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Accident Reconstruction Forensic Engineering Services
McDowell Owens forensic experts are accident reconstruction specialists who investigate vehicular accidents to illustrate what happened, how they occurred, and why.
Our engineers, scientists, and forensic experts have industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience gained over thousands of cases. From identifying the cause and sequence of events to determining the factors that contributed to the accident, we provide expertise in accident reconstruction and analysis.
McDowell Owens and Accident Reconstruction Forensic Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased accident reconstruction, forensic engineering, and failure analysis services. As established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in the field.
Accident Reconstruction Expertise
Our team of civil engineers and forensic investigators specializes in evaluating a wide array of crashes, accidents, and other matters that require accurate reconstructions to be properly understood. We can identify the cause and sequence of events that led to the accident and produce reports that are clear, understandable, and detailed.
McDowell Owens accident reconstruction experts have experience in:
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- Collision Reconstruction
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- Failure Analysis
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- Vehicle Dynamics
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- Visibility Studies
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- Collision Avoidance Analysis
- Safety Standard Compliance
- Data Recorder Retrieval and Evaluation
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- Mechanical Evaluation
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- Brake Examination
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- Rollover Evaluation
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- Cargo Securement
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- Passenger Restraint
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- Hail Damage Evaluation
- Design Analysis and Evaluation
- Fire Origin and Cause
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- Speed Evaluation
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- Line of Sight Evaluation
- Material Properties Evaluation
- Animation
- "Who Was Driving?" Determination
- Cargo Loading/Dispensing Evaluation
- Lights "On/Off" Evaluation
- Collision Reconstruction
- Failure Snalysis
- Vehicle Dynamics
We utilize up-to-date technology to extract and evaluate pertinent information from the crash site, vehicles and components, drivers and occupants, photographs, manufacturers, roadway conditions, and documents. Through computer analysis and review of physical evidence (including electrical and mechanical systems), we can determine the vehicle’s speed and trajectory, as well as mechanical, metallurgical, and/or electrical failures.
Some Examples of Accident Reconstructions
Motor Vehicle Crash Reconstruction
The technology of vehicle crash analysis is ever-changing. McDowell Owens experts are current and progressive, utilizing scientifically-based equipment needed to capture the collision scene and record evidence that may be used for analysis and simulations.
We have the specific equipment needed to document the vehicles involved in the collision and image (download) the on-board data recorders that are in most vehicles. This accident reconstruction data may then be fed into advanced programs such as HVE to analyze and reconstruct the collision. The features of HVE include tractor-trailer accidents and large vehicle accidents.
Tractor-Trailer and Large Vehicle Accident Reconstructions
Tractor-trailer crashes are complex cases within motor vehicle accidents that require deeper investigation and resources. These investigations include:
- Evidence Collection and Processing
- Site and Vehicle Inspections
- Air Brake Testing
- Electronic Control Module (ECM) Downloads/Imaging
- Visibility & Conspicuity Assessment
Aside from tractor-trailers, we also have experience with:
- Dump Trucks
- Motor Coaches
- School Buses
- Industrial Vehicles
- Mining Trucks
- Construction Equipment
The larger size and greater mass of these vehicles give commercial vehicle collisions unique characteristics that make them more complex than collisions between passenger vehicles.
In addition, commercial vehicles have more complex mechanical and control systems and far more safety, maintenance, and operational regulations.
Pedestrian Strikes / Bicycle Accidents
McDowell Owens experts have experience in cases where pedestrians or bicyclists are struck by a vehicle. We draw upon our expertise in subject areas such as:
- Visibility and Conspicuity of Humans
- Roadway and Intersection Lighting
- Accident Reconstruction
- Intersection, Bike Path and Crosswalk Design
- Weather Conditions/Meteorology
- Crosswalk and Roadway Signals
- Distracted Driver and/or Pedestrian Situations
- Pedestrian and Bicyclist Human Factors
- Lines of Sight
- Roadway Signage
- Driver’s Use of High Beam Headlight Setting
- Premise Liability
- Roadway and Intersection Lighting
- Accident Reconstruction
- Intersection, Bike Path and Crosswalk Design
Nighttime Accidents
Any nighttime incident is more complex than a similar incident in the daylight due to the major factors of compromised night vision and fatigue.
Motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs
Incidents involving motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs require another set of investigative skills. These accidents can vary in significant ways from automobiles, but McDowell Owens experts have the skill set to handle them.
Train & Vehicle Collisions
There are unique challenges that come with investigating train and vehicle crashes. With decades of experience in over 20,000 cases, our experts have overcome those challenges.
Our Accident Reconstruction Forensic Consultants
McDowell Owens consultants have extensive experience in a vast array of accident reconstruction cases, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.
Forensic investigation is vital to pre-trial discovery and it’s critical to obtain data and support during the process. McDowell Owens teams are experts at conducting accident reconstruction forensic investigations. We combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough, comprehensive, and understandable report and testimony.
McDowell Owens forensic experts are leaders in the field, showcasing proven achievements in research, teaching, and publishing. Our expert engineers and scientists combine real-world experiences, advanced degrees, and certifications in several sub-disciplines. We stay ahead of changes, participate actively in industry groups, conduct research and testing to hone our skills, publish in highly respected professional journals, teach aspiring engineers, and present to peer groups.
With 3D computer modeling and many other techniques, our experts use:
Crash Data Retrieval – Our investigators download crash data (CDR or “Black Box” data) from electronic control modules (ECM) of passenger and commercial vehicles.
3D Laser Scanner & Accident Scene Reconstruction – Our experts create a 3D replica of the accident scene, including measurements, vehicle position, and damage. With this technology, our accident reconstruction experts can create a 3D animation of how a collision occurred.
Litigation Support and Forensic Expert Witnesses
Since our founding in 1986, McDowell Owens experts have been involved in over 20,000 cases. We have extensive experience in every stage of the litigation process, from collecting and presenting evidence to expert witness testimony, forensic analysis, and post-litigation actions.
We provide dependable, unbiased litigation support that is comprehensive, yet accessible to non-experts. McDowell Owens teams combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough and understandable report.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Accident Reconstruction Analysis
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Advanced Electrical Systems - Forensic Engineering Services
Electrical systems include power distribution, lighting, life safety, utility transmission, distribution systems, and control systems for buildings. An incident involving an electrical system is serious, as it may involve electrical shock injuries, construction accidents and claims, product malfunctions, electrical fires, and more.
When an electrical system failure causes a serious incident or accident, you need skilled experts to accurately assess the damage, determine the possible cause, and provide guidance so recovery occurs quickly and cost-effectively.
McDowell Owens is that firm. We investigate electrical system failure incidents and explain what happened, how it occurred, and how to avoid the same issues in the future.
McDowell Owens Advanced Electrical Systems Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased electrical system failure forensic engineering and analysis services. As established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in electrical systems failure investigations. With decades of experience spanning more than 20,000 cases, we have investigated incidents involving:
- Lightning Damage
- Circuit Breakers
- Electrical Distribution Systems
- Control Systems
- The National Electrical Code
- Switchgear
- Electrical Systems Design
- Wiring
- Construction Methods
- Utility Company Operation
- Lightning Damage
- Circuit Breakers
- Electrical Distribution Systems
We have performed investigations in:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial and Institutional Equipment
- Building Systems
- Electronics Industry
- High Tech
Advanced electronic systems analysis is the process of studying and understanding the inner workings of electronic systems. This includes examining the system's functions, diagnosing problems and issues, and making necessary repairs or modifications. Advanced electronic systems analysis can help resolve problems by identifying the root cause of the issue and providing solutions to fix it.
Our Advanced Electrical Forensic Consultants
McDowell Owens consultants have extensive experience in a variety of advanced electrical systems forensic matters, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.
Forensic investigation is vital to pre-trial discovery and it’s critical to obtain data and support during the process. McDowell Owens teams are experts at conducting advanced electrical forensic investigations. We combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough, comprehensive, and understandable report and testimony.
