The Massachusetts seat belt law requires the majority of people traveling in a motor vehicle to wear a seat belt. A few exceptions apply based on the age of the vehicle and the passenger’s health condition.
A Boston car accident lawyer can provide detailed information about the seat belt law in Massachusetts.
Regulations Under the Seat Belt Law in Massachusetts
Section 13A of the General Laws in Massachusetts contains the state’s seat belt law. According to this part of the legal code, every individual who rides in a passenger vehicle must wear a seat belt that they properly adjust and fasten.
The state requires that children ride in a child passenger restraint approved by the federal government. Depending on a child’s age, they may need a booster seat or a specially designed seat for infants.
The age and weight of a child determine what kind of seat they require.
Are There Exemptions to Massachusetts’ Seat Belt Law?
Massachusetts considers some people exempt from seat belt laws. You may not have to follow the state’s seat belt requirements if, as an adult, you:
- Ride in a vehicle made before July of 1966
- Ride in a vehicle that does not have safety belts
- Cannot physically use a seat belt
- Ride in an authorized emergency vehicle
Examples of vehicles without safety belts include vehicles with side-facing seats and certain antique cars.
Note that individuals need to have a certificate from a doctor if they want to avoid wearing a seat belt for physical reasons.
What Is the Penalty for a Driver Not Wearing a Safety Belt in Massachusetts?
Drivers who do not wear their safety belts in Massachusetts may face a fine.
However, Massachusetts considers failure to wear a seat belt as a secondary offense. Therefore, the police should not pull someone over just for failure to wear a seat belt.
The police can only issue this kind of fine if they pull a driver over for another reason and notice that the driver —or someone else in the vehicle—is not properly wearing a safety belt.
What Is the Fine for Not Wearing a Seat Belt in Massachusetts?
Any passenger in a motor vehicle not wearing a seat belt may face a fine of $25. Adults have to pay the fine for children under the age of 16. Minors over the age of 16 may pay the fine on their own.
Can You Get Compensation After an Accident Without a Seat Belt?
Massachusetts’ seat belt law does not prevent you from filing a claim for compensation after an accident, regardless of whether or not you wear your seat belt. However, insurance companies may try to deny you full compensation if they learn you did not have it on.
In this situation, you can turn to a Boston seatbelt injury lawyer for help. An attorney from a local law firm can investigate what happened and establish another party’s negligence. Showing that someone else caused the crash and your losses can help you get maximum compensation.
Lawyers often resolve these accident claims through a settlement with the insurance company that represents the at-fault party. However, your attorney may also help with a personal injury lawsuit when necessary.
What Compensation Can You Get After a Crash in Massachusetts?
If you sustained injuries in a crash while not wearing your seatbelt, you may qualify for money to cover all of your losses. An attorney may focus on your:
Non-Economic Expenses
Car accidents often leave individuals dealing with emotional distress and mental anguish. Your lawyer will know how to calculate pain and suffering for a car accident case. You may also qualify for compensation for the physical pain you experience after a crash.
Your lawyer can also focus on loss of consortium or companionship in some cases. Working with an attorney can prevent the insurance company from undervaluing these non-economic losses.
Medical Expenses
A personal injury law firm can also help you get compensation for your current and future medical bills. Motorists who crash without a seatbelt often face severe injuries, like broken bones in the face, whiplash, and concussions.
Your attorney can track the costs of all diagnostic tests to identify your injuries, including MRIs, along with the treatment you require to recover.
Lost Pay
Finally, you can turn to an attorney for help getting compensation to cover the pay you lost at work while off for your recovery. Lawyers can also bring you money to cover your lost earning potential if you have more severe injuries.
Getting help right away increases your chances of securing maximum compensation.
Learn More About the Seat Belt Law in Massachusetts
What is Massachusetts’ seat belt law? The state requires most individuals riding in a motor vehicle to wear a seat belt, with a few exceptions. Individuals who do not appropriately wear a seat belt can face fines of $25.
You may still qualify for compensation if someone hit you while you drove your vehicle without a seat belt. You can discuss this situation with a local law firm that puts you first.
Our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers will get back to you within 24 hours as part of our Stone Cold Guarantee®. We fight to bring you fair compensation for your losses. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
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