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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.