You’re driving past Wal-Mart on Springfield Road when you hear the screech of tires and find yourself assessing what just happened. You glance down at the strap across your chest and feel a wave of relief—the seat belt did its job. However, as the shock subsides, that relief often gives way to worry. A deep, painful seat belt bruise after car accident begins to form, and you wonder if it’s just a surface mark or a sign of internal injury. You feel vulnerable, and the thought of fighting an insurance company that considers your injury “minor” is overwhelming.
At McCoy & Sparks, PLLC, we understand this unique mix of gratitude and anxiety. We know that a seat belt bruise after a car accident can be minor or severe, and we believe your survival shouldn’t come with a financial penalty. We are here to bear the legal burden for you, making sure your injuries are treated with the seriousness they deserve so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
The Seat Belt Sign: Often More Than Just a Bruise
In the medical world, doctors often refer to the diagonal bruising pattern across the chest and abdomen as the seatbelt sign. While the seat belt prevented you from being ejected or hitting the dashboard, the force required to stop your body was significant. That force had to go somewhere, and unfortunately, it often goes directly into your soft tissue and organs.
A seat belt bruise from a car accident is essentially a roadmap of where that force was applied. While many of these bruises heal on their own with ice and rest, they can sometimes hide internal injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. Because the seat belt sits over soft areas of your abdomen, the force can compress internal organs. You might feel fine immediately after the crash, only to have symptoms flare up hours or days later.
When to See a Doctor for Seat Belt Bruising After a Car Accident
We cannot stress this enough: if you have a visible bruise from the seatbelt, you should consult a medical professional, especially if you are showing signs of any of the following:
- Deep purple or black bruising across your stomach or chest;
- Abdominal pain that gets worse when you move or cough;
- Dizziness, weakness, or pale skin (signs of internal bleeding);
- Blood in your urine or stool; or
- Difficulty breathing.
Visiting the doctor also creates a medical record that directly connects your seatbelt bruises from the accident to your car accident.
Can I Get Compensation for a Bruise?
This question about bruising is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from potential clients. The answer depends on the severity of the injury and the medical bills you incur. In Kentucky, specific laws determine when you can step outside the no-fault system and sue for additional damages.
Kentucky’s No-Fault (PIP) Coverage
Kentucky is a “no-fault” state, which means that most drivers’ own car insurance typically covers the first $10,000 of their medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
So, if for example you go to the ER at Flaget, Springview or Hardin County to have your car crash seat belt bruise checked out, and the doctor orders any tests, your own PIP insurance typically covers those bills. You don’t have to wait for the other drivers insurance to respond or for a settlement to get that bill paid.
Breaking the Threshold
PIP doesn’t pay for everything, though. It doesn’t cover pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or bills that exceed $10,000. To seek compensation from the at-fault driver for these things, you generally need to meet what Kentucky calls a tort threshold, which allows you to file a claim against the other driver if:
- Your medical expenses exceed $1,000,
- You suffered a broken bone, or
- You suffered a permanent injury or disfigurement.
Even if your injury started as seat belt bruising after a car accident, if it required diagnostic scans, physical therapy, or resulted in complications that drove your medical bills over $1,000, you likely have the right to seek further compensation.
What If the Insurance Company Says It’s My Fault?
Sometimes, insurance adjusters will try to argue that your injuries are your own fault. They may suggest that you were wearing the seatbelt incorrectly, perhaps it was too high on your stomach or tucked under your arm. Agents use this tactic to lower the amount of money they have to pay you. Thankfully, Kentucky follows a rule called pure comparative negligence. This rule means that even if you were partially at fault for the severity of your injuries, you can still seek compensation.
For example, suppose a jury decides you were 20% responsible for your injury because of how you wore your belt, but the other driver was 80% responsible for causing the crash. In that case, you can still recover 80% of your damages. You don’t lose your right to a claim just because everything wasn’t perfect.
Why Choose McCoy & Sparks, PLLC as Your Car Accident Attorney
When insurance companies try to dismiss your seat belt injury as just a bruise, you need a team that knows how to fight back and show the full extent of your damages. At McCoy & Sparks, PLLC, we have spent nearly 30 years mastering the local court system. This dedication has resulted in over $80 million recovered for our clients and has earned us recognition as Nelson County’s best law firm for over a decade. We are proud to provide award-winning representation, voted the best law firm in the area for more than ten consecutive years by the Kentucky Standard. Still, we are even more proud to stand by our neighbors when they are vulnerable. You shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of high-quality legal help while you heal, which is why we offer free consultations and promise no fees until we win your case.
Call Us Now to Protect Your Future Today
Don’t let an insurance adjuster decide the value of your health or your recovery. Contact McCoy & Sparks, PLLC, today to schedule your complimentary consultation and let our award-winning team work on your behalf. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve so you can move forward with confidence.