Minnesota Seatbelt Buckle Inertial Release Lawyers

Most seatbelt buckles are one of two types: side release and end release buckles. Both types are shown below:

Both end and side release buckles have been shown to unlatch during crashes. On a side release buckle, the inertial release happens when a force is applied to the back of the buckle. The inertial energy is transformed into the spring of the buckle and releases the tension on the latch plate, allowing it to open.

In some end release buckles, if a sharp vertical load is applied through the bottom of the buckle (often in a rollover or similar crash where there is a blow to the underside of the vehicle) the buckle can unlatch. Without a simple and proper lock for the buckle latch, the button’s static inertia makes the button tend to stay in place while the rest of the buckle moves up relative to the button, simulating a person pressing the button down to open the buckle.

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