Our expert engineers and scientists combine real-world experiences, advanced degrees, and certifications in several sub-disciplines. We stay ahead of changes, contribute to industry groups, conduct research and testing to hone our skills, teach aspiring engineers, and present to peer groups.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Advanced Electronic Systems Analysis
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Electrical Failure Forensic Engineering Services
When an electrical failure causes a serious incident or accident, you need skilled experts to accurately assess the damage, determine the possible cause, and provide guidance so recovery is quick and cost-effective.
McDowell Owens is that firm. We investigate electrical failure incidents and accidents and explain what happened, how it occurred, and how to avoid the same issues in the future.
McDowell Owens Electrical Failure Forensic Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased electrical failure forensic engineering and analysis services.
As established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in electrical failure investigations.
With decades of experience spanning more than 20,000 cases, we have investigated incidents involving:
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- Equipment Failure
- Electrical Fires
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- Electrical Injuries
- Electronics
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- Hardware or Software
- Lightning and Power Surge
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- Power Generation
- Product Liability
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- Transformers
- Water Contamination
- Circuit Breakers/Switchgear
- Fire, Heat, Smoke, and Soot Contamination
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- Equipment Failure
- Electrical Fires
- Circuit Breakers/Switchgear
Electrical Failure Expertise
Our team of electrical engineers specialize in evaluating a variety of failures. We understand that every incident is unique, and we work to avoid the expectation bias trap.
We have decades of experience, industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience. We can identify the cause and sequence of damage to the attributable loss estimate and produce reports that are detailed, clear, and understandable.
With our expertise across various disciplines, we are equipped to provide thorough, quick answers on failures due to:
- Power Generation Equipment
- Vehicles
- Overheating Equipment
- Power Surges
- Unkempt Electrical Devices and Equipment
- Insulation Degradation
- Old or Insufficient Wiring
- Loose Connectors
- Electrical Control Systems
- Lack of Electric Current Monitoring Devices
- Transformers
- Circuit Breakers/Switchgear
- Industrial, Commercial, and Manufacturing Equipment
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- Power Generation Equipment
- Vehicles
- Overheating Equipment
Electrical Engineering Forensic Investigation
The skills needed to uncover and evaluate evidence related to electrical failures and accidents are highly specialized. Our engineers and experts are skilled at scene and evidence preservation.
We determine the cause or causes of the failed components using:
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- Multimeter Testing
- Megohmmeters
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- X-Rays/Radiographs
- Circuit tracing
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- Multi-Meter Testing
- Megohmmeters
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- X-Rays/Radiographs
- Circuit tracing
Our Electrical Failure Forensic Consultants
McDowell Owens consultants have extensive experience in a variety of electrical failure forensic matters, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.
Forensic investigation is vital to pre-trial discovery and it’s critical to obtain data and support during the process. McDowell Owens teams are experts at conducting electrical failure forensic investigations. We combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough, comprehensive, and understandable report and testimony.
McDowell Owens electrical failure forensic experts are experienced professionals in the field, combining real-world expertise with advanced degrees and certifications in various sub-disciplines. Our team stays up-to-date with industry changes and continuously enhances their skills through research and testing.
McDowell Owens forensic consulting professionals offer valuable insight and dedicated expertise on your electrical failure forensic case through thorough analysis and research.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Engineering Failure Analysis
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Mechanical Failure Forensic Engineering Services
McDowell Owens investigates mechanical failure incidents and explains what happened, how it occurred, and how to avoid the same issues in the future. We thoroughly evaluate the design, materials, plans, uses, and more to determine how the failure occurred, what factors contributed to the incident, and who was at fault.
We provide answers while explaining, in understandable terms, the complex relationships inherent in mechanical engineering. Our engineers provide answers. Piecing together the facts is what we do.
McDowell Owens and Mechanical Failure Forensic Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased mechanical failure forensic engineering and analysis services. Established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in mechanical failure and losses.
