Seat Belt Defects Checklist
Check for either:
- Scene photographs/videotape depicting, or other credible evidence of, seat belt latched with no occupant; or
- Scene photographs/videotape depicting, or other credible evidence of, seat belt spooled out, hanging over seat or out the window;
If either of the factors is present in your crash, and you have serious injury or death, consult an expert qualified in the field and immediately preserve and document the evidence.
If you do NOT have evidence of either of the above factors, Check for:
1. Occupant reports of seat belt use; and
2. Partial or full ejection or seat belt induced injury.
If both of these factors are present, and you have serious injury or death, immediately preserve and document the evidence and conduct a more thorough investigation:
- Inspect and document the interior of the vehicle:
- Check the buckle opening for debris;
- Determine if the belt is latched or unlatched;
- Check the position of the webbing (slack);
- Check for blood, glass, or witness marks (load, stretch) on the webbing.
- Inspect and document the witness marks on the interior of the vehicle:
- Check the headrest;
- Check the pillar;
- Compare the injuries to the layout of the vehicle interior and marks (blood, skin)
- Inspect the Accident Report:
- Check for seat belt use. However, don’t be discouraged if the report indicates that the occupant was “unrestrained”. If the seat belt failed, than the occupant was, indeed, unrestrained.
- Research:
- Is the vehicle equipped with a restraint system that utilizes a comfort feature?
- Is the vehicle equipped with a lap belt only system?
- Is the vehicle equipped with a motorized shoulder harness system?
- Search NHTSA for adverse incident reports or recalls;
- Are the buckles known for unlatching, such as the RCF 67?
Any support for seat belt use or the occupant’s claims alone, if credible, justifies retaining a qualified expert.
Remember to move quickly on the evidence! Always take immediate steps to preserve the vehicle and any evidence at the scene of the crash. This information could prove to be critical to your case. Don’t waste time getting information from the occupants and any witnesses to the crash.
Remember to move quickly on the evidence! Always take immediate steps to preserve the vehicle and any evidence at the scene of the crash. This information could prove to be critical to your case. Don’t waste time getting information from the occupants and any witnesses to the crash.
