Professional Investigative Engineers - Articles - Accident Reconstruction

Colorado Supreme Court Says Lack of Seatbelt Use Can Limit Damage Awards

no@spam.com (Other Authors) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:00:00 CST

This article was written by Patricia-Anne Tom. If you wish to contact the author, please email her via the Claims Journal's article link.

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that a jury should consider a person's failure to use a seatbelt when determining damages for pain and suffering resulting from an automobile accident.

Novel Explores Accident Reconstruction Claims Magazine

no@spam.com (Craig F. Sellers) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:30:16 CDT

Read a review of "Darwin's Blade"
Novel Explores Accident Reconstruction Claims Magazine
Review By Craig Sellers
If you are an adjuster interested in receiving a free paperback copy of Darwin's Blade, please email Craig Sellers.

The Automotive Event Data Recorder (EDR)

no@spam.com (Joseph R. Coplan and Bradley J. Stolz, E.I. - Co-Authors) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 11:30:00 CDT

Most people are familiar with “black box” technology in modern aircraft as a means to record information in the few minutes before a crash. However, most individuals are not aware that this very same technology might be present under the passenger’s seat of their personal vehicle. It is referred to as an automotive Event Data Recorder (EDR), and it has tremendous implications for any accident reconstructionist.

Motorcycle Traffic Accident Reconstruction

no@spam.com (Joseph R. Coplan and Bradley J. Stolz, E.I. - Co-Authors) — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 13:00:00 CST

Have you ever had a client claim he or she attempted to steer his motorcycle in one direction; however, it went the opposite direction? How many have claimed this occurred and it has caused them to crash? How many times were they told that they were crazy?

Improving Vehicle Accident Reconstruction Results

no@spam.com (Micky Gilbert, P.E.) — Mon, 01 Mar 2004 16:30:00 CST

Automobile accident reconstruction can be simplified by following some specific practices. Good documentation of the physical evidence leads to a thorough understanding of the vehicles' motion before and after an impact. Poor documentation of the evidence may complicate and, in some cases, make a full reconstruction impossible. The accuracy of a reconstruction is largely dependent on the quality and preservation of the physical evidence.

Reconstruction of SUV Untripped Rollovers

no@spam.com (Micky Gilbert, P.E.) — Mon, 01 Jul 2002 10:54:07 CDT

Sport utility vehicle (SUV) rollover has been the subject of news documentaries and magazines for decades. The physics involved in a large number of these rollovers, however, have not been publicly discussed.

Stable passenger vehicles will not roll over until they hit something or are tripped by an obstruction such as a curb or dirt furrow. When steered sharply, stable vehicles will slide on pavement.

Seat Belt Forensics

no@spam.com (PIE Staff Engineer) — Tue, 01 Aug 2000 00:00:00 CDT

The use of seatbelts in passenger cars and trucks is more common and acceptable today than ever before. We are often reminded as we travel down a highway that we should "Buckle Up - It’s The Law."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 48 states and the District of Columbia require the use of safety belts. All 50 states require that young children ride in car safety seats.

Automotive Accident Reconstruction:Test Your Investigative Skills

no@spam.com (PIE Staff Engineer) — Fri, 03 Mar 2000 14:30:00 CST

Many areas of accident investigation can lead to erroneous assumptions and improper applications of engineering fundamentals. Below is an example of an accident recently reported in a local newspaper. The basic facts of the accident are as reported; however, the names and details have been changed.

Heavy Truck Crashes

no@spam.com (PIE Staff Engineer) — Wed, 01 Sep 1999 11:30:00 CDT

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) accident data reveals that 30 percent of all heavy truck accidents are caused by brakes being out of adjustment. The most common brake system used by heavy trucks is the air brake system. It is also the most complex.