Motorcycle
Accident Reconstruction
Motorcycle accident reconstruction requires specialized training and a thorough understanding of the dynamics and operation of motorcycles. Veritech’s lead motorcycle expert has over 30 years of experience riding and racing motorcycles, which includes competing as a licensed professional rider in the AMA Supersport and Formula Extreme classes. In addition to his riding experience, our expert has 8 years of experience working in the Research and Development division of a major motorcycle manufacturer as a test and development engineer for power-sports recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs. This hands-on experience, combined with his degree in mechanical engineering, licensure as a Professional Engineer, and certification as a Forensic Engineer gives him unparalleled credentials and qualifications in understanding vehicle dynamics, physical damage, and rider actions associated with motorcycle accidents.
Accident Reconstruction Services
Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction and Forensic Engineering Analysis
Motorcycle accident reconstruction involves analyzing and understanding all of the available physical evidence to determine the sequence of events leading up to, and during, a crash. Because motorcycles operate differently from cars, reconstructing motorcycle accidents presents unique challenges that require specialized expertise. A thorough motorcycle accident reconstruction typically examines four main phases: the braking phase, sliding phase, impact phase, and post-impact-to-rest phase. Each stage provides critical insights into the accident dynamics, rider behavior, and motorcycle response.
1. Braking Phase in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles have historically used braking systems where the front and rear brakes can be applied independently of each other—the front brake is controlled by the right hand, while the rear brake is actuated by the right foot. During the braking phase, it is critical to accurately evaluate skid marks to determine whether they originated from the front tire, the rear tire, or a combination of both. Key factors include:
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Skid mark length and width
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Width variations along the skid
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Skid mark intensity and striations within the marking
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Direction and curvature of the tire mark
For example, motorcycles can decelerate nearly twice as fast using a properly applied front brake compared to locking the rear brake. Misinterpreting skid marks can result in inaccurate speed calculations, which is why an accurate analysis is essential for a reliable reconstruction.
2. Sliding Phase
In many motorcycle crashes, the rider and motorcycle fall to the ground before striking another vehicle or object. This is referred to as the sliding phase; during which scratches, gouges, and abrasion marks on the roadway provide important clues.
Veritech's experts consider:
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Roadway surface type (asphalt, concrete, gravel)
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Surface condition (wet, dry, loose dirt)
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Severity and pattern of motorcycle gouges
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Rider separation from the motorcycle and their independent trajectories
Because riders often separate from the motorcycle during a fall, their motion must be analyzed separately from the motorcycle. A proper understanding of the sliding phase is crucial for accurately calculating deceleration rates which directly influence the estimate of a motorcycle's initial speed at the start of braking.
3. Impact Phase
The impact phase is where the motorcycle or rider collides with another vehicle, object, or structure. Veritech's motorcycle experts analyze:
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Severity of damage to the motorcycle and other objects
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Design and structural components of the motorcycle
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Energy transfer and point of impact
Proper evaluation requires in-depth knowledge of motorcycle construction and dynamics, which helps determine how the crash occurred and the forces involved.
4. Post-Impact to Rest Phase
The final phase occurs after impact when the motorcycle and/or rider come to a complete stop. Key considerations include:
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Separate impact locations if the rider was ejected
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Distinct post-impact trajectories for the motorcycle and rider
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Throw distance and trajectory analysis
For example, in a common scenario where an upright motorcycle strikes the side of a car, the rider may be launched forward while the motorcycle spins or slides away. Accurate reconstruction requires analyzing both vehicle damage and rider trajectory.
Why Choose Veritech for Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction
Veritech Consulting Engineering offers unmatched expertise in motorcycle accident reconstruction. We are industry leaders, providing first-hand knowledge of the operation and mechanics of motorcycles both on and off-road. What sets us apart? We've extensively operated virtually every class and size of motorcycle available on the market, and have tested the performance of these motorcycles in dynamic riding situations.
In addition, our expertise comes from real-world experience:
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Riding at a professional level for competition at AMA Superbike road racing events
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Off-road racing at multiple levels in events across the country
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Manufacturing and design engineering knowledge for motorcycle component failure analysis and product liability evaluation
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Extensive forensic engineering experience for accurate evidence interpretation
Every expert at Veritech is an avid rider with at least 30 years of experience on two wheels. Our motorcycle accident reconstruction experts have been qualified as expert witnesses in courts nationwide and internationally, covering mechanical engineering, vehicle dynamics, accident reconstruction, and motorcycle riding techniques. With a unique combination of hands-on riding experience, engineering knowledge, and forensic analysis skills, Veritech provides authoritative insights that help clarify complex motorcycle accidents.