Seatbelts
Seatbelts are a critical component of a vehicle’s restraint system, and analysing their use is essential to understanding occupant movement and injury risk in collisions.
At Hawkins, our forensic experts assess whether seatbelts were worn correctly, functioned as intended, or contributed to injury outcomes. We also specialise in evaluating child restraint systems, determining whether car seats were properly fitted and fastened, and assessing their impact on injury severity.
Our investigations consider vehicle damage, crash data, occupant kinematics, restraint system design, and medical evidence. Whether the case involves suspected seatbelt failure, usage concerns, or biomechanical analysis, our engineers deliver clear, evidence-based conclusions to support legal, insurance, and safety assessments.
WHY APPOINT A FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR?
Hawkins’ forensic experts specialise in analysing seatbelt use in road traffic collisions. We examine restraint systems, occupant movement, and vehicle damage to assess seatbelt effectiveness. Our independent reports help insurers, solicitors, and local authorities establish liability, resolve disputes, and improve safety standards.Â
- We have an in-depth knowledge of industry standards and regulations to establish best practices.
- We conduct proactive reviews of practices, designs and installations to identify and mitigate high-risk exposures.
- We provide guidance and support in the development of robust procedures to significantly reduce the probability of future incidents.
- We provide you with clear answers to help determine why an incident occurred and support informed decisions on repudiation and recovery decisions.
- Our experts have proven expertise across a wide range of disciplines and can investigate all aspects of a road traffic collision.
- Our laboratories and specialist equipment fully support detailed collision investigations.
- We help determine whether an incident could have been prevented.
- We support subrogation and recovery claims.
- We assist in determining legal responsibilities and liabilities.
- We help defend against wrongful claims.
- We produce reports suitable for Court proceedings and litigation.
- We offer consultancy on lessons learned from incidents to prevent recurrence.
- We advise on servicing, maintenance and repair regimes for specific vehicle fleets or models based on forensic findings.Â
- We have detailed knowledge of policy cover, liability and product warranties to support decision making.
Examples of Typical Investigations
- Determining seatbelt usage
- Injury risk assessment with or without seatbelt use
- Seatbelt misuse and occupant positioning
- Seatbelt failure and mechanical analysis
- Seatbelt restraint system evaluation
- Seatbelt-related injury biomechanics
- Child restraint system analysis
- Airbag and seat design considerations
- Active and passive restraint system technologies
- Vehicle Event Data Recorder (CDR) analysis
- Litigation support involving restraint systems
If you would like more information or to discuss a specific incident, you can contact us for a free consultation.
HOW DOES HAWKINS INVESTIGATE ROAD TRAFFIC COLLISIONS FAILURES AND LOSSES?
1
Consultation
We begin with a consultation to understand how we can add value to your case.  These discussions help clarify your requirements, and identify what information is already available. We may request or suggest additional data if needed.  We are happy to provide you with an cost estimate for conducting a forensic investigation.
2
Inspection
With your agreement, we will arrange to visit the incident location, or inspect available vehicles. We record and retain notes, photographs, video footage and downloaded data. Our experts then analyse and interpret the available information to reconstruct the collision as far as necessary. 
3
Conclusion
Once our examination is complete, we will discuss our findings with you and prepare a detailed report outlining our investigation, conclusions, and where appropriate, recommendations for further work or advice. We are independent, impartial and unbiased and are instructed by both Claimant and Defendant solicitors and insurers. We can provide a range of report types, including compliance with the relevant Civil Procedure Rules, and we act as agents of the Court in everything we do.
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Related areas of expertise
Road Traffic Collisions
Hawkins has the largest group of Road Traffic Collision investigators in the UK, including some forensic engineers with over 30 years’ experience.
Highway Engineering
The condition of roads and highways, their drainage, layout or the routine maintenance of them is often blamed as being the cause of an accident or as having been a contributory factor. Sometimes this is true, but not always and when it is true, it is often necessary or helpful to determine to what degree.
Vehicle Examinations
Whether the case involves a car, bus, heavy goods vehicle, motorcycle, farming equipment, or a bicycle, Hawkins’ engineers consider various vehicle attributes during an examination, such as: patterns of damage, occupant restraints, vehicle condition, vehicle defects, tyre performance, and vehicle stability. It is also becoming more common for vehicles to carry recoverable collision data from the EDR (Event Data Recorder) aka the black box.
Vehicle Types
Hawkins have the knowledge and experience to inspect a wide range of vehicles for defects and assessment of damage following a road traffic collision.
Collision Reconstruction
Road traffic collisions (or accidents) are often traumatic incidents and litigation arising as a result is becoming more common as Court awards increase and injured parties become more aware of the compensation that might be available to them. Hawkins can provide detailed analysis of an incident and prepare forensic collision investigation and reconstruction reports suitable for use in Criminal or Civil Courts.
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