Accident Reconstruction and investigation remains an essential part in understanding the nature and severity of physical injury as a result of vehicular impact. The various types of vehicular accidents that require both investigation and accident reconstruction include single and multiple vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer, bus, motorcycle, heavy equipment, rollover, pedestrian, along with pole and barrier impact related accidents. The reconstruction process typically includes an investigation of the accident site, along with a review of available physical evidence which may include tire markings such as acceleration scuff, skid and yaw markings. Additional evidence may also include gouges and scrape marks, damage to fixed objects, debris patterns, paint transfers, road surface irregularities and visible obstructions.

Process & Application of Accident Reconstruction

The process of accident reconstruction includes an inspection of the subject motor vehicle or related exemplar vehicle. Vehicle measurements and general information regarding dimensions, crush damage, brakes, steering, suspension, weight, bumper stiffness, et cetera are typically utilized in reconstructing a motor vehicle accident. Photographic evidence, along with photogammetric and simulation tools is extremely helpful in analyzing motor vehicle accidents when physical evidence may have been destroyed or simply remains unavailable for inspection. Contributing factors must also be considered in reconstructing a motor vehicle accident such as weather, lighting, vehicle type and condition, speed, road surface as well as human factors.

Application of Physics & Engineering Principles

The application of physics, specifically the conservation of linear and angular momentum, conservation of energy, Newton's Laws of Motion, restitution and tire forces, remain essential in determining a vehicle's speed and orientation at the time of the accident. Average and peak vehicular accelerations, acceleration duration and principle direction of acceleration are calculated based upon physical evidence and are essentially applied in the biomechanical reconstruction process. The application of traditional engineering principles to the human body, along with an understanding of human tolerances to impact conditions is important components in the reconstruction process. An understanding of human kinetics and kinematics is also considered essential in determining the cause of a specific human injury.

Biomechanical Analysis

Accordingly, biomechanical reconstruction requires an investigation of force and acceleration acting upon a human along with an additional understanding of the mechanism of injury. While the engineering components are essential in vehicle accident reconstruction, anatomical and physiological responses to injury must be considered for a more complete understanding of a motor vehicle accident and those injuries that may have been sustained. Here, consideration must been given to the type and severity of injury and whether those specific injuries involved trauma to bone, muscle, tendon, ligament or organ including both hollow and solid. Specifically, whether the traumas resulted in certain diagnoses that may distinguish a particular type of force application or acceleration. In addition, biomechanical modeling utilizing MADYMO tools is extremely valuable in understanding pathological joint motion and/or joint forces as a result of trauma. A review of all diagnostics and a complete review of the medical records provide the necessary materials in completing an accident reconstruction investigation. Typical areas of biomechanical reconstruction include: spinal injury, concussion, bone fracture, solid and hollow organ trauma, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tear, cumulative trauma disorder, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and knee meniscus and ligamentous injury.