Learn more about Massachusetts seat belt laws and penalties. Children must also be securely fastened in a child passenger restraint. Kiley Law Group, LLP represents injured auto accident victims. Call (800) 930-8145 for expert legal advice.

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$ 3.5 million Settlement for
auto injury

Our eighteen-year-old client was driving on an interstate into the early morning sun. As he drove over a rise in the road, he struck a car that was disabled and stopped in the middle of the road because a 150-pound wheel and tire detached from a tractor-trailer rig traveling in the opposite direction. The lugs holding the tire had broken off, causing the tire and wheel to travel across the median strip, and hit and disable the stopped vehicle.
Awarded: $ 3.5 million

$1,000,000 Jury Verdict for
86 year-old woman

Our client an 86 year-old woman sustained an injury after being struck by a bus. The inattentive bus driver was warned by a passenger that the woman was crossing in front of the bus but could not stop in time to avoid impact.
Awarded: $1,000,000

$785,000 Settlement for
crushed ankle

Our client was operating his motorcycle on a two-lane road when a large box truck made a U-turn into his path of travel. The client attempted to avoid the collision by laying his motorcycle on its side. Unfortunately his lower leg and ankle came in contact with the truck causing seven fractures and soft tissue injury.
Awarded: $785,000

DISCLAIMER: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain for you in your case.

Overview of Massachusetts Seat Belt & Child Passenger Restraint Laws

Massachusetts seat belt laws come from the fact that studies have shown how seat belts can prevent serious injuries and even death. Seat belts are designed to prevent ejection from the automobile, slow down the body gradually and protect the head, neck and spinal cord. When seat belts are not used, the injuries from an auto accident can be catastrophic.

Massachusetts has enacted strict seat belt laws and imposes a penalty for drivers and passengers in violation of this law. There are also stringent rules regarding child passenger restraints, which are meant to protect children riding in motor vehicles.

Massachusetts Seat Belt Law

Based on state law, no one is allowed to operate or ride in a private passenger motor vehicle, vanpool or truck under 18,000 pounds without wearing a seat belt. The seat belt must be properly adjusted or fastened. A law enforcement officer can impose a $25 fine on a driver or passenger over the age of sixteen who is found not wearing his or her seat belt. If the other passengers are under the age of sixteen and are not wearing their seat belts, the driver will receive the fine for each person. However, seat belt violations are only given when an automobile has been stopped for another traffic offense.

The Massachusetts seat belt law does not apply to the following individuals:

• Child under the age of 12 who is subject to the child passenger restraint law;
• Driver or passenger(s) of a motor vehicle manufactured before July 1, 1966;
• A person who is physically incapable of using a seat belt;
• Any rural carrier of the United States Postal Service operating a motor vehicle while performing work duties;
• Anyone who operates a taxi, livery, tractor, truck with gross weight of 18,000 pounds or more or bus and any passenger of an authorized emergency vehicle.

Massachusetts Child Passenger Restraint Law

The Massachusetts law regarding child passenger restraints makes it mandatory that all children under the age of 5 and children weighing 40 pounds or less are properly fastened and secured in a child passenger restraint. Child passenger restraints include infant seats, car seats and booster seats. The child must be fastened in the child passenger restraint according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The law also provides that a child under the age of eight has to be securely fastened by a child passenger restraint, unless the child is taller than 57 inches.

Individuals exempt from this law include:

• A passenger in a school bus;
• A passenger in a motor vehicle manufactured before July 1, 1966;
• Child who is physically unable to use a conventional child passenger restraint.

If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, contact Kiley Law Group, LLP immediately. You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.

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