{"id":4950,"date":"2026-03-30T12:38:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/?p=4950"},"modified":"2026-03-30T12:38:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:38:29","slug":"does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Not Wearing A Seatbelt Affect My Insurance Claim?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_6a09b1264b948\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<blockquote><p>\nDoes not wearing a seatbelt affect my insurance claim? The short answer is yes \u2014 it can complicate your claim, but it does not automatically eliminate your right to compensation.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Car accidents are scary enough. And if you\u2019re not wearing a seatbelt, injuries worsen and questions begin to add up, the foremost being whether not wearing a seatbelt affects your insurance claim in Texas. While not wearing a seatbelt can complicate your claim, you may still have a right to compensation. In many cases, the other driver is still legally responsible for the crash. The seatbelt issue usually relates to how injuries are evaluated rather than who caused the collision.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, we break down Texas seat belt laws, explaining how insurance companies evaluate evidence in car crashes without seatbelts and why working with an experienced <a title=\"Houston car accident lawyer\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/houston-car-accident-lawyer\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external\">car accident lawyer<\/a> can protect your right to compensation for your injuries.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#What_The_Texas_Seat_Belt_Law_Actually_Requires\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">What The Texas Seat Belt Law Actually Requires<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#Texas_Comparative_Negligence_and_the_51_Rule\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Texas Comparative Negligence and the 51% Rule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#How_No_Seat_Belt_Insurance_Claims_Work_in_Texas\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">How No Seat Belt Insurance Claims Work in Texas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#Car_Crashes_Without_Seatbelts_%E2%80%94_What_Injuries_Look_Different\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Car Crashes Without Seatbelts \u2014 What Injuries Look Different<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#When_Seatbelt_Non-Use_Doesnt_Affect_Your_Claim\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">When Seatbelt Non-Use Doesn\u2019t Affect Your Claim<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#What_to_Do_If_You_Werent_Wearing_a_Seatbelt_During_an_Accident\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">What to Do If You Weren\u2019t Wearing a Seatbelt During an Accident<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#FAQs_%E2%80%94_No_Seatbelt_and_Your_Insurance_Claim\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">FAQs \u2014 No Seatbelt and Your Insurance Claim<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#Does_not_wearing_a_seatbelt_affect_my_insurance_claim_in_Texas\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Does not wearing a seatbelt affect my insurance claim in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#Can_I_still_sue_if_I_wasnt_wearing_a_seatbelt\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Can I still sue if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#Will_insurance_deny_my_claim_if_I_wasnt_wearing_a_seatbelt\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Will insurance deny my claim if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#What_is_the_Texas_seat_belt_law\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">What is the Texas seat belt law?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#How_does_comparative_negligence_work_in_Texas_seatbelt_cases\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">How does comparative negligence work in Texas seatbelt cases?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/does-not-wearing-a-seatbelt-affect-insurance-claim\/#Does_not_wearing_a_seatbelt_affect_a_wrongful_death_claim_in_Texas\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Does not wearing a seatbelt affect a wrongful death claim in Texas?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-4 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<style id=\"wpforms-css-vars-2143\">\n\t\t\t\t#wpforms-2143 {\n\t\t\t\t--wpforms-field-size-input-height: 43px;\n--wpforms-field-size-input-spacing: 15px;\n--wpforms-field-size-font-size: 16px;\n--wpforms-field-size-line-height: 19px;\n--wpforms-field-size-padding-h: 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Rear-seat passengers who are 17 or older are generally required to wear seatbelts as well.<\/p>\n<p>Failing to wear a seatbelt can result in a traffic citation and a fine. However, violating the Texas seat belt law is not automatically proof in a civil injury claim that you caused a car accident.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Texas_Comparative_Negligence_and_the_51_Rule\"><\/span>Texas Comparative Negligence and the 51% Rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>Texas uses a legal system called comparative negligence to determine liability in personal injury cases. Established under <a title=\"Texas Civil Practice &amp; Remedies Code \u00a7 33.001\" href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CP\/htm\/CP.33.