ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION - FAILURE ANALYSIS - FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
Accident Reconstruction is the analysis of the facts and physical evidence obtained from an accident investigation. It involves the application of scientific principles for the purpose of determining how an accident occurred. Santeler Forensic Engineering, PLLC employs the best generally accepted methodologies to analyze the facts and physical evidence from a collision. Investigation reports, vehicle inspections, imaging of Event Data Recorders (EDR) and Electronic Control Modules (ECM), tests, scene measurements, photographs, and witness testimony are used to determine vehicle speeds, positions, directions, and avoidance maneuvers. The interaction of the road, the driver, and the vehicle is considered in the evaluation of accident causation. Scene diagrams, simulations, and animations are created to enhance ones understanding of an accident.
Questions regarding the involvement of the product or vehicle as a cause for an accident or injury often arise. Design defects, manufacturing defects, improper maintenance, or improper warnings are frequently theorized to have been causative to an injury.
Through the analysis of a failed component and evaluation of its design, manufacture and use, Santeler Forensic Engineering, PLLC can determine the extent that a product may or may not have contributed to an injury. Additionally, they often investigate the history of the product, review regulatory compliance, study maintenance procedures, operator training, and other pertinent information to help determine cause and effect and create create failure analysis models. Findings are then translated into understandable exhibits that may consist of reports, diagrams, charts, models, or animations. In some cases, accident reconstruction and product analyses are combined to produce a better understanding of an accident.
Provide consulting services for product and process design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, engineering drawing review and assessment, investment casting design and evaluation of process and field failures. Measure, photograph, and document accident sites and vehicles. Inspect passenger, commercial, agricultural, construction, and other heavy vehicles for defects and accident causation including download and analysis of Event Data Recorders and vehicle brake system inspections. Testing of industrial and consumer products and equipment involved in accidents causing bodily harm. Provide testimony regarding accident causation, product failure, and defect analysis.
Mechanical Engineering review, assessment
Drawing review and assessment
3D computer modeling
3D scanning
Agricultural Equipment Accident Reconstruction
Animation
Automotive product liability analysis
Bicycle Accident Reconstruction
"Black Box" data retrieval
Construction Equipment Accident Reconstruction
Courtroom exhibits
Design Evaluation
Electronic Control Module (ECM) imaging and analysis
Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) imaging and analysis
Event Data Recorder (EDR) imaging and analysis
Expert Testimony
Failure Analysis
Forensic Mapping
Heavy Truck Brake Inspections
Injury Causation Analysis
Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction
Occupant Kinematics
Off-Highway Vehicle Accident Reconstruction
Pedestrian Accident Reconstruction
Perception Reaction in Traffic Accidents
Photogrammetry
Photography
Road Defect Analysis
Scene Mapping
Site measurement, assessment, and analysis
Structural Analysis
Traffic Signal Timing Analysis
Truck Accident Reconstruction
Vehicle Accident Computer Simulation
Vehicle Component Testing
Vehicle Inspection
Vehicle Safety Consulting
Vehicle Testing
Video Analysis
Video Animation
Video Recording
Watercraft Accident Analysis
Santeler Forensic Engineering has expertise in:
- Accident Reconstruction
- Failure Analysis
- Mechanical Engineering
- Product and Process Design
- Manufacturing
- Engineering Drawing review and assessment
- Investment casting design and evaluation of process and field failures
Santeler Forensic Engineering also provides the expertise you need for inspection, evaluation, and testing involving the following vehicles and associated components:
Heavy Duty Highway Vehicles
Straight Trucks
Tractor-Trailer Units
Dump Trucks
Refuse Trucks
Snow Plows
Buses
Chassis and Containers
Light Duty Highway Vehicles
Automobiles
Light Trucks
Motorcycles
Bicycles
Vans
SUVs
Construction and Mining Equipment
Rubber Tired Loaders and Dozers
Crawler Loaders and Dozers
Graders
Rollers
Loaders / Backhoes
Haulers
Excavators
Loggers
Trenchers
Material Handling
Fork Lift Trucks
Aircraft Towing Tractors
Mobile Cranes
Concrete Pumps
Agriculture and Off-Highway Equipment
Tractors
Combines
Implements
ATVs
UTVs (side-by-sides)
Watercraft
Recreational Boats
Personal Watercraft
Other Areas of Expertise
Road Defects
Potholes
Bumps
Shoulder drop-offs
Loose gravel
Railroad Crossings
Site measurement, assessment, and analysis
Sight-distance Analysis
Line-of-sight Analysis
What is accident reconstruction?
The analysis of the facts obtained from an accident investigation and the application of scientific principles for the purpose of determining how the accident occurred.
How much does a reconstruction cost?
The cost is dependent on the time involved to gather facts, analyze, and present opinions. The extent of reporting will also weigh into the ultimate cost.
Are vehicle damage measurements always needed to reconstruct vehicle speed?
No. Certain types of collisions involving some vehicles may require knowledge of crush damage to reconstruct speed. Frequently, scene data is can be just as useful to determine vehicle speed.
Are accident scene measurements of vehicle impact and rest positions always required to reconstruct an accident?
No. Scene measurements can be beneficial, but scene photographs and even witness testimony may provide the needed information.
Do all recently produced automobiles and trucks have data recorders that provide accident data?
Most automobiles and light trucks produced in recent years have event data recorders as part of the air bag system. However, recorded data varies by manufacturer. Many heavy trucks are equipped with individual electronic control modules (ECM) for the engine, transmission, and brake system. These ECMs can be capable of recording crash data or other parameters useful in accident reconstruction. Also, the electronic logging device (ELD) in commercial trucks may have useful data as well. Please contact us to find out what data the vehicles involved in your accident may record.
Will the data recorders provide vehicle speed at impact and also speed prior to impact?
The data available varies by manufacturer. Many automobiles and light trucks record this data as well as some heavy trucks. Please contact us to find out what data the vehicles involved in your accident may record.
