You got in the back seat just wanting to get where you were going. Then came the sudden stop—and the pain. Now you’re facing medical bills and wondering if not wearing a seatbelt means you’re out of luck.
You’re not alone. Many Uber and Lyft passengers skip the seatbelt, especially in the back. While seatbelts save lives, not buckling up doesn’t automatically make you at fault—or disqualify you from seeking compensation.
At Pete Olson Injury Law, we’ve spent nearly 30 years helping crash victims understand their rights. Even if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, Tennessee law may still protect you.
What Is Comparative Negligence—and Why Does It Matter?
Tennessee follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. This legal standard allows multiple people to share fault in an accident—and still gives injury victims a path to recovery.
Under the comparative negligence system:
- You can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
- Your percentage of fault reduces your compensation amount. So if you’re 20% responsible, your damages reduce by 20%.
- You cannot recover damages if you are found to be 50% or more at fault.
This rule applies to car accidents, including those involving rideshare drivers. If the rideshare driver caused the crash—or shared most of the blame—you may still have a strong case, even if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt.
Does Not Wearing a Seatbelt Automatically Make You At Fault?
No. Tennessee law does not automatically assign fault to you if you were unbuckled. In fact, state law specifically limits how seatbelt non-use can be used in court.
What Tennessee Law Says About Seatbelt Use as Evidence
Tennessee Code § 55-9-604 states that failure to wear a seatbelt generally cannot be used as evidence of negligence in civil lawsuits. This means not wearing a seatbelt doesn’t automatically eliminate your right to compensation.
There are limited exceptions, such as in certain product liability claims where a defendant proves the seatbelt non-use directly caused or worsened the injuries. But in most personal injury cases—especially rideshare crashes—your unbuckled status doesn’t prevent you from pursuing a claim.
How Tennessee Courts Evaluate Rideshare Crash Claims
When determining who is at fault in a rideshare accident, courts look at the full context:
- Was the rideshare driver distracted, speeding, or reckless?
- Did another vehicle cause the crash?
- Were road conditions or vehicle defects involved?
Seatbelt use is just one detail in a much larger picture—and one that Tennessee courts often exclude from evidence altogether.
Factors That Can Minimize Your Share of Fault
Several contributing factors may play a role in a court’s determination of liability, including:
- Crash severity. In high-speed collisions, even seatbelted passengers may suffer major injuries.
- Back seat assumption. Many people skip the seatbelt in the back seat, especially on short rides.
- Driver conduct. If the Uber or Lyft driver was using their phone, impaired, or otherwise negligent, their actions carry more legal weight.
- Medical analysis. Experts can testify that your injuries would likely have occurred even with a seatbelt, depending on the mechanics of the crash.
What Compensation Can You Still Receive?
If your injuries are significant and the driver or another party holds more fault than you do, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills. These include hospital visits, physical therapy, future care.
- Lost income. You may seek compensation for wages lost from missed work or reduced future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. This may include both physical and emotional trauma.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement. Courts will consider the long-term consequences of the crash.
Even if some percentage of fault reduces your compensation, the remaining amount could still be substantial and vital for your recovery.
Common Myths About Seatbelts and Rideshare Claims
Don’t let misinformation stop you from exploring your legal options. Here are some common myths:
- “I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, so I don’t have a case.” False. Tennessee law allows claims unless you’re more than 50% at fault.
- “If I sue, I have to go after the driver personally.” Not true. Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in insurance coverage when their drivers are working.
- “The accident wasn’t that bad, so I can’t file a claim.” Crash severity isn’t the only factor. Your injuries and how they impact your life are what matter.
- “I admitted I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, so they’ll use that against me.” Probably not. In most cases, seatbelt non-use is not admissible to prove fault or reduce your damages in court.
How Tennessee Law Balances Fault, Safety, and Fairness
Tennessee law understands that accidents aren’t black and white. Its modified comparative negligence system allows for nuance—one mistake, like not wearing a seatbelt, doesn’t erase your right to recover compensation for injuries.
Seatbelt use matters, but it’s only one factor. If someone else’s negligence caused the crash, that weighs more heavily. The law holds wrongdoers accountable—it doesn’t expect victims to be perfect.
When you're dealing with pain or uncertainty, remember: Compensation is based on the whole story, not a single decision. Tennessee law is built to reflect that.