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Texas Civil Practice &amp; Remedies Code \u00a7 33.001<\/a>, comparative negligence allows each party involved to be assigned a percentage of fault.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you are 50% or less responsible, you can still recover compensation. However, your damages are reduced by your share of fault.<\/li>\n<li>If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For example:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A jury awards $80,000 in damages after a car accident. The jury also decides the injured driver was 20% responsible for their injuries because they were not wearing a seatbelt. The final compensation would be reduced from $80,000 to $64,000.<\/p>\n<p>The amount of responsibility assigned for seatbelt non-use varies widely and often depends on medical evidence showing whether wearing a seatbelt would have prevented or reduced the injuries.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"none\" >\n      <div class=\"inner\">\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\n            <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"816\" width=\"1224\" data-animation=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/fastening-seatbelt.jpg\" alt=\"male driver fastening seatbelt in pickup truck\" srcset=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/fastening-seatbelt.jpg 1224w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/fastening-seatbelt-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/fastening-seatbelt-1024x683.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/fastening-seatbelt-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/fastening-seatbelt-18x12.jpg.webp 18w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/fastening-seatbelt-900x600.jpg.webp 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1224px) 100vw, 1224px\" title=\"-\">\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_No_Seat_Belt_Insurance_Claims_Work_in_Texas\"><\/span>How No Seat Belt Insurance Claims Work in Texas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>When someone files an injury claim after a crash, insurance companies look for any factor they can use to reduce the payout. Seatbelt use is one of the first things adjusters investigate.<\/p>\n<p>If evidence shows that a person was unrestrained, the insurer may argue that the lack of a seatbelt worsened their injuries. This argument does not usually change who caused the accident, but it can influence how damages are calculated.<\/p>\n<p>A major shift in Texas seat belt law occurred in 2015 when the Texas Supreme Court decided <em>Nabors Well Services, Ltd. v. Romero (Tex. 2015)<\/em>. Before this decision, evidence that someone was not wearing a seatbelt was often excluded from civil trials. Now, juries can hear arguments for comparative fault that a person\u2019s injuries might have been less severe if they had been properly restrained.<\/p>\n<p>However, an important legal distinction remains: not wearing a seatbelt does not mean you caused the crash itself. The other driver may still be fully responsible for running a red light, speeding, or driving negligently. Seatbelt evidence only affects how the injuries are evaluated.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_Crashes_Without_Seatbelts_%E2%80%94_What_Injuries_Look_Different\"><\/span>Car Crashes Without Seatbelts \u2014 What Injuries Look Different<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>According to <a title=\"NHTSA seatbelt safety data\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/risky-driving\/seat-belts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">NHTSA seatbelt safety data<\/a>, seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of serious injury and death during car crashes.<\/p>\n<p>Common injuries in car crashes without seatbelts include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Head and traumatic brain injuries from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield<\/li>\n<li>Spinal cord injuries caused by sudden forward movement during impact<\/li>\n<li>Internal bleeding or organ damage from high-force contact inside the vehicle<\/li>\n<li>Ejection injuries, which occur when an occupant is thrown partially or completely from the vehicle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These injury patterns often become a central issue in injury claims. Defense attorneys and insurance companies often rely on unbiased accident reconstruction experts and medical testimony to argue that a seatbelt would have prevented certain <a title=\"Car Accident Injuries That Often Go Undiagnosed (and How They Affect Your Claim)\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/car-accident-injuries-undiagnosed\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external\">car accident injuries<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"none\" >\n      <div class=\"inner\">\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"875\" width=\"1313\" data-animation=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/car-accident-scene.jpg\" alt=\"man and woman at scene of car crash no seatbelt\" srcset=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/car-accident-scene.jpg 1313w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/car-accident-scene-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/car-accident-scene-1024x682.