Indiana’s longstanding ban on introducing evidence of a failure to wear seat belts in car crash cases is set to change with the passing of House Bill 1090, signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb. Effective July 1, the bill allows you to admit such evidence in civil actions involving plaintiffs aged 15 and older, aiming to mitigate damages. While initially hesitant due to low compliance rates, Indiana now boasts a seat belt usage rate of 93%, prompting bipartisan support for the bill’s passage.
But how does House Bill 1090 impact drivers
In brief, not wearing a seat belt can impact your ability to recover from a crash where the other driver involved is 100% responsible.
More comprehensibly, In the unfortunate event of a car accident, adherence to this safety practice could be a crucial factor in the legal evaluation of the case. Evidence that is introduced in civil cases is designed not as a punitive measure, but as an incentive for all Indiana drivers and passengers to adopt a safety-first approach. By wearing seatbelts, drivers not only protect themselves but also contribute to a safety culture on Indiana roads.
Forced change isn’t always a bad thing
With Indiana House Bill 1090 going into effect July 1, the attorneys Langer and Langer believe in the importance of bring awareness of these changes to communities throughout the State to help Hoosiers make informed choices, prioritizing personal well-being and the welfare of others on the road.
As Indiana House Bill 1090 emphasizes the importance of seatbelt compliance, Hoosiers should embrace this and make seatbelt usage a habit. In the event of a car accident, the fact that you were not wearing a seatbelt could now be a significant factor in your ability to recover for injuries inflicted upon you by someone else’s negligence. If you are involved in a car accident, contact attorneys Langer and Langer for help.
