[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/submarine-effect-in-car-accident\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/submarine-effect-in-car-accident\/","headline":"What Is the Submarine Effect in a Car Accident?","name":"What Is the Submarine Effect in a Car Accident?","description":"The submarine effect occurs when a driver or passenger slides out from under their seatbelt during a car accident. The force of the impact or sudden change in momentum can make it difficult or impossible to remain immobile in the seat. Without a seatbelt, the driver or passenger...","datePublished":"2023-03-22","dateModified":"2026-05-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/#Person","name":"Aaron Gartlan","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/","identifier":6,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Gartlan Injury law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/fasten-seatbelt.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/fasten-seatbelt.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/submarine-effect-in-car-accident\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O8Wn14njIsY#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O8Wn14njIsY","name":"What Should I Do If I\u2019ve Been in a Car Wreck? - Gartlan Injury Law","description":"If you've been in a car wreck, it's important to know what steps to take. In this video, Aaron Gartlan and Farrest Taylor, personal injury attorneys at Gartlan Injury Law, share the key actions you should take after an accident to protect your rights and your health.\n\n*****************************************************\nSHARE THIS VIDEO: https:\/\/youtu.be\/O8Wn14njIsY\n*****************************************************\n__________________________________________\n\nDothan, AL\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n(334) 699-4625\nhttps:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/\n--------\nSEE OUR REVIEWS \nGOOGLE REVIEWS: https:\/\/g.page\/r\/CadSPfdj3mDREAg\/review\nFACEBOOK REVIEWS: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gartlaninjurylaw\/reviews\/?ref=page_internal","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/O8Wn14njIsY\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/O8Wn14njIsY\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/O8Wn14njIsY\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/O8Wn14njIsY\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/O8Wn14njIsY\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-02-17T06:00:23+00:00","duration":"PT3M11S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O8Wn14njIsY","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA","name":"Gartlan Injury Law","description":"Attorney Aaron Gartlan and our team at Gartlan Injury Law are aggressive advocates who always have our clients' best interests at heart. We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to personal injury victims and their families in Dothan and throughout Alabama and to pursuing maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.\n\nADDRESS:\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n\nPHONE:\n(334) 699-4625","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_kBVfrIFk4Bsc_V6O0WlwZayeYFHPJcGO1Jg8bofguUsw=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O8Wn14njIsY#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O8Wn14njIsY#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O8Wn14njIsY&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O8Wn14njIsY#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":7}]]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E","name":"Dothan Personal Injury Lawyer - Key To Success","description":"http:\/\/www.dothanalabamalawyer.com  Dothan, Alabama personal injury lawyer Aaron Gartlan tells you the keys to success in dealing with personal injury cases.  You can bet the big and powerful insurance company is working against you.  You can stand up to big powerful interests.  Check out the Hogg & Gartlan website for more information on dealing with personal injury, accident and wrongful death cases.  A free consultation is available to you when you are ready.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/13WYXozgy_E\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/13WYXozgy_E\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/13WYXozgy_E\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/13WYXozgy_E\/sddefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2011-11-07T21:06:41+00:00","duration":"PT1M5S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/13WYXozgy_E","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCepPpMfNjfutydPRVVby1kg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCepPpMfNjfutydPRVVby1kg","name":"Aaron Gartlan","description":"","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_lZbtKXFkVgBCvhYLiDif1n-fm5_sob3xsSJxQaAAfb9g=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":131}]]}],"about":["Auto Accidents"],"wordCount":992,"articleBody":"The submarine effect occurs when a driver or passenger slides out from under their seatbelt during a car accident. The force of the impact or sudden change in momentum can make it difficult or impossible to remain immobile in the seat. Without a seatbelt, the driver or passenger could be ejected or thrown about the vehicle’s interior. When this happens, the person could suffer a severe, catastrophic, or fatal injury.