What Is a Car Accident’s Submarine Effect?
The submarine effect in a car accident results from improper safety belt use. When a seat belt does not fit properly or the seat cushion is worn out, the person may slip under a lap belt in a crash. This often leads to severe injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Florida crash, a car accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato may be able to help. Our team offers free case assessments so you can learn more. Call us today at (954) 633-8270 to get started.
How Does the Submarine Effect Cause Crash Injuries?
Seat belts work by holding the driver or passenger in their seat, and restraining them in a crash. It prevents slamming into the dash, seats, or even the windshield, protects against ejection, and greatly reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
When the submarine effect occurs, the seat belt does not do its job. The body slips under the lap belt and is no longer restrained by the belts. This consequence could cause injuries in several ways:
- The seat belt itself causes injuries.
- The person strikes other items inside the car.
- The person hits the windshield.
- They are ejected from the vehicle.
There are several reasons the submarine effect could occur, most of which come down to improper seat belt use. They include:
- Wearing the belt too loose
- Poor positioning of the belt
- Using the lap belt without a booster for younger children
- Not properly using the shoulder belt, which can sometimes prevent this issue
- Sitting on cushions, pillows, or towels
- Poorly designed seat cushions, often in older vehicles
- Wearing thick coats or using blankets under the seat belt
What Types of Injuries Are Most Common With the Submarine Effect?
According to a case study published in the medical journal Chirurgia, one of the most common consequences of the submarine effect is bruising, known as “the seat belt sign.” This sign indicates significant internal injuries in as many as 30 percent of these cases.
A study in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care defines the seat belt sign as a specific pattern of bruising across the abdominal wall where the lap belt lays. Sometimes, there is a diagonal stripe from the shoulder belt across the chest and neck, too. When this sign is present, there is the possibility of “seat belt syndrome.” This is the presence of bruising alongside an internal or spinal injury.
Depending on the circumstances, the submarine effect can cause additional injuries, too, which include:
- Pelvic injuries
- Lower leg fractures
- Other broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Other injuries to the legs and feet
- Chest and neck injuries
- Strangulation
- Traumatic brain injuries
While anyone could suffer injuries caused by the submarine effect, children are most susceptible. This is most likely when they are not in the proper restraint system for their age, height, and weight. Experts recommend keeping a child in a five-point harness as long as possible. Once they reach the weight limit, they must use a booster seat until the seat belt fits them correctly.
How Can an Attorney Help If I Suffered a Submarine Effect Injury?
Florida requires drivers to carry no-fault auto insurance coverage under Florida Statutes § 627.730. In many cases, drivers recover compensation for medical care and income losses through this personal injury protection (PIP) policy. When injuries are more serious, there are often additional options.
Victims may pursue a case and recover compensation from an at-fault party or that party’s insurance company. There are two ways we win these cases:
- File an insurance claim and negotiate a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and take the case to a civil trial
Our Florida accident attorneys understand what causes these injuries and build cases to seek compensation for our clients. This process commonly requires us to gather evidence to show the other driver acted carelessly or recklessly and caused the crash.
However, the vehicle manufacturer or another party could be to blame in some cases. They could be liable if a vehicle has a defective seat, seat belt, or another car part that contributed to the injuries. A Fort Myers personal injury attorney from our team has the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to determine if this is possible based on the case details.
Discuss Your Legal Options With Our Team for Free Today
Team members from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato assess car accident cases for free. You can talk to us about your legal options, rights, and next steps during your initial consultation today. We will answer all your questions about the submarine effect in a car accident and more. Call (954) 633-8270 or contact us online to get started.
