When we get into a car, we trust that a seatbelt will protect us, not harm us. Yet every year, people walk away from accidents not because of the collision, but despite their seatbelts. While seatbelts save countless lives, they can also cause significant injuries in certain high-impact crashes.
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand the unexpected pain and confusion that follow these incidents. If you are searching for a Baltimore injury lawyer because your safety device became the source of your suffering, you are not alone, and we are here to help.
The Hidden Danger of Seatbelt Injuries
We often hear how seatbelts reduce the risk of death in a car crash. That is true. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in a single recent year. However, that same restraint system can also cause serious harm in the wrong circumstances.
Seatbelt injuries typically occur in high-speed or severe impact crashes. When your body jerks forward against the belt, the force can cause:
- Rib fractures
- Shoulder injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Abdominal trauma
- Neck and spine strain
- Chest contusions
Many people wonder, Why does my chest hurt after a car accident if I was wearing a seatbelt? The answer often lies in the forceful compression of the restraint system. In some cases, injuries are delayed and may not appear for days, worsening without medical attention.
What Makes Seatbelt Injuries Unique?
Unlike other accident-related injuries, seatbelt injuries present a legal gray area. Victims often ask, If a seatbelt injured me, can I still recover compensation? The answer is yes. These claims typically fall under personal injury law, especially when another driver is found to be at fault for the crash. However, the situation may also involve product liability if the seatbelt was defective.
At Holzman & Dickriede, we explore all potential avenues of recovery. As a firm rooted in Baltimore, we are familiar with the roads, insurance companies, and court systems. Our approach to seatbelt injury cases combines local insight with a commitment to aggressive legal advocacy.
Meet Ryan Dickriede: Your Baltimore Advocate
Attorney Ryan Dickriede is not only a seasoned trial lawyer but also a compassionate legal partner. With extensive experience in handling serious accident claims, he has earned the trust of countless clients across Maryland.
“Clients often come to us overwhelmed and in pain. Our job is to take that legal burden off their shoulders so they can focus on healing,” says Mr. Dickriede.
Mr. Dickriede brings the kind of litigation experience that comes from trying more than 100 jury trials. This depth of courtroom knowledge is rare—and it matters. Insurance companies recognize when a lawyer is willing and able to go to trial, which can significantly affect your settlement offer.
Common Scenarios Where Seatbelt Injuries Occur
Wondering if your situation qualifies for a legal claim? Many clients ask, What kinds of crashes lead to seatbelt injuries? Based on our case history, some of the most common scenarios include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Even at lower speeds, these can result in whiplash and bruising from the seatbelt.
- T-Bone Accidents: The sideways force of impact can press the seatbelt against internal organs.
- Rollover Crashes: In rollovers, seatbelts can save lives but often cause intense strain injuries.
- High-Speed Front Impacts: These crashes may result in seatbelt syndrome, a combination of abdominal and spinal injuries.
If your accident happened on I-83, the Jones Falls Expressway, or near the busy Inner Harbor area, you are not alone. Baltimore sees thousands of crashes each year. Our legal team is familiar with the most dangerous intersections and how those crash conditions can contribute to seatbelt-related injuries.
Proving a Seatbelt Injury Claim
Proving that a seatbelt caused injury requires more than medical records. A successful claim typically involves:
- Crash Reconstruction: Showing how the impact and seatbelt usage contributed to the injury.
- Medical Expert Testimony: Establishing a link between the force of the crash and specific injuries.
- Photographic Evidence: Documenting seatbelt marks or bruising immediately after the crash.
- Product Analysis: If a defective seatbelt is suspected, we may retain engineering experts to conduct an investigation.
As a personal injury attorney in Baltimore, Mr. Dickriede leverages this evidence to build a clear and convincing narrative for your case. Every detail matters when pursuing justice.
What Damages Can Victims Recover?
You might be wondering, How much is a seatbelt injury worth? The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and the circumstances of the crash. Compensation may include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or permanent impairment
- Property damage
In some cases, punitive damages may be available, particularly if the other driver was grossly negligent or intoxicated.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the injury. That may seem like plenty of time, but delays can hurt your claim. Witnesses become difficult to locate, memories fade, and evidence disappears. If you suspect your seatbelt caused or worsened your injuries, it is essential to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
We offer free consultations for precisely this reason. An early legal review protects your rights and gives us more time to prepare a compelling case.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede?
If you searched for a Baltimore seatbelt injury lawyer and landed here, there is a reason. Our firm is built on decades of trial experience and personal dedication to client success. We are not a high-volume legal mill. Every case we accept gets direct attorney attention and a custom strategy.
Some things that set us apart:
- We prepare every case for trial, not just settlement.
- We are familiar with the tactics insurance companies employ and know how to counter them.
- We have a proven record in complex motor vehicle accident claims.
- We serve Baltimore clients with the respect and urgency they deserve.
Whether your injury was caused by a crash on Pratt Street or a collision on the Baltimore Beltway, we can help you pursue maximum compensation with dignity and care.
Should You Still Wear a Seatbelt?
Yes. Despite the potential for injury, seatbelts remain one of the most important safety devices in any vehicle. The key takeaway is that while seatbelts reduce overall fatality risk, they are not perfect, and when injuries occur, victims should not be left to suffer alone or foot the bill for their recovery.
Seatbelt injuries are often overlooked or downplayed. That is why we urge crash victims to ask questions like:
- Why does my abdomen hurt after a car accident?
- Can a seatbelt cause internal bleeding?
- Should I go to the doctor if I have bruising across my chest?
If you are asking these kinds of questions, your next step should be a legal one. Talking with an experienced accident lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland, can provide clarity and options you may not have considered.
Client Story: When a Lifesaver Becomes a Liability
One of our clients, a middle-aged school teacher, was rear-ended on a Baltimore city street. The seatbelt likely saved her from hitting the dashboard, but it also fractured three ribs and caused internal bruising. At first, she assumed the pain would go away. It did not.
The insurance company argued that her injuries were minor and unrelated. With Attorney Ryan Dickriede leading her case, we secured expert medical opinions, detailed imaging, and presented a thorough account of her daily limitations. The result was a substantial settlement that covered her medical expenses, time off work, and pain.
This case highlights the importance of legal representation, even when injuries appear straightforward. Insurance companies protect their bottom line; we protect you.
Speak With an Auto Accident Attorney in Baltimore, MD
Every moment after a crash matters. If you or someone you love is suffering from a seatbelt-related injury, do not wait. An experienced auto accident attorney in Baltimore, MD, can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful recovery.
We offer free consultations, with no fee unless we successfully represent you in your case. Let us help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
