Accidents are, unfortunately, an inevitable part of the human experience. They can also be highly complex and multifaceted, leading to difficulties in knowing exactly what transpired. Fortunately, in today's rapidly evolving technological world, the field of accident reconstruction is experiencing considerable advancements. As new tools and methodologies emerge, accident analysis and reconstruction are shifting and improving, allowing reconstructionists to determine what happened with unprecedented confidence and detail.
The most notable change is the amount of digital information, or, simply put, data that can be extracted from a vehicle and collected from the scene of a crash. Today's Accident Reconstruction Expert must have knowledge of data collection tools, how the digital systems in a vehicle function, and how to properly extract that data.
EDR
Almost every vehicle manufactured after 2014 is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The EDR is a module within a passenger vehicle or light truck that records data when sensors on the vehicle exterior sense a collision. In most EDRs, recorded data includes pre-crash information and post-crash information. The pre-crash data is typically a time series and includes data for vehicle speed, steering wheel angle, brake and accelerator pedal use, cruise control status, and seatbelt statuses (among many others).
Infotainment Systems
More recent than the EDR, infotainment systems in passenger vehicles are another technological advancement utilized by reconstruction experts. The infotainment system is the integrated media system located in the dashboard that interacts with passengers to control the interior functions of a vehicle. Infotainment systems in more modern vehicles allow passengers to connect devices such as cell phones and tablets to enable interaction between the car and the passenger. As expected, the infotainment system records a significant amount of data, such as call logs, text messages, and GPS data. This data can help experts dig deeper into causes such as distracted driving that might have contributed to the accident.
Big Data and AI
With all the available data that can be collected from various sources, Artificial intelligence (AI) is a tool that is being used more frequently to help experts process and analyze vast amounts of data quickly. AI-powered software can analyze accident scene pictures, vehicle specifications, crash data, weather conditions, and other details to help an expert identify factors contributing to a collision.
3-D Animation
Simulation software allows experts to use all the data collected to recreate accidents in a controlled environment. Digital models of the accident scene are created, and then the vehicle(s) involved in the crash are animated to show speed, direction, and impact angles. The software also animates passengers and other bystanders, helping to visualize and determine how injuries are sustained. Animation also allows the accident to be seen from different vantage points, such as that of the driver, passengers, eyewitnesses, etc. 3-D animation is a trend that has become valuable in litigation as it provides a visual aid into how different factors contribute to accidents. It helps not only attorneys but also juries who need to understand complex scenarios when determining liability in truck and auto collision cases.
Advancements in vehicle technology and safety systems have significantly affected how crashes are reconstructed. Now more than ever, there is more information available that can be used by accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause and effect of a motor vehicle crash. It's essential that they understand new tools for crash data collection and analysis. As an expert witness, Accident Reconstructionists must also be able to simply explain their finding to their client, judges, and juries, no matter how technical or complex emerging trends become.
