Train Accident Reconstruction

Veritech engineers have substantial experience with the reconstruction of railroad crossing (otherwise known as “level crossing”) accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians. Our engineers provide detailed analyses of:

Train Event Data Recorder (EDR) data reports
Speed calculations
Physical evidence evaluations
Line-of-sight and visibility issues
Accident sequence time-space relationships
Technical analysis of video and audio transmission records
Right of Way issues and proper foliage management

In addition to forensic engineering, Veritech engineers have experience working with a team of additional experts in a train accident evaluation and can provide your train-handling, civil engineering and biomechanical engineering experts with the technical information they need in forming their opinions.

Accident Reconstruction Services

Train Event Data Recorder and Black Box Data Analysis

Modern trains are equipped with sophisticated event data recorders (EDRs), often referred to as train black boxes, which continuously log critical operational data during locomotive movement. While similar in function to black boxes found in automobiles and large commercial trucks, train EDRs are uniquely tailored to locomotive operations, providing detailed insight into the sequence of events leading up to and during an incident. These recorders are vital tools in train accident reconstruction, railway safety investigations, and forensic engineering analyses.

Data Recorded by Train Event Recorders

Train event data recorders capture a wide range of operational information, typically logging data every second for one minute or more prior to a locomotive stop. Common parameters include:

Time and Date: Provides precise temporal context for all recorded events.
Distance Traveled: Calculated based on the rotation of the drive wheels, useful for reconstructing train movement.
Train Speed: Critical for analyzing braking, acceleration, and impact dynamics.
Horn Activation: Logged at multiple samples per second, providing insight into warning signals used by the engineer.
Electronic Air Brake (EAB) Activation: Monitors standard braking events.
Emergency Brake Engagement: Records if and when the engineer activates the emergency braking system.
Throttle Position: Tracks engine power applied throughout the train’s journey.
Bell Activation: Provides additional data on train signaling for safety purposes.

This high-resolution data allows forensic engineers to analyze train behavior and determine the sequence of events during an incident.

Limitations of Train Event Data

Due to the mass and momentum of trains, minor impacts—such as collisions with pedestrians, vehicles, or even large commercial trucks—may not result in significant impact-related deceleration. Consequently, a change in speed due to an impact may not be readily recorded or easily identifiable in the event data. In such cases, additional analysis techniques are necessary to determine the point of impact, speed at collision, and train positioning.

For example, trains traveling at highway speeds may take up to a mile to come to a complete stop. By combining EDR data with the physical location of the train at rest, engineers can calculate impact speed, position, and trajectory. This often involves photogrammetry and videogrammetry techniques, which extract precise spatial and temporal information from visual and digital records.

Train-Mounted Video Analysis

Many modern locomotives are equipped with front-facing video recording systems to document the engineer’s view during operation. One common system, General Electric’s LocoCAM, captures both video and audio data, providing a real-time record of the train’s environment. Other similar locomotive camera systems serve the same purpose, recording critical details such as:

Train visibility and sightlines
Obstructions or environmental conditions
Pedestrian or vehicle movements near the track
Warning signals and engineer responses

Veritech Consulting Engineers utilizes these train-mounted video recordings to conduct in-depth scientific analyses. Techniques such as photogrammetry and videogrammetry allow our experts to extract measurable data, including:

Train and object speeds at the point of impact
Time and distance relationships between train, objects, and obstacles
Visibility and line-of-sight conditions affecting operator response

By integrating video analysis with event data recorder outputs, Veritech can create a comprehensive reconstruction of railway incidents. This combined approach provides accurate evidence that can assist in litigation efforts.

Applications of Train EDR and Video Analysis

The analysis of train EDRs and black box data is critical in a variety of scenarios, including:

Pedestrian and vehicle collisions at railroad crossings
Derailments and mechanical failures
Signal and operator error investigations
Insurance claims and liability assessments

Why Choose Veritech for Train Accident Reconstruction

Veritech Consulting Engineers has extensive experience in analyzing train event data, black box reports, and locomotive video recordings. Our team of professional engineers is well versed in railway operations, accident reconstruction, and advanced digital analysis techniques. If your case involves a train accident, contact Veritech today to discuss how our team can help reconstruct the events leading up to the incident, analyze black box and video data, and provide expert testimony or reports for litigation support.