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WHAT WE DO
Black box retrieval-
Various versions of electronic data have been available in passenger vehicles dating back to 1994. While these earlier modules were somewhat limited in the data they could store, just as electronics have advanced over the past 30 years, so have these so called “black boxes” or EDRs. Mr. Pack not only has the equipment necessary to extract this data, but thanks to specialized training and (20) twenty years of having downloaded numerous vehicles, he can analyze these extensive reports and provide clients with meaningful interpretation of this often mind-boggling data.
LAMP BULB ANALYSIS-
In some traffic crash cases, whether a particular vehicle’s lighting system was being utilized at the time of a crash may be of significant concern. In many of these cases, a detailed inspection of the vehicle’s lamps may answer those questions. Aside from the newer LED type lamp bulb, most bulbs still contain an actual filament, the filament commonly made of tungsten, when illuminated will become pliable and if a significant impact occurs, that pliable filament can stretch to the point that it cannot return to its original shape even after a crash occurs. This is called “hot shock” and when found, can confirm the vehicle’s headlamps or tail-lamps were activated when the crash occurred.
INFOTAINMENT DATA-
While most drivers are vaguely familiar with the “black-box” modules available within passenger vehicles today, very few are familiar with the capabilities of a vehicle’s infotainment system to collect and preserve data. The Infotainment system on some vehicles can collect and store data pertaining to speed, braking, travel routes, and certain data from routine phone usage within the vehicle. BERLA uses cutting edge technology to identify, acquire and extract critical infotainment data stored in vehicles. Forensic Recon Services is one of the few private reconstruction firms capable of extracting this infotainment data for analysis, as Mr. Pack is a certified BERLA Technician and Examiner. The content of this data is completely reliant upon the year, make, model and trim level of the vehicle in question.
SCENE INSPECTION-
Whenever possible, having a crash scene inspected by an experienced traffic accident investigator in a timely manner can oftentimes yield beneficial information. Unfortunately, sometimes due to the passing of time, weather conditions, traffic levels and other unique circumstances, an inspection may not be feasible, in which case, the reconstructionist will have to decide the best way to proceed.
VEHICLE INSPECTION-
As most would expect, following a traffic crash, perhaps the most beneficial inspection for a traffic accident reconstructionist would likely be the vehicle inspection. Whenever possible, access to the crash involved vehicle(s) in their respective damaged state can allow for an overall damage evaluation and documentation of numerous potential issues that may arise. From component examinations including lamp bulbs, seat belt usage, tire conditions and “black box data”, to crush measurements, the potential data that may be located, identified and photographically documented is almost limitless.
Having performed several thousands of these vehicle inspection throughout his nearly 30 year career on almost every type of vehicle imaginable, Mr. Pack’s methodical approach to details oftentimes identifies “nuggets” of knowledge overlooked by others in their haste to “get to their next assignment”.
As previously mentioned, Mr. Pack’s experience includes inspecting commercial vehicles as well. These commercial vehicles are often outfitted with an array of data retrieval devices that can be both incredibly helpful during reconstruction and overwhelming or confusing for the untrained eye. Mr. Pack has spent decades evaluating and retrieving data from commercial vehicles and is able to sift through the massive amounts of data provided by commercial vehicles to provide clients of Forensic Recon Services with all pertinent information, so that clients can feel confident having an expert in their corner.
TRAFFIC STUDIES-
Many people fail to appreciate the information that can be provided by the typical “traffic study”. To most, the term “traffic study” invokes thoughts of numerical charts and endless statistical data; however, while completing a traffic crash reconstruction, a “traffic study” involves more observation of traffic tendencies. These can include average speeds of vehicles, types of vehicles and can even identify any compensation drivers may incorporate to overcome what they deem as roadway defects. This could include a driver’s view being obstructed while pulling out, how driver’s avoid roadway issues such as large potholes, drop-off, or ripples in the pavement or most common, the actual location driver’s routinely stop their respective vehicles before entering the highway versus where the stop bar and/or stop sign is located. This commonly overlooked distance can completely change the findings of a reconstruction and provide significant grounds to “counter” some evaluations.
BLACK BOX DATA ANALYSIS-
Various versions of electronic data have been available in passenger vehicles dating back to 1994. While these earlier modules were somewhat limited in the data they could store, just as electronics have advanced over the past 30 years, so have these so called “black boxes” or EDRs. Mr. Pack not only has the equipment necessary to extract this data, but thanks to specialized training and (20) twenty years of having downloaded numerous vehicles, he can analyze these extensive reports and provide clients with meaningful interpretation of this often mind-boggling data.
TIME-DISTANCE EVALUATION-
Upon completion of most traffic accident reconstructions, an additional evaluation can usually be completed which may shed additional light onto the circumstances that resulted in the crash. A “time-distance evaluation” can help to locate relative parties of the crash at specific times preceding a crash. This evaluation helps to identify those actions or lack thereof certain reactions that may have played a significant role in the crash scenario and also address certain “what-if” scenarios and see what effects certain speeds, timing, reactions or other factors may have had within the crash scenario.
SCENE DIAGRAMS-
Oftentimes, the results of a traffic accident reconstruction are so multi-faceted that explaining such complex issues can become very difficult. Scene diagrams can be used as a “story book” for such explanations and greatly assist in conveying the findings to others. Use of scene diagram “layers”, can allow the reconstructionist to build upon aerial scene photographs, whether historical images or aerial (drone) photography discussed above, and by slowly adding additional layers of physical evidence, measurements, descriptive notations, etc. the complex findings can be much easier to explain and understand.
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY-
In some cases, aerial photography via use of a drone may be an option and may provide a view that better documents and preserves any remaining physical evidence on the roadway. This “customized” aerial data typically exceeds any historical images available online and can provide a better spatial appreciation of physical evidence and greatly assist in the overall understanding of a crash scenario.
specialized services-
In addition to the more common traffic accident reconstruction services listed above, Forensic Recon Services, Inc. also offers other customized services depending upon the specific needs of each individual case. Unless you deal with traffic accident litigation on a routine basis, some of the issues, terminology and calculations can be quite confusing. Let FRS, Inc. help you by assisting in the review and evaluation of THI Reports, opposing expert reports and unfamiliar calculations. When preparing to face opposing experts whether in deposition or trial, we can help make sense and methodically walk you through the process of ensuring the “right” questions are asked to identify potential weaknesses in their position or methodology.
Or if our nearly 30 years of accident reconstruction experience can work for you in other ways, please let us know.
About Forensic Recon Services, Inc.
Forensic Recon Services, Inc. is a full-service traffic accident reconstruction firm that can assist you from the crash scene to the courtroom, and almost everything in between, with the professional services needed to fully understand and present your case in the most effective manner. Our nearly 30 years of experience has helped our clients from across the U.S., both plaintiff and defense, fully understand their respective cases in order to present the best possible case.
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