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/car-accident-scene-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/car-accident-scene-18x12.jpg.webp 18w, https:\/\/akfirm.com\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2026\/03\/car-accident-scene-900x600.jpg.webp 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1313px) 100vw, 1313px\" title=\"-\">\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Seatbelt_Non-Use_Doesnt_Affect_Your_Claim\"><\/span>When Seatbelt Non-Use Doesn\u2019t Affect Your Claim<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>Despite what insurance companies may suggest, there are situations where seatbelt evidence may have little or no impact on an injury claim. For example, certain crash types or impact forces can produce similar injuries even when an occupant is properly restrained.<\/p>\n<p>Other situations where seatbelt non-use may be less relevant include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Defective seatbelts or restraint systems.<\/strong> If a seatbelt malfunctions, responsibility may shift to the manufacturer or a vehicle component.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medical exemptions.<\/strong> Texas law recognizes limited situations where a person cannot wear a seatbelt due to documented medical conditions under Texas Transportation Code \u00a7 545.413.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pedestrian or cyclist accidents.<\/strong> Seatbelt arguments are irrelevant because the injured person was not inside a vehicle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Commercial trucking crashes.<\/strong> In <a title=\"Commercial Vehicle Accident Guide For Injured Drivers\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/commercial-vehicle-accident-guide\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external\">serious truck accidents<\/a> involving multiple liable parties or federal safety violations, seatbelt arguments often carry less weight when there is clear evidence of driver or company negligence. In those cases, an experienced <a title=\"Houston truck accident lawyer\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/houston-truck-accident-lawyer\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external\">truck accident lawyer<\/a> can properly evaluate liability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Do_If_You_Werent_Wearing_a_Seatbelt_During_an_Accident\"><\/span>What to Do If You Weren\u2019t Wearing a Seatbelt During an Accident<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<p>Seatbelt non-use does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation in Texas. What matters most is who caused the crash and how the injuries occurred.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few important actions to take if you were in an accident without a seatbelt:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Seek medical attention right away.<\/strong> Some injuries take hours or days to appear, so it is important to have your injuries professionally evaluated. Medical records also help document how the crash affected you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid discussing seatbelt use with the other driver\u2019s insurer.<\/strong> If you talk about the fact that you were wearing no seat belt, insurance adjusters may try to use your statements to reduce the value of your claim. Always speak with your attorney before providing recorded statements to insurers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preserve evidence from the crash.<\/strong> Keep copies of the accident report, medical bills, photos, and any communication from insurance companies as <a title=\"Car Accident Evidence That Helps Your Case\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/car-accident-evidence\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external\">evidence for your car accident case<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Speak with an experienced attorney about your case.<\/strong> A knowledgeable <a title=\"Houston personal injury lawyer\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/houston-personal-injury-lawyer\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external\">personal injury lawyer<\/a> can review the facts of your accident and explain how seatbelt use may affect the damages calculation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Remember, even if you were not wearing a seatbelt, the primary legal issue remains the other driver\u2019s negligence in causing the crash. An attorney can help ensure insurers do not exaggerate the role seatbelt use played in your injuries.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Still asking yourself, <em>\u201cDoes not wearing a seatbelt affect my insurance claim?\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you have questions about your situation, AK Law Firm offers <a title=\"Attorney Consultation: What To Bring With You\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/attorney-consultation-what-to-bring\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external\">free attorney consultations<\/a> to help you understand where your case stands. Our attorneys will listen to your story, investigate the circumstances of your accident, and ensure that guilty parties are held fully accountable.<\/p>\n<a class=\"nectar-button n-sc-button large accent-color regular-button\" href=\"tel:8666937098\" data-color-override=\"false\" data-hover-color-override=\"false\" data-hover-text-color-override=\"#fff\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span>Call Now<\/span><\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%94_No_Seatbelt_and_Your_Insurance_Claim\"><\/span>FAQs \u2014 No Seatbelt and Your Insurance Claim<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_not_wearing_a_seatbelt_affect_my_insurance_claim_in_Texas\"><\/span>Does not wearing a seatbelt affect my insurance claim in Texas?