This article covers the topic of accident investigations. We’ll discuss general accidents and then review accident investigations and reconstructions. We’ll conclude with a list of resources for further learning about the topic.
In general, an accident is An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury. An automobile (or car) accident involves road objects or other vehicles, which sometimes causes severe property damage or physical injury.
Thousands of crashes occur every day. Some of those crashes, especially those that involve a fatality or bodily injury, will require the services of an investigator to conduct a thorough accident investigation and reconstruction.
What is accident reconstruction?
Vehicular accident reconstructions are often conducted by specialized units in law enforcement agencies or private consultants to answer questions about automobile accidents. Questions may often include:
- Who was driving the vehicle, and who were the passengers (if any)?
- Which party or parties were breaking the law? This may include an illegal drive, improper vehicle or equipment, driving outside one’s lane, and more.
- Where were the injured victims seated at the time of the crash? Were they wearing a seat belt at the time?
- How fast were the vehicles traveling? Was either of the cars exceeding the speed limit?
- What were the weather conditions and the local environment? Did the weather contribute to unsafe road conditions? Was it difficult to see at the time?
- What were the road conditions? Was there heavy traffic at the time?
- Was anyone wearing a seat belt?
- Through accident investigation and reconstruction, a rigorous process is followed to gather all the pertinent data associated with the crash. The data is then analyzed to help support conclusions and assess legal liability in civil lawsuits. Experts are often called upon to present their findings in court.
Traffic Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Books
Private investigators can utilize accident investigation and reconstruction books to gain knowledge about the science behind the investigative process. Investigating and reconstructing traffic crashes can be complex, so gaining as much knowledge as possible about the process and tools involved is essential.
The following books provide helpful information to help you become an expert by increasing your knowledge and guiding you through the advanced techniques, technology, and tools the experts use. Using these books and manuals will help you learn such things as:
- What qualifies as a car wreck and even a fender-bender?
- How to reconstruct the scene from top to bottom
- How to analyze data and interpret results
- The latest tools, software, and apps to help you conduct in-depth analyses to understand the actual cause behind the wreck
- How to create detailed reports and presentations for your investigative clients
- Where to go for training and continuing education
- Where to find jobs and employment in the field
Engineering Analysis of Vehicular Accidents
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Engineering Analysis of Vehicular Accidents | $303.76 | View on Amazon |
This book explains the application of engineering skills, methods, and judgment to analyze information. It teaches you how to select the most suitable analysis methods based on the type of situation. This book is ideal for detectives and police officers interested in acquiring advanced skills and techniques for investigating the actual cause of car wrecks.
Evidence in Traffic Crash Investigaton and Reconstruction
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Evidence in Traffic Crash Investigation And Reconstruction: Identification, Interpretation And… |
$65.95 |
View on Amazon |
Identification, Interpretation, And Analysis of Evidence, And the Traffic Crash Investigation And Reconstruction Process
Provides information on identifying evidence and analyzing and interpreting the results. Great for private detectives, police officers, and crime scene investigators.
Basic Guide to Accident Investigation and Loss Control (Wiley Basic Guide Series, Volume 3)
This book provides case studies and real-world examples to help private investigators understand the principles and techniques of investigating automobile accidents. The book explains how private investigators can build an investigation toolkit, take scene photos, properly gather, store, and categorize evidence from the scene, and leverage specialized analysis techniques.
Modern Accident Investigation and Analysis
This book divides the overall process into three individual phases: preparation and planning, methods of analysis and report, and how to take corrective action. The guide also provides a helpful section on the legal aspects involved in the process.
Auto Accident Research Websites
Accident Reconstruction Network (ARC) – The largest Internet website related to the industry. They serve as an excellent resource for all areas of accident reconstruction. Their website offers research, news, expert discussion groups, networking events, products and services, an expert witness directory, a bookstore, an education services directory, a police department directory, and a member-only section featuring valuable online databases and tools to support daily needs.
Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction – ATCAR promotes, within the legal and scientific communities, recognition of the minimum standards established by the NHTSA study and those developed through an ongoing review of the latest technology and trends in the profession.
Government Agencies focused on the Automobile Industry
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) – The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) is part of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST). It encompasses all program offices, statistics, and research activities previously administered by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) – The Department of Transportation was established by Congress on October 15, 1966. The DOT is responsible for ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people today and into the future. The United States Department of Transportation website provides access to helpful resources in aviation, highways and bridges, automobiles, railroads, maritime, and more.
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that supports State and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation’s highway system (Federal-Aid Highway Program) and various federally and tribal-owned lands (Federal Lands Highway Program).
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – The Highway Safety Act of 1970 established the NHTSA. NHTSA is focused on excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety. The NHTSA works to help prevent car crashes and reduce the related costs to both human life and financial expenses.
Other Websites Related to Accident Investigations
Truck Safety Coalition– The Truck Safety Coalition is an organization that is dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by truck-related crashes, providing compassionate support to truck crash survivors and families of truck crash victims, and educating the public, policy-makers, and media about truck safety issues.
Highway Loss Data Institute – The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses, deaths, injuries, and property damage — from crashes on the nation’s roads.
Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company– Provides a variety of legal books, legal guides, and other media related to accident investigations and reconstruction.
Underride Network- The Underride Network is an organization of truck safety experts and victim/survivor volunteers working to educate the public and industry on the dangers of truck and trailer underride crashes and to promote the crash compatibility of all motor vehicles.
If you have any questions about accident investigations, please post a message below.
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