Precision and Expertise in Transportation Forensics

September 25, 2024

Expert Forensic Analysis for Transportation Accident Cases

There are several critical components involved in a vehicle collision, particularly in the time immediately following the event. After first responders confirm the safety of those involved, what’s next? For the experts who are tasked with helping understand exactly what happened during the collision, early arrival on the scene and preservation of evidence are essential.

Video Enhancement
Our experts can improve the clarity and quality of video footage without causing damage to the video to reveal obscured or unclear details. This capability can be used to enhance security footage and better understand actions and events, such as the circumstances involved in premises liability incidents like slips, trips, and falls.
At the Collision Scene
As soon as they receive notification of the collision, our experts head to the scene to help ensure the site is secure and to prevent spoliation or loss of crucial evidence while the accident site is being cleared.

When they arrive, they conduct a thorough visual assessment of the scene, taking note of the positions of the vehicles and any roadway evidence, including skid marks, gouge marks, fluid trails, and debris, as well as the condition of the road surface, lighting in the area, and visibility obstructions.

To capture every detail of the accident scene, our experts take numerous photographs from a wide variety of angles, including close-up shots of vehicle damage, road markings, signage, and environmental conditions. The experts also have the capability to 3D scan the site and/or take drone images.

Using advanced tools, Rimkus consultants create complete maps and diagrams of the scene, including the exact locations of the vehicles, impact points, and relevant environmental elements.

Our experts inspect the vehicles thoroughly and document damage, mechanical failures, and the condition of safety systems like airbags and seat belts. When available, they download data from onboard event data recorders (EDRs) like airbag modules and infotainment systems.

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Unraveling the Accident
After the scene is documented and evidence is gathered, our forensic transportation experts review information like traffic camera footage, police reports, available surveillance video, and weather reports to understand what factors might have contributed to the accident.

Using specialized software, our team can reconstruct the collision and analyze vehicle movements before, during, and after the impact to determine vehicle speeds, angles, and the forces involved.

The Rimkus Transportation team includes a deep bench of consultants with pertinent expertise in fire science, injury biomechanics, human factors, mechanical systems, meteorology, and more. When necessary, these experts collaborate to provide clients with comprehensive insights into the collision.

Understanding What Happened
Rimkus experts package their findings into a detailed report that can include diagrams and photographs depicting the sequence of events and the factors contributing to the collision. If the case moves to litigation, our consultants provide expert testimony in court to clearly explain the technical aspects of the collision to the jury and respond to questions from attorneys and judges.

From the accident scene to the courtroom, our Transportation team is prepared to provide objective analysis and scientifically backed conclusions to help understand collision events.

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Connect With Us
Our Transportation group is composed of qualified engineers and technical consultants spanning North America. Highly skilled and strategically located, we offer the specialized expertise needed to respond quickly and effectively at the scene.
Jupe

Jason Jupe, P.E.
Director, Transportation Practice
+1 512 795 0811
jjupe@rimkus.com
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