\u00a0What Are Common Injuries Caused by Seat Belt Submarining?Seatbelts are designed to keep occupants in their seats. When someone \u201csubmarines\u201d out of their seatbelt, they could suffer serious injuries, including:Spinal cord injuriesInternal bleedingAbdominal injuriesBack injuriesBroken bonesTraumatic brain injuriesCrush injuriesLower leg fracturesStrangulation from the seatbeltWhat Are Some Tips for Preventing Seat Belt Submarining?You can reduce the risk of a seatbelt submarining injury by taking specific precautions, such as:Wear a properly fitting seatbelt. The lap belt should sit snugly below your stomach. The shoulder strap should cross over your shoulder and chest. It should never sit underneath your arm.Check the seat cushion. Ensure the cushion is secure before getting into the vehicle. If it\u2019s loose or damaged, repair it before sitting in the seat.Use a booster or car seat for children \u2013 Seatbelts are often too loose to fit around a child’s lap and chest securely. Small children should ride in a booster or car seat according to age, height, and weight.What Compensation Can I Secure Through a Car Accident Lawsuit?Drivers are required to carry car insurance with minimum liability coverage in Alabama. Every driver must carry liability insurance to cover an injured person\u2019s losses if they are at fault for an accident.You can file a claim with the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance company or file a lawsuit to pursue compensation after a car wreck. The money you receive might compensate you for your:Hospitalization, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other medical expensesLost wagesLost earning capacityProperty damagePermanent disability or disfigurementPain, suffering, and mental anguishWhat If I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?Alabama\u2019s contributory negligence doctrine prohibits you from recovering compensation if you share any percentage of fault for the crash. That means you can\u2019t recover money for your injuries or losses if you\u2019re even 1% responsible for your injury. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to hire an experienced injury lawyer to represent you if you feel you\u2019re owed compensation from the other party. Your lawyer will need to build a strong case on your behalf and show that the other party or parties were solely responsible for the crash and the harm you\u2019ve suffered.How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?In Alabama, the statute of limitations gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. Once that time limit expires, the court will be barred from hearing your case, and you will likely lose your right to compensation.\ufeffWhat Should I Do If I Have Been Injured in a Car Accident in Alabama?Seeking medical care is essential after getting hurt in a car crash. If you\u2019re not transported to the hospital from the scene, visit a doctor as soon as possible to have any injuries diagnosed and treated promptly. Follow your doctor\u2019s instructions if they recommend diagnostic tests, X-rays, physical therapy, or other follow-up care.Attending your doctor\u2019s appointments is crucial. Missing your appointments can delay your recovery and can negatively affect your case. The other party\u2019s insurer might use delayed, inconsistent, or discontinued treatment to deny, delay, or underpay your claim.Write down every detail about the collision while it\u2019s fresh in your mind. Explain what you remember about the accident, including your direction of travel and what the other driver was doing before the impact. You can also take note of the road and weather conditions.Document your injuries during your ongoing treatment. You should list every symptom you experience and indicate the severity. Also, explain whether your symptoms worsen at specific times of the day or during certain activities.Keep copies of every record related to the accident. Hold onto your billing statements, physician notes, imaging test results, and other documents. They can help prove the nature and extent of your injury.Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial. A skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyer from Gartlan Injury Law could handle each step of the injury claims process, such as:Conducting a thorough investigation to determine who is liable for the accidentTalking to witnesses, obtaining photos from the accident scene, and collecting other valuable evidenceGathering copies of your medical records to show the injury you sustained and your recovery progressRequesting copies of your medical bills, wage statements, property damage estimates, and other documentation to calculate the financial impact of the crashFiling an insurance claim and negotiating a settlement with the other party\u2019s insurance companyFiling a lawsuit if the insurer denies your claim or offers a lowball settlementAvoiding social media is also vital while your case is pending. Although it might not seem harmful, posting about the accident can harm your chance of receiving the full and fair compensation you deserve.Contact an Alabama Car Accident LawyerIf you were injured in a car crash and submarining had something to do with your injuries, don\u2019t hesitate to contact an attorney from Gartlan Injury Law right away. We could investigate the crash to determine which party or parties might be liable for the harm you suffered, whether it is the other driver, the vehicle\u2019s seatbelt manufacturer, or another entity.It won\u2019t cost you anything to discuss the details of your case with us. Call us or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation today.Visit Our Alabama Car Accident Law Offices{    \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",    \"@type\": \"VideoObject\",    \"uploadDate\": \"2011-11-07T00:00:00+0000\",    \"description\": \"Dothan Personal Injury Lawyer - Key To Success\",    \"name\": \"Dothan Personal Injury Lawyer - Key To Success\",    \"duration\": \"P0Y0M0DT0H1M3S\",    \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/13WYXozgy_E\",    \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E\",    \"contentUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=13WYXozgy_E\",    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/cw_video\/dothan-personal-injury-lawyer-key-to-success\/#VideoObject\"}[    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question\",        \"text\": \"Seatbelts are designed to keep occupants in their seats. 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