Technical & Scientific

Accident Reconstruction

J.S. Held’s accident reconstruction experts deliver specialized expertise in forensic investigations, evidence collection and preservation, and scientific diagrams and animations.

Our team of consultants, engineers, and PhD scientists is retained by first-party and third-party clients to provide expert witness and litigation support, from discovery to decision.

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Trusted Advisors in Accident Reconstruction & Investigation

View the video to learn more about our areas of expertise and to see examples of our work.

We leverage our diverse backgrounds in mechanical, civil, and biomechanical engineering, along with human factors analysis and event data retrieval, to address accidents involving:
 

  • Automobiles / Commercial Vehicles
  • Boats / Recreational Vehicles
  • Bridge / Building Collapse
  • Buses
  • Excessive Force
  • Law Enforcement
  • Medical Procedures
  • Motorcycles
  • Pedestrians
  • Planes
  • Shooting Incidents
  • Trains
  • Workplace Accidents

For current engineering licensure info, click here.

AR Video Thumbnail Square play
Trusted Advisors in Accident Reconstruction & Investigation

View the video to learn more about our areas of expertise and to see examples of our work.

Our Services
  • Accident Reconstruction Forensic Investigations
  • Arc Mapping
  • Biomechanical Engineering
  • Case / Project Graphics & Exhibits
  • Chemical Analysis of Debris
  • Component Failure Analysis
  • Computer Modeling
  • Construction Zone Accidents
  • Drone Aerial Photography & Mapping
  • Engine Diagnostic Analysis
  • Environmental Factors Analysis
  • Event Data Retrieval (EDR Analysis)
  • Expert Witness & Litigation Support
  • Failure Analysis
  • Forensic Meteorology
  • Fraud Investigations - Damage Consistency Analysis, Identification of Driver & Occupant(s) Through DNA, Vandalism & Airbag Tampering, Vehicle Theft / Forensic Locksmithing (Original Key, Forced Entry, etc.)
  • Hit & Run Investigations
  • Human Factors Analysis
  • Low-Speed Impact Investigations
  • Maintenance of Traffic
  • Mechanical Failure Analysis
  • Mechanical Inspection & Maintenance Analysis
  • Nighttime Visibility Studies
  • Nurse Consulting & Medical Bill Review
  • Photogrammetry
  • Physical Modeling
  • Quantification of Damages
  • Rapid Response Evidence Preservation
  • Roadway Defect Investigations
  • Stolen / Recovered Vehicle Inspections
  • Stormwater Drainage
  • Subrogation Support
  • Vehicle Fire Investigations
  • Vehicle System Forensics
  • Video & Photo Analysis
  • Videogrammetry
ELECTRONIC & DIGITAL EVIDENCE

We use advanced electronic data recovery and diagnostic tools to evaluate and reconstruct accidents involving passenger and commercial vehicles, light trucks, buses, trains, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and much more.

Passenger Vehicles

  • Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  • Crash Data
    • Airbag Control Modules
    • Rollover Sensors
  • Infotainment & Telematics
  • OEM Diagnostic Software
    • Kia Diagnostics System
    • Snap-On
    • Toyota / Lexus: Techstream
  • Powertrain Control Modules

Commercial Vehicles

  • Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  • Anti-Lock Braking System & Electronic Stability Program Modules
  • Authorized Service Provider for Volvo Trucks North America & Mack Trucks, inc. EDRs
  • Engine Control Module
  • Fleet Management / GPS Tracklogs
  • Locomotive Event Recorders & Onboard Image Cameras

Other Data Sources

  • Aftermarket Dash Camera & Telematics
  • Bicycle Computers & Fitness Applications
  • Cellular Telephones & Mobile Devices
  • Motorcycle Data Loggers
    • Ducati Data Analyzer
    • Harley Davidson: Boom! Box
    • Honda Airbag System
    • Kawasaki
    • Yamaha Communication Control Unit
EXAMPLES OF SCIENTIFIC ANIMATIONS & AERIAL IMAGERY

Click the links below to view examples:
 

RAPID RESPONSE EVIDENCE PRESERVATION SERVICES

Our team of experts uses state-of-the-art technology to gather critical information, including:

  • Crash (“Black Box”) Data Retrieval & Analysis
  • Drone Aerial Photography & Mapping
  • High-Definition 3D Scanning & Mapping
  • High-Definition Satellite Imagery
  • Total Station Forensic Mapping
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER MECHANICS SERVICES

We incorporate ASE Certified Master Mechanics services using years of diagnostic, inspection, troubleshooting, and industry knowledge into our accident investigations.

  • Powertrain (Engine, Transmission, Drive Axles)
  • Brakes, Anti-Lock Braking System
  • Wheel & Tire Failure
  • Steering & Suspension
  • Airbag & Electrical Systems
  • Scan Tools & Diagnostic Software (e.g. Snap-on, Toyota Techstream, Kia Diagnostics System, etc.)
Accident Reconstruction & Visualization Training Courses
(In-Person, Virtual & Hybrid)

We provide training courses to accident reconstruction professionals, accident and crime scene investigators, fire investigators, engineers, and law enforcement officials, among others. 

Course topics include: 

  • Acquiring & Using Data from Infotainment Systems
  • Advanced Collision Reconstruction with Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Applications
  • Automobile Fire Investigations
  • Basic & Advanced Collision Investigations
  • Basic Laser Scanning Certification
  • Collision Reconstruction & Validation
  • Crash Reconstruction Physics & Application
  • Crush Energy Analysis
  • Electronic Data Recorders (EDR) & Heavy Vehicle Electronic Data Recorders (HVEDR), Including Mack / Volvo
  • Forensic Injury Biomechanics
  • Heavy Vehicle Crashes & Claims
  • Human Factors & Driver Behavior Analysis
  • Maintenance of Traffic & Crash Reconstruction
  • Memory Chip Research & Testing
  • Motor Vehicle Product Liability
  • Municipal & Roadway Variables in Collision Reconstruction
  • Opposing Expert Report Reviews
  • Pedestrian Collision Investigations
  • Photogrammetry & Analysis of Digital Media
  • Importance of Timely Notification/Response for Preservation of Roadway Evidence
  • Rollover Reconstruction
  • Taking the Mystery Out of the “Black Box”
  • Using Excel in Collision Investigations
  • Using Pix4D in Collision Investigations
  • Vehicle Damage Assessments

We can also develop tailored courses for client-specific interests, if outside of the topics listed above. For more information or to schedule a training course, contact [email protected].

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