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case.

Sheryl L. Burke
Connect with me
Atlanta Injury Attorney
Post A Comment