Case Studies
A 2023 Volvo VNL tractor was hauling a trailer along an interstate in Virgina when, according to the driver, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power while traveling up a steep incline. Due to heavy traffic, the driver was unable to reach the right shoulder but came to a stop in the left travel lane. The truck was rear ended, resulting in a fatality. The attorney representing the fleet requested a rapid response team to speak to the driver, inspect the vehicle, and download any electronic data from the Volvo tractor.
Our Vehicle Accident Reconstruction team in Charlotte responded to the rapid response request on the date of the incident, meeting the driver at a truck stop near the collision site. The tractor-trailer was inspected and 3D-scanned, and electronic data from the Volvo Engine Control Module was imaged. The collision site was also inspected and 3D-scanned, and aerial mapping was performed. The investigation revealed that the vehicle had been disabled due to a loss of engine power, helping to show that conditions of the accident were consistent with the driver’s story
Tyler Black
Senior Engineer
Accident Reconstruction Practice
+1 980 356 8526
[email protected]
Marcus Neacsu
Project Engineer
Accident Reconstruction Practice
+1 704 997 1868
[email protected]
> 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.
> Visualization & Reconstruction Services
J.S. Held’s forensic visualization experts specialize in the production of animations, graphics, interactive media, and virtual reality environments that communicate complex concepts in a simple form. Our visualization experts employ photogrammetry, nighttime visibility studies, video reenactments, photo analysis, video analysis, computer modeling, and simulation to analyze core issues of a case. These findings and results are represented though graphics, animations, physical models, interactive exhibits, and 3D visualizations to clearly and concisely explain our conclusions.