Forensic Vehicle Examination is the application of scientific methods and practices to determine vehicle related failures, and the cause of the failures. Crash Tech Reconstruction Services, LLC employs multiple trained and certified Forensic Mechanical Inspectors. These experts are trained to research and detect vehicle malfunctions related to sudden mechanical failures that result in crashes, unintended acceleration incidents, brake failures, steering failures, tire failures, and lamp analysis. In some cases, it is critical to know if a mechanical defect caused or contributed to a collision.
In addition to the Forensic Mechanical Inspection course, our investigators have also been trained in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Enforcement, and motorcycle mechanical inspections.
Sudden Acceleration Events
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines Sudden Acceleration Incidents as, "An unintended, unexpected, high-power acceleration from a stationary position or a very low initial speed accompanied by an apparent loss of braking effectiveness."
The National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey conducted a study of mechanical malfunctions as a cause of collisions. They found that only 2% of all crashes were caused by a sudden mechanical failure. Of that 2%, tire and wheel failures accounted for 35%, brake failures accounted for 22%, steering / suspension / transmission / engine failures accounted for 3%, and other unknown causes accounted for 40%.
Therefore, if you have a claim of a mechanical failure, it is imperative to have a trained professional investigate the claim.
Tire Analysis
Understanding the way tires are made, and how they grip the road can help answer critical questions in vehicle crashes. It is imperative to have a proper tire analysis for accurate speed determinations or to determine if a tire was hydroplaning on a wet road. Also, identifying the problems and failures of tires can help answer liability questions. Tires also can leave distinct patterns on the road. A tires tread pattern is special for each manufacturer, like how your finger prints are unique to you. This can help place a vehicle at the scene when investigating a hit and run case. Crash Tech has specialists that have years of experience in the tire industry, and can provide expert testimony to these questions.
