Vehicle Accident Reconstructions

Question 1

Basic Considerations

Answer 1

• speed, distance, time
• evidence includes tire marks, location of impact, debris, condition of weather, people and vehicles
• reconstructed through mapping, photography, drones, 3D

Question 2

Determination of Sequence of Events

Answer 2

• use police reports, photographs, visit impound lots, take statements

Question 3

Tire and Skid Marks

Answer 3

• width: measured from wheel-wheel
• straight direction: two overlapping tracks
• tire marks are permanent work (law of conservation of energy)
• barber pole: moving forward and skidding
• straight marks: little rotation

Question 4

types of collisions

Answer 4

• elastic: return to original shape after impact (extremely low speeds)
• plastic: damage is irreversible (almost all collisions)

Question 5

Crushing Damage

Answer 5

• crush-velocity relations determined by size of the vehicle
• mini-compact, compact, full size etc