Components that experience mechanical failures typically do so due to issues such as:
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- Design Errors
- Manufacturing Issues
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- Misuse or Abuse
- Improper Maintenance
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- Operational Stress
- Inadequate Quality Assurance
- Environmental Factors (e.g., Vibration, Corrosion, etc.)
- Design Errors
- Manufacturing Issues
- Misuse or Abuse
- Improper Maintenance
- Operational Stress
- Inadequate Quality Assurance
- Environmental Factors (e.g., Vibration, Corrosion, etc.)
Mechanical Failure Expertise
Our team of mechanical engineers and forensic investigators specialize in evaluating mechanical failures in systems such as:
- HVAC
- Boilers
- Manufacturing Equipment
- Industrial Machinery
- Vehicle Components
- Heavy Equipment
- Elevators and Escalators
- Turbines and Engines
- Refineries and Petrochemical Processing Equipment
- HVAC
- Boilers
- Manufacturing Equipment
Common mechanical failure types we investigate include:
- Structural Failures
- Operational Stress
- Component Misalignment
- Wear and Tear
- Overload and Impact Damage
- Fatigue and Fracture due to repetitive loading
- Structural Failures
- Operational Stress
- Component Misalignment
- Wear and Tear
- Overload and Impact Damage
- Fatigue and Fracture due to repetitive loading
We have decades of experience, industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience. We can identify the cause and sequence of damage to the attributable loss estimate and produce reports that are detailed, clear, and understandable.
McDowell Owens mechanical failure experts are experienced in analyzing and diagnosing issues in mechanical systems. Our expertise covers:
- Identifying causes of mechanical breakdowns
- Assessing operational inefficiencies
- Evaluating the impact of environmental conditions on mechanical systems
- Providing actionable recommendations to prevent future failures
- Identifying causes of mechanical breakdowns
- Assessing operational inefficiencies
- Evaluating the impact of environmental conditions on mechanical systems
- Providing actionable recommendations to prevent future failures
Issues That Require An Interdisciplinary Approach
When approaching a mechanical failure incident, it is essential to understand that interdisciplinary teams are crucial in conducting analyses, as the root cause is seldom due to only one factor.
Operational Causes for Mechanical Failure
Our engineers investigate the root causes of mechanical failures, focusing on:
- Structural Integrity Issues
- Vibrational Stress
- Mechanical Wear and Tear
- Overloading Conditions
- Operational and Maintenance Failures
- Environmental Factors Affecting Mechanical Performance
- Structural Integrity Issues
- Vibrational Stress
- Mechanical Wear and Tear
- Overloading Conditions
- Operational and Maintenance Failures
- Environmental Factors Affecting Mechanical Performance
Our Mechanical Failure Forensic Consultants
McDowell Owens consultants have extensive experience in a variety of mechanical failure forensic matters, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.
McDowell Owens forensic experts are leaders in the field, showcasing achievements in research, teaching, and publishing. Our expert engineers and scientists combine real world experiences, advanced degrees, and certifications in several sub-disciplines to become leaders in the industry and experts in the field. We stay ahead of changes, contribute actively to industry groups, conduct research and testing to hone our skills, teach aspiring engineers, and present to peer groups.
McDowell Owens mechanical failure forensic experts are experienced professionals in the field, combining real-world expertise with advanced degrees and certifications in various sub-disciplines. Our team stays up-to-date with industry changes and continuously enhances their skills through research and testing.
McDowell Owens forensic consulting professionals offer valuable insight and dedicated expertise on your mechanical failure forensic case through thorough analysis and research.
Litigation Support and Forensic Expert Witnesses
Since our founding in 1986, McDowell Owens experts have been involved in over 20,000 cases. We have extensive experience in every stage of the litigation process, from collecting and presenting evidence to expert witness testimony, forensic analysis, and post-litigation actions.
We provide dependable, unbiased litigation support that is comprehensive, yet accessible to non-experts. McDowell Owens teams combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough and understandable report.
When you work with us:
- We will match you with an engineer with the expertise to inform your case.
- We rapidly respond to your litigation needs, including 24/7 support.
- You are assured of working with a team of licensed experts with extensive credentials.


