Construction and Heavy Machinery Accident Reconstruction

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Train Accident Reconstruction​

Veritech engineers have extensive experience investigating train-related accidents, including:

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• Vehicle-pedestrian collisions at railroad crossings

• Railyard incidents

• Track fouling accidents

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Modern locomotives are equipped with black box data recorders, otherwise known as Event Data Recorders (EDR), and front-facing video cameras, such as GE LocoCAM, which capture pre-crash train movement. Veritech engineers utilize videogrammetry to analyze recorded video and accurately reconstruct train collisions. We also perform in-depth analysis of black box data to determine speed, braking, right-of-way clearance issues, and other operational factors that result in train accidents.

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Milling Machines, Robotics, and Industrial Automation

Veritech has first-hand experience with industrial machinery, including:

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• Material removal machines like computer numerically controlled mills and lathes, plasma cutters, water jet cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM)

• Robotics systems, laboratory automation, life science, drug discovery, pharmaceutical, and high-throughput screening SCARA robotics

• Industrial automation equipment and other high-accuracy robotics

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These machines pose significant hazards due to high-speed moving parts and operational complexity. Our engineers’ design and manufacturing experience allows for precise analysis of accidents involving industrial machinery.

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Forklifts and Material Handling Equipment

Veritech reconstructs accidents involving:

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• All-terrain forklifts

• Telehandlers

• Warehouse and factory forklifts (CNG, diesel, gasoline, or electric)

 

Forklift accidents often occur in loading docks or confined areas. Our engineers analyze operator behavior, vehicle dynamics, and environmental factors to determine accident causation.

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​​Scissor Lifts, Aerial Platforms, and Man Lifts

Accidents involving scissor lifts and other man lifts require careful attention due to:

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• Height-related hazards

• Operator interaction with surrounding objects, ceiling contact, and collisions at height

• Potential tip-over scenarios

• Improper guarding

 

Veritech engineers evaluate lift dynamics, operator actions, and environmental conditions for accurate reconstructions.

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Crane Accidents

Crane accidents, while less frequent, can be severe due to the size and weight of the equipment and loads. Veritech has expertise reconstructing incidents involving:

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• Gantry and overhead cranes

• Rough terrain cranes

• All-terrain cranes

• High-rise tower cranes

• Crawler cranes

• Vehicle-mounted jib cranes

 

Analysis includes hoist operations, load stability, and operator control, providing a complete understanding of accident dynamics.

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Skid Steers and Wheel Loaders

Small but powerful machines, such as skid steers (Bobcats) and wheel loaders, require specialized knowledge for accident reconstruction:

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• Skid steers achieve exceptional maneuverability using differential wheel propulsion.

• Wheel loaders, also known as front-end loaders or bucket loaders, carry massive material loads and operate off-road, often in construction environments.

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Veritech engineers evaluate terrain, load weight, and machine dynamics to accurately determine the sequence of events in accidents involving these machines.

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Roadway Construction Equipment

Veritech’s licensed Professional Engineers are well qualified to reconstruct accidents involving:

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• Excavators

• Graders and bulldozers

• Backhoes and trenchers

• Pavers and planers

• Rollers

 

Accidents in road work zones often involve passenger vehicles or pedestrians, requiring careful analysis of environmental and site-specific factors in addition to machinery operation.

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Concrete Hauling and Pumping Trucks

Concrete trucks pose unique hazards due to extreme weight and liquid load dynamics:

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• Concrete weighs approximately 150 pounds per cubic foot, quickly reaching the vehicle’s gross weight limit with a relatively small volume of concrete.

• Weight shifts during transport or pumping can affect vehicle stability and handling.

 

Veritech engineers account for center-of-mass changes, load distribution, and mechanical performance when reconstructing concrete truck accidents.

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