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Since the Texas Supreme Court\u2019s 2015 ruling in <em>Nabors Well Services, Ltd. v. Romero<\/em>, evidence of seatbelt non-use can be considered in civil trials when determining comparative fault. If a jury decides the lack of a seatbelt contributed to the severity of injuries, the damages award may be reduced. However, it does not eliminate your right to recover compensation if another driver caused the accident.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I still sue if I wasn&#8217;t wearing a seatbelt?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover compensation if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident overall. Seatbelt non-use typically informs injury severity, not who caused the crash. An attorney can help limit the extent to which insurers try to assign responsibility for seatbelt non-use.<\/p>\n<h3>Will insurance deny my claim if I wasn&#8217;t wearing a seatbelt?<\/h3>\n<p>An insurance company cannot automatically deny your claim simply because you were not wearing a seatbelt. What insurers may do is argue that your injuries were worse because you were unrestrained and use that argument to reduce the settlement offer. Always consult an attorney before accepting a settlement to ensure insurers do not overstate the issue.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Texas_seat_belt_law\"><\/span>What is the Texas seat belt law?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Under Texas Transportation Code \u00a7 545.413, drivers and front-seat passengers must buckle up while the vehicle is in motion, and rear-seat passengers aged 17 and older are generally required to do the same. Violations can result in traffic fines, but a citation does not automatically determine fault in a civil injury claim.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_comparative_negligence_work_in_Texas_seatbelt_cases\"><\/span>How does comparative negligence work in Texas seatbelt cases?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Texas uses a comparative negligence system in which each party in a personal injury case receives a percentage of fault. If seatbelt non-use contributed to the severity of injuries, that percentage reduces the damages award. For example, if a jury awards $100,000 but assigns 15% fault for not wearing a seatbelt, the final recovery would be $85,000. If a person is more than 50% responsible overall, they cannot recover damages.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_not_wearing_a_seatbelt_affect_a_wrongful_death_claim_in_Texas\"><\/span>Does not wearing a seatbelt affect a wrongful death claim in Texas?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, depending on the circumstances of the accident. If the deceased person was not wearing a seatbelt and medical evidence suggests that it contributed to the fatal injuries, the defense may argue comparative fault against the claim. Because these cases require expert analysis of the crash and medical evidence, working with a <a title=\"Houston wrongful death lawyer\" href=\"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/houston-wrongful-death-lawyer\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external\">wrongful death lawyer<\/a> helps surviving family members pursue justice for the loved one they lost.<\/p>\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"container\" data-elementor-id=\"4813\" class=\"elementor elementor-4813\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ddfbf46 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6ddfbf46\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f00fd83 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2f00fd83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Disclaimer<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-501c7191 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"501c7191\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">This article is intended for use as a service to the general public. It does not constitute an attorney-client relationship between its users and AK Law Firm, nor is it intended to serve as legal advice or as a substitute for related legal advice from their appointed counsel. Those seeking specific legal advice and services should hire an attorney.<\/p><p>The content presented in this article may contain opinions that do not necessarily reflect those of AK Law Firm and its employees. It may contain typographical errors and inaccurate or incomplete information.<\/p><p>The articles on this website do not express or imply warranties of any kind, including but not limited to commercial use and non-infringement. All published content may contain notices and copyrighted information proprietary to AK Law Firm.<\/p><p>AK Law Firm gives you authorization to view, save, print, copy, and distribute pages on our website for non-commercial purposes only. In return, you agree to retain their original copyright and proprietary notices and include this disclaimer with any distribution.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does not wearing a seatbelt affect my insurance claim? The short answer is yes, it can complicate your claim, but you may still have a right to compensation.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":4952,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4950","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-car-accident"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4950"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4950\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4952"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/akfirm.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}