Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) crashes tend to be severe, resulting in serious injuries and/or death which may then ensue into litigation.  CSC can properly document and preserve the physical evidence.  This is done using state of the art technology which includes: brake testing equipment, robotic roadway mapping instrumentation, thorough vehicle inspections and having the capabilities to image the ECM, EDR and PCM crash data. 

CSC uses up to date software to analytically determine the vehicle speeds involved in collisions.  Possible perception and reaction of the operators, location of impact relative to the roadway and/or vehicle, vehicle condition before impact and braking capabilities of the vehicle are other issues which we examine.

CSC can provide demonstrative exhibits of the crash scene.  These can include large scaled diagrams and animations of the crash with different views consistent with the operators and/or witnesses.

(Connection direct to Cummins ECM)

• CSC can image possible crash related data using the BOSCH CDR system from 1994 to current model years of GM products, select 2001 to current Ford vehicles and select 2004 and newer Chrysler vehicles.
• CSC has the training, experience, knowledge and capability to image Diesel Engine Control Module (ECM) data that is available from Detroit Diesel engines, CAT engines and Cummins engines. 

CSC has the capability to test each brake of a commercial motor vehicle at a controlled pressure, without outside assistance. This is an added savings and improved accuracy to the client as compared to outside sources.

• When possible CSC will document by photographing the static and dynamic stroke of each brake of the inspected CMV.

 

• CSC utilizes a state-of-the-art robotic forensic mapping system.  This system allows one person to process in detail an entire crash site.
• The use of the robotic mapping instrument allows for the production of exceptional diagrams and court exhibits.
• The mapping data can also be used for full animations resulting in savings to the client.

With the collected physical evidence and an analytical approach, CSC can determine vehicle speed(s).   CSC may also corrolate the crash event data image from the vehicle(s) to the collision.

• Computer assisted analysis which includes conservation of linear momentum.

• Calculations involving airborne vehicle movement, such as falls, flips and vaults.

• Computation of speed of CMVs based on air brake efficiency.

(Gouge mark and tire mark from impact)

(Impact profile of vehicle generating tire and gouge on roadway) 

• By evaluating roadway physical evidence and the vehicles involved in a crash, vehicle positioning at impact may be determined.

• Examination of lamps to determine ON/OFF at impact, or burn out prior to crash.

(This lower ball joint failure was on a vehicle outside the manufactured dates listed on a recall campaign.  NHSTA was notified by CSC and the campaign dates were extended to include additional vehicles.)

• Examination of vehicle components to determine cause of failure.

• Tires can be examined for evidence related to pre-impact, impact, or post-impact failure. 

 

"Who had the Red Light" is a common question at Traffic Signal Controlled intersections.

• Traffic signals operate on a set pattern of programmed instructions and combined with drivers and witness statements, it is possible to determine who had violated the "red light" at an intersection causing a collision.

Check out our animation page

With photogrammetry software we are able to accurately scale objects in photographs for the amount of crush depth to a vehicle or the distance a gouge mark is from the center line.

CSC can provide DOT audit and FMCSR compliance reviews for Motor Carriers, including but not limited to:

• a review of hiring practices and driver qualification files  
• review of CMV maintenance program and files
• review of drug & alcohol policy and testing procedures
• driver log audits
• inspections of CMV to the DOT inspection requirements 
• CSC also provides employee training in defensive driving techniques, accident investigation and hours of service regulations / logs

CSC endorses John G. Barnes of Barnes & Associates, Inc. to provide Fleet Safety Services and Expert Witness Testimony.  Please visit his website at www.consultingfortrucking.com or contact John at (507) 363-9014 or 

CSC regularly presents seminars for defense attorneys, plaintiff attorneys, insurance companies and self - insured independent companies.  Seminars can cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Traffic Crash Reconstruction
• The latest technology in use
• EDR & ECM data collection
• Provide guidelines determining when a reconstruction is necessary
• Seminars can be tailored to meet the client's specific interests and needs