West Virginia residents who are involved in car accidents may experience liver injuries. According to researchers, wearing a seat belt cannot prevent such an injury from occurring. However, wearing a seat belt could reduce the severity of a liver injury, which could increase the chances that a person lives after a collision. A review of 51,202 people found that those who had severe liver injuries were two times more likely to die compared to those with only mild or moderate injuries.

These individuals were 18 and older, involved in a vehicle accident and had either been taken to the hospital or had passed away while going there. Of cases reviewed as part of the study, 15 percent were deemed to have experienced a significant liver injury. The study found that 15 percent of those patients died compared to only 8 percent of subjects who had a mild or moderate injury.

The chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma says that liver and spleen are the most commonly injured organs in an accident. While the spleen may be removed, the liver is a vital body part and cannot be removed. The study found that injured victims who were both protected by a seat belt and an airbag were 26 percent less likely to experience a significant liver injury.

If negligent driving causes an accident with injuries, an injured victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Lost future earnings as well as payment for future medical costs related to the accident could also be included in a settlement or jury award. An attorney may review physical evidence at the scene, video footage of the crash or driver statements to determine if negligence played a role in the accident.