Our Services
Accident Reconstruction
Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction
Accident Reconstruction is the process of combining engineering principles with physical evidence to recreate accidents. A reconstruction can include the following:
- Vehicle Speed Analysis
- Crush Analysis
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Time/Distance/Avoidance Studies
- Occupant Kinematics
- Seat Belt Usage and Effectiveness
- Vehicle Component Failure Analysis
- Automobiles
- Trucks: large, medium duty and light
- Motorcycles
- Snowmobiles
- ATV’s.
Event Data Recorders
Many vehicles today are equipped with a means to record and save data when an accident occurs. This is done through the Airbag Control Module (ACM) when the algorithm is enabled during a collision event. Some of this data is saved in the event data recorder and some is not. The information within these modules varies with make, model and year of the vehicle. This information can include:
- Vehicle Speed
- Delta-V
- Acceleration Data
- Brake Switch Position
- Seat Belt Buckle Status
- Throttle Position
- Steering Wheel Position
- Airbag and Seat Belt Pre-Tension Data
As always, this data should be used in conjunction with a proper accident reconstruction. We use the latest Bosch/Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) equipment to download this data from select vehicles. We are trained and certified to both download and interpret the data.
Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction
Motorcycle accident reconstruction requires special techniques owing to balance and visibility issues unique to motorcycles in addition to their higher level of performance. Therefore special techniques must be applied in analyzing motorcycle accidents. I am a trained MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) instructor and certified to teach the Beginner and Advanced Rider Courses. This, in addition to over 40 years of riding experience, gives me the specialized knowledge and training to analyze and reconstruct motorcycle accidents. Computer techniques in conjunction with classical engineering dynamics are used to reconstruct these accidents. Areas of consulting with regard to motorcycles are:
- Accident Reconstruction
- Motorcycle Dynamics and Speed Analysis
- Visibility Issues
- Reaction Times and Rider Control
- Motorcycle Performance
- Mechanical Component Investigation and Failure Analysis
Pedestrians
Pedestrian accidents include many aspects of accident reconstruction. These include:
- Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Interactions
- Crosswalk Issues
- Pedestrian Attentiveness
- Motor Vehicle Operator Attentiveness
- Visibility Issues
- Slip/Fall Issues
- Reaction and Perception Times and Avoidance Issues
Bicycle, ATV and Snowmobile Accident Reconstruction
Bicycles, ATV’s and Snowmobiles all represent special challenges in that they are specialized vehicles. Accurate analyses with regard to accident reconstruction require knowledge of these vehicles and their dynamic characteristics. We have extensive experience in all aspects of reconstructing these accidents, including:
- Accident Reconstruction
- Stability
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Visibility Issues
- Vehicle Rider Control
- Reaction Times
- Performance
- Component Failure Investigation and Failure Analysis
Agricultural Equipment
Agricultural equipment pertains to all types of farm machinery including tractors, bailers, manure spreaders, to name a few. This type of equipment is very specialized and requires special knowledge and experience to reconstruct accidents involving their use. Our work includes all aspects of reconstructing accident involving agricultural equipment, including:
- Vehicle Dynamics
- Safety Issues
- Operation and Maintenance
- Rollover Protection
- Equipment Failure Analysis
Industrial Machinery
Industrial machinery involves a wide range of equipment including extrusion machines, punch presses and conveyors, to name just a few. Many industrial machines are very specialized and are one-off applications. Therefore, our vast experience in hundreds of different types of industrial machine accidents are utilized in any type of industrial machine that we encounter. We have extensive experience in machine design and the application of ANSI and OSHA standards. Areas include:
- Machine Component Design
- Machine Component Failure Analysis
- Accident Reconstruction
- Industrial Standards including ANSI, ASTM and OSHA
- Machine Dynamics
Labor Laws and Industrial Code Interpretation
Accidents on the work site are a common occurrence. It is important to make sure that the work place environment adheres to the Labor Laws of that particular state and follows the Industrial Codes for that state. We analysis the labor related accident and ascertain if any required Labor Laws or Industrial Codes have been violated during the course of an industrial or construction project.
Building Code Interpretation
Accidents involving people in buildings occur quite commonly. These accidents can involve tenants of the building or people using the building for visitation or commerce. Buildings must adhere to the local and state Building Codes and in some case, the American With Disabilities Act (ADA). We analyze the accident along with the building itself and determine if there is a violation of any pertinent Building Codes.
Ladders
Ladder accident reconstruction requires specific techniques and engineering expertise. We have over 35 years of experience in reconstructing all types of ladder accidents. These include Step Ladders and Extension Ladders made from wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Ladders are typically manufactured following specific ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards. These standards provide guidelines for construction and testing of ladder products. We have performed all tests that the ANSI standards cite for step ladders.
Slip and Fall Analysis
Slip and Fall analysis includes many facets of both Mechanical Engineering and Human Factors. We perform complete coefficient of friction testing and application to all types of slip/trip/fall incidents. Also, local, state and federal building codes are checked and incorporated into all slip/fall analyses. These incidents involve:
- Stairway design and construction
- Handrail issues
- Thresholds
- Sidewalks
- Snow and Ice
- Handicap Accessibility: American and Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Building Code Analysis
Schedule a Consultation
In a brief phone consultation, we can give you a high-level assessment of your situation and answer any questions you have about working together.