Accident Reconstruction
Accident reconstruction is a systematic and scientific approach aimed at unraveling the mysteries surrounding the occurrence of accidents. It delves into the intricacies of how and why accidents transpire. This process commences with the collection and analysis of established data points, such as the final resting positions of vehicles, the available evidence at the accident scene, and the extent of damage sustained by the involved vehicles.
Event Data Records (EDRs) play a pivotal role in this process. These specialized onboard computer systems, commonly referred to as “black boxes,” record a wealth of critical information about the vehicle’s performance leading up to and during the accident. This includes data on vehicle speed, brake and throttle inputs, steering angles, airbag deployment, and various other parameters.
Our Accident Reconstructionists are highly skilled in extracting and interpreting EDR data, which provides vital insights into the moments leading up to the accident. By analyzing this data, they can reconstruct the sequence of events with a high degree of precision. EDRs are invaluable in corroborating or refuting eyewitness accounts and other evidence, thus adding an additional layer of accuracy to the reconstruction process.
These experts are distinguished by their ACTAR certification, signifying their expertise and proficiency in this field. They engage in exhaustive collision analysis and reconstruction, employing their skills to discern the root causes and contributory elements in various types of accidents. This comprehensive approach encompasses an evaluation of driver actions, vehicle dynamics, road conditions, and the surrounding environment, all while incorporating the critical insights gleaned from EDRs.
These experts are often drawn from the ranks of law enforcement, possessing specialized knowledge and experience that empowers them to conduct meticulous examinations. Their rigorous analyses are rooted in scientific principles and methodologies, ensuring that the findings they present can withstand scrutiny in a courtroom setting.
Accident reconstruction becomes particularly vital when personal injuries or fatalities are involved. In such cases, our experts are not merely content with their scientific inquiries; they are fully prepared to defend their analyses and conclusions in a legal setting. This dedication to scientific integrity and rigorous investigation ensures that the truth behind accidents is unveiled, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding and, where necessary, justice for those affected.
Garrett’s experts will examine physical, pictorial and document evidence to supply an opinion as to what really happened in an auto accident. Usually issues have arisen between claimant or plaintiff and insured as to what speeds were involved (vehicle dynamics), who was driving within the law and who wasn’t, who turned legally and who didn’t, and many other questions relating to “Who caused the accident?” Commonly asked questions are, “Both drivers said they had the green light, so which one really did?” and “What were the speed and g-forces and probability for injuries in this accident?”
Vehicle Inspections
As a vital component of accident reconstruction, Garrett’s experts engage in a meticulous examination of the vehicle(s) that were part of the incident. They conduct a comprehensive physical inspection and capture essential photographic documentation, alongside precise measurements, all geared towards discerning both the root cause of the accident and the extent of the damages incurred. In addition, through a detailed analysis of crush damage, these experts can calculate critical factors such as Delta-V and g-force, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the incident.
Event Data Recorder Download & Analysis
How fast was the car going when it crashed?
Was the driver on the gas or on the brakes?
What are the probabilities for injury?
Who hit whom first?
What was the Delta V?
If you would like to know these answers, then an EDR and/or VCH download and analysis may be helpful. Please remember that available EDR information depends upon the manufacturer and make/model/year of the vehicle.
Data from the EDR can provide valuable information such as the speed of the vehicle moments before the collision, brake status, throttle position, ignition cycles, Delta V forces, seat belt status, time between events, and other important accident related data. EDR information may also be used to verify witness statements.
When an airbag deploys, very useful information about that event may be stored in the Vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR). Garrett’s experts, who have completed the authorized Bosch CDR Technician Course, utilize Bosch equipment to download the data from a vehicle. With this information, our Certified EDR analyst then interprets the EDR data, and use this information, along with photographs, police reports, witness statement, repair estimates, etc., for accident reconstruction and to help determine what really happened.
It is essential that you always protect your company from allegations of intentional spoliation by gathering and preserving the EDR information now, while it is still available. This information may be critical for a complete situational analysis and accident reconstruction.
Vehicle Control History Data Download & Analysis
TOYOTA/LEXUS VEHICLE CONTROL HISTORY (VCH) DATA DOWNLOADS
Separate from the Event Data Recorder (EDR), the Vehicle Control History (VCH) on Toyota and Lexus vehicles records and stores certain vehicle data based on select driver inputs, such as hard acceleration or braking, or upon the activation of certain vehicle dynamic control systems such as antilock braking system (ABS), traction control (TRAC), vehicle stability control (VSC), and the pre-collision system (PCS).
In the United States, VCH was first equipped on the 2013 Toyota RAV4 and has been subsequently introduced into other Toyota and Lexus models. Most recently, in addition to VCH data, additional PCS operational data (PCS-O) and image data (PCS-I) may be recorded and stored. The image storage capability may record under certain conditions such as if the system has automatically applied the vehicle brakes. PCS-O and PCS-I data became available with the launch of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a grouping of advanced active safety features equipped on many Toyota vehicles generally available in 2017.
Traffic Engineering
Traffic engineering is a branch of civil engineering that uses, among other things, established traffic management standards to achieve the safe and efficient movement of people and vehicles on roadways. It focuses mainly on research for safe and efficient traffic flow, such as road geometry, sidewalks and crosswalks, roadway lighting, cycling infrastructure, traffic signs, road surface markings and traffic lights. Typical traffic engineering cases involve traffic control device installations and modifications, including traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings. Traffic engineers also consider traffic safety by investigating locations with high crash rates, pedestrian involvement and developing countermeasures to reduce crashes.
Site Inspections
Accident Reconstruction involves visiting the scene of a collision, gathering all the details regarding the conditions leading up to the accident, and inspecting the vehicles involved. Our Accident Reconstruction experts are trained to thoroughly inspect the accident site to determine all aspects of the incident, including but not limited to road conditions, visibility, brake skid mark analysis, traffic controls, lighting, and signage, as well as all the necessary site measurements to fully understand the accident.