Washington seat belt injury attorneys Scott Brumback and Sidney Ottem at Brumback & Ottem Injury Law know that the same restraint that saves your life can also leave you with painful marks, fractured bones, or hidden internal trauma. From our Union Gap office on Rainier Place, we guide crash victims across Yakima County through recovery, medical bills, and insurance battles every step of the way.

Below, we answer the questions we hear most often: what kinds of injuries seat belts cause, how long those injuries usually hurt, and what compensation you may have under Washington law. Our aim is simple: give you clear medical and legal answers so you can focus on healing while we pursue the justice you deserve.

Call Yakima seat belt injury lawyers Scott Brumback and Sidney Ottem at (509) 457-7258 or send us a message 24/7. We will listen, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.

How Can a Seat Belt Cause Injuries in a Crash?

A seat belt restrains your torso and hips so your body does not keep moving when your vehicle stops abruptly. That lifesaving force presses hard across the chest, shoulder, and abdomen, sometimes bruising soft tissue or fracturing bone.

Common injuries. Chest abrasions known as a “seat-belt sign,” deep bruises, fractured ribs or sternum, collarbone breaks, shoulder sprains, whiplash to the neck, and abdominal bruising often appear in emergency rooms after Yakima-area pile-ups on I-82 or US-97.
Uncommon injuries. Internal organ lacerations to the bowel, spleen, or liver, diaphragmatic tears, aortic damage, spinal fractures, and vertebral artery injuries occur when crash speeds are high or occupants sit out of position.

Because pain does not always match injury severity, any belt mark across the torso should prompt a medical assessment.

What Are the Symptoms of a Seat Belt Injury?

Symptoms can surface within minutes or slowly grow over several days. Early recognition protects both health and any future claim.

External signs. Purple-green bruises across the breastbone, shoulder, or abdomen; abrasions that match the belt’s edge; swelling; and surface cuts.
Internal red flags. Sharp chest pain on breathing, abdominal tenderness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tingling in arms or legs, blood in urine or stool, and shortness of breath may signal internal bleeding or lung injury.
Neurological clues. Headaches, blurred vision, or neck stiffness can indicate associated concussion or cervical strain.
Client voice. “This attorney’s office goes above and beyond client care. They have been there for my dad through his injury case, and fought hard to get him the pension that he deserved. I would recommend them for any workplace injury suit.” – Melissa M.

When symptoms persist beyond a day, or suddenly worsen, seek immediate care. Delayed treatment can lengthen healing time and jeopardize your legal case.

How Long Does It Take a Seat Belt Injury to Heal?

Healing depends on injury type, age, health, and strict adherence to medical advice.

Bruises and contusions. Most fade in 2–4 weeks with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief.
Soft-tissue strains. Mild shoulder or neck strains often resolve in 3–4 weeks; moderate tears may need 6 weeks and physical therapy.
Simple rib fractures. Typical recovery is approximately 6 weeks, though coughing or twisting can extend discomfort.
Sternum fractures. Because the breastbone moves with every breath, healing usually spans 8–10 weeks.
Internal organ injuries. Surgical repairs or monitored bed rest can require several months and follow-up imaging.
Spinal involvement. Compression or transverse-process fractures may need six weeks to a year of bracing and therapy.

Early, consistent treatment shortens most timelines. Our Yakima car accident team tracks every appointment and bill so the insurer cannot discount a single day of pain.

When Should I See a Doctor After a Seat Belt Injury?

Prompt evaluation is vital. Emergency physicians may order X-rays, CT scans, or FAST ultrasounds to rule out internal bleeding even when you feel “just sore.”

If you develop worsening pain, fever, shortness of breath, or abdominal swelling after leaving the crash scene, return to a Yakima hospital or Union Gap urgent-care clinic immediately. Minor delays can turn treatable bleeds into life-threatening complications.

Tip: Save every medical summary, imaging disc, and prescription. Our attorneys use this evidence to build a full-value claim.

What Compensation Can I Recover for a Seat Belt Injury in Washington?

