Passenger Vehicle Accident Reconstruction
The science of accident reconstruction includes principles of physics and fundamentals of engineering. This combination is required in order to fully understand the dynamics of vehicle-to-vehicle interactions during a crash. Veritech’s forensic engineers have performed investigations and crash reconstructions for thousands of accidents involving passenger cars and light trucks. We utilize state of the art technology, such as vehicle simulation software and “black box” data to assist in determining speeds, impact severity, and motion of the vehicles involved.
Some of the passenger vehicle accidents we have analyzed include issues relating to:
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Head-on collisions
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Rollovers
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Multi-car pileups
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Single vehicle accidents
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Intersection collisions
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Low speed accidents
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Rear-end collisions
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Visibility during adverse weather
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Vehicle safety systems, including airbags (supplemental restraint systems) and seatbelt usage
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Light bulb filament analysis, for headlight and brake light illumination
From low-speed collisions to high speed roll-overs and multi-car pile-ups on busy highways, we have the experience and know-how to accurately determine vehicle speeds, delta-V’s, impact severity, accident sequences and ultimately the factors causing or contributing to the accident.
Accident Reconstruction Services
Accident Reconstruction: Analysis of Physical Evidence
Accident reconstruction is a detailed process that relies on physical evidence, vehicle analysis, and advanced forensic techniques to determine the sequence of events during a collision. By examining the accident site, roadway, vehicle damage, as well as photographic or video documentation, forensic engineers and accident reconstruction experts can accurately reconstruct crashes and provide insights for legal or insurance purposes.
Analysis of Physical Evidence at the Accident Scene
After a collision, physical evidence is often left behind on the roadway. One of the most crucial forms of evidence is tire marks, which can reveal the sequence of events leading up to, during, and after a crash. Tire marks may remain on the road for extended periods, sometimes even months or years, if undisturbed. Investigators, forensic engineers, and law enforcement rely on these markings to piece together the dynamics of the accident.
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Other critical forms of physical evidence include:
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Roadway gouges and scratches
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Debris fields
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Paint transfer
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Vehicle fluid trails
These types of evidence can be correlated with vehicle damage to establish the accident sequence, confirm impact points, and to reconstruct vehicle trajectories.
Vehicle Crush Analysis
Crush analysis is a core method in accident reconstruction that examines the deformation of a vehicle to estimate the energy absorbed during a collision. By understanding energy absorption, forensic engineers can calculate vehicle speeds and impact forces.
The process includes:
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Inspection of the damaged vehicle – Measuring and documenting all crushed areas.
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Exemplar comparison – Using an undamaged version of the vehicle to determine the “crush volume.”
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Energy calculation – Determining the energy absorbed based on vehicle stiffness coefficients and crush volume.
Because each vehicle has unique stiffness characteristics, precise measurements and calculations are essential for accurate reconstruction.
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Photogrammetry and Videogrammetry for Vehicle Accident Analysis
When accident sites or vehicles are no longer available, photogrammetry and videogrammetry provide critical solutions. High-quality photographs or video footage—such as surveillance or dash camera recordings—can reveal:
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Vehicle speeds
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Impact locations
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Final points of rest
Photogrammetry allows experts to extract specific relevant data (such as the length of skid marks or the point of impact between two vehicle) from standard photographs, ensuring critical information is preserved even when physical evidence is missing.
Vehicle Condition Assessment
In addition to accident reconstruction, Veritech’s licensed Professional Engineers (PE) evaluate the condition and operation of key vehicle systems, including:
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Braking systems
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Engine components
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Steering systems
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Safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts)
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Vehicle Powertrain systems, including transmissions, final drive systems, and associated power transfer systems
With real-world engineering and design experience, Veritech’s team can identify defective components, design flaws, or mechanical failures that may have contributed to the accident. This includes analysis of:
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Design defects
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Stress fractures
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Metallurgical fatigue
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Thermal cycling failures
Assessing vehicle condition is often crucial for determining causation and understanding occupant injuries.
Why Choose Veritech for Accident Reconstruction
Veritech combines engineering expertise, forensic analysis, and courtroom experience to provide comprehensive accident reconstruction services. Our team is uniquely qualified to handle complex mechanical evaluations, vehicle damage analysis, and critical accident investigation points during litigation.
By integrating physical evidence, vehicle analysis, and advanced photogrammetry techniques, Veritech ensures accurate and reliable accident reconstructions for attorneys, insurance companies, and clients nationwide.