Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction

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Rochon Engineering Corporation specializes in the reconstruction of motor vehicle collisions, cyclist and snowmobile collisions and pedestrian-vehicle related accident investigations. Professional opinions are provided after considering all possible Human, Vehicle and Environment parameters. We respond quickly to investigate in order to salvage vehicle and accident scene evidence.

Our accident reconstructions include vehicle mechanical fitness evaluations and crush damage analysis; interviewing witnesses and reviewing statements; photographing and documenting the vehicle and the collision scene; and, forensically surveying the scene using a Topcon Total Station survey instrument to produce computer generated diagrams of road construction and collision evidence with AutoCAD.

In addition, we undertake analysis of road construction related to applicable Geometric Design Standards; vehicle speed and motion analysis; pre-impact and post-impact vehicle orientation and travel; seatbelt, seat and airbag evaluations; vehicle lamp analysis; driver perception and reaction and visibility studies; occupant dynamics; evaluations of possible collision avoidance manoeuvre(s); implications of traffic control devices and environmental factors to the collision; vehicle recall searches for identification of possible vehicle mechanical deficiencies as contributors to the collision; and, driver identification from vehicle inspections and collection of evidence for DNA testing.

Our engineering reconstructions are validated by the latest versions of computer reconstruction and simulation programs including LARM2, EDCRASH and EDSMAC. A video of the collision events can be provided using our in-house three-dimensional computer animation program, 3-D Studio Max, to assist at court proceedings to illustrate the collision factors.

Vehicle Mechanical Fitness Evaluations

All stages of our vehicle mechanical fitness evaluations are documented and photographed with the highest attention to detail to ensure a comprehensive assessment is achieved. Our evaluation of the involved motor vehicle(s) includes:

• A complete assessment of the braking system to determine available braking force and physical condition of the individual brake components, including anti-lock braking systems;

• Analysis of vehicle lamps to determine illumination or non-illumination at the time of the subject collision;

• Identification of occupant contact point(s) on the vehicle interior components;

• Seatbelt analysis to determine occupant use or non-use and functionality of the seatbelt components;

• Inspection of steering components to assess impact damage or previous repair and maintenance problems;

• Evaluation of the tires and wheels to evaluate inflation pressures, tread wear patterns, wheel alignment and collision related or non-collision related damage;

• Evaluation of supplemental restraint systems such as airbags and crash sensors to determine if efficient operation and deployment was achieved related to the collision scenario;

• Downloading and analyzing data from automobile event data recorders using our crash data retrieval tool for applicable vehicles;

• Measurement and assessment of direct impact and induced impact crush damage profiles to aid in the accident reconstruction;

• Collection of necessary exhibits; and,

• Inspection of engine components for unusual or excessive wear and measurement of fluids for satisfactory levels.

Collision Scene Evaluations

Our evaluation of the collision scene includes the following:

• Photography of collision evidence, road alignment and road features;

• Forensic surveying with a state-of-the-art Topcon Total Station survey instrument to accurately measure the horizontal distances, elevations/slopes of hills, and/or curve radii along the road;

• Identification of the area of impact, the pre-impact and post-impact vehicle (pedestrian) paths and area of final rest of the involved vehicle(s) (pedestrian(s));

• Tire mark evaluations;

• Roadway coefficient of friction testing;

• Sight distance analysis;

• Evaluations of the collision scene against applicable Geometric Design and Construction Standards; and,

• Evaluation of traffic control devices and traffic flow/volume constraints.

A vehicle damaged from a single vehicle accident.

A vehicle damaged from a front end collision.

The photo scale illustrates the height of damages on the front end of a vehicle.

A drum brake assembly found with minimal brake friction material on the brake shoes.

A seatbelt assembly removed from a vehicle for examination.

The photo scale illustrates the height of damages to a motorcycle.

Collision damages to the left side of a highway tractor.

A bicycle damaged at the rear from a collision with a motor vehicle.

Gouge marks found on an asphalt road surface marking the impact area between two vehicles.

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