Washington follows a fault-based auto-insurance system. If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you may recover damages through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Economic losses. Emergency transport, hospital stays, imaging, surgery, medication, physical therapy, future medical care, and every mile driven to follow-up appointments.
Wage and income loss. Missed workdays, reduced hours, lost bonuses, and diminished earning capacity for lasting impairments.
Non-economic damages. Pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disruption to family and hobbies.
Property damage. Repair or replacement of your vehicle, car seats, and personal items destroyed in the crash.

Comparative fault note: If you shared partial responsibility, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault but even a partially at-fault victim can still collect substantial damages.

Attorneys Scott Brumback and Sidney Ottem gather collision reports, dash-cam video, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove liability and maximize compensation. We never let an insurance adjuster minimize the hidden toll of chest pain that lingers long after bruises fade.

Why Hire Brumback & Ottem for My Seat Belt Injury Case?

Yakima personal injury lawyer Sidney Ottem has spent more than a decade litigating complex crash claims in superior courts from Ellensburg to the Tri-Cities. Seat belt injury attorney Scott Brumback combines thirty years of trial experience with a former insurance-defense background. He knows every tactic carriers use to underpay victims.

Our firm’s local roots, courtroom reputation, and client-first approach set us apart:

Seven-figure verdicts for crash victims throughout Yakima County.
Direct access to your attorneys at every stage.
No fee unless we secure a settlement or verdict.
Dozens of five-star reviews praising our compassion and tenacity.

We welcome calls 24/7 at (509) 457-7258 and offer free, no-obligation case evaluations.

Common and Uncommon Seat Belt Injuries

Common: Bruises, abrasions, fractured ribs, sternum breaks, collarbone fractures, shoulder strains, cervical whiplash.
Less common: Liver or spleen lacerations, bowel perforation, diaphragmatic tears, thoracic aortic injury, lumbar or thoracic spinal fractures.
Rare: Bladder rupture, brachial-plexus nerve damage, lung collapse (pneumothorax).

Each category may link to a deeper practice-area page on abdominal injuries, spinal trauma, or catastrophic harm for readers who want advanced detail.

Yakima County Seat Belt Safety Snapshot

I-82 carries heavy agricultural freight and tourist traffic through Union Gap, leading to high-energy collisions. Washington Traffic Safety Commission data show that over 95% of Yakima-area drivers fasten a seat belt, yet the county still logged more than 180 serious injury crashes in 2024. Strict enforcement campaigns have broad community support, yet seat-belt syndrome cases persist.

Our attorneys support local Safe-Ride initiatives and regularly speak at high-school driver-education classes about proper belt placement to reduce chest and abdominal trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long will my seatbelt bruise hurt?

Most bruises peak in pain within three days and fade in two to four weeks. Deep contusions over bone may feel tender for six weeks or more.

Can I still file a claim if I was not wearing my seat belt correctly?

Yes. Improper belt use may reduce compensation under Washington’s comparative-fault rules, but it rarely bars recovery outright. Proper documentation and expert testimony can offset defense arguments.

What if my injuries appeared days after the crash?

Delayed symptoms are common. Seek medical care immediately and notify our office so we can amend insurance claims and preserve evidence.

Will my insurance premiums rise if I use my PIP coverage?

No under Washington law. Personal injury protection benefits are no-fault and cannot be surcharged.

How soon should I call an attorney?

Contact us as soon as you have received initial emergency care. Early involvement allows us to gather scene evidence and shield you from adjuster tactics.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Your body needs rest and proper medical attention. Your claim needs swift, strategic action. Yakima seat belt injury lawyer Sidney Ottem, Washington personal injury attorney Scott Brumback, and the entire team at Brumback & Ottem Injury Law stand ready to shoulder the legal burden while you focus on recovery.

Call (509) 457-7258, visit us at 1905 Rainier Pl., Union Gap, WA 98903, or fill out our online form for a free case review today. Let us turn your seat belt injury story into a full and fair recovery.