Forensic Engineering Studies Using Exemplar Vehicles And Surrogates In Vehicle Impact Cases

Abstract

As Part Of Their Event Reconstruction, Accident Reconstructionists Often Inspect Exemplar Motor Vehicles. xemplarmeans A Vehicle Of The Same Model, Production Series, Etc. In Terms Of The Vehicle Of Interest. In The Analysis Of The Injury Aspects Of Vehicular Collisions, Biomechanics Experts Can Also Benefit From Exemplar Studies, Especially When A Surrogate (Individual Of The Same Gender, Age Group, Body Stature, Etc.) Is Incorporated Into The Study. This Is Often An Important Activity Since Available Physical Evidence Is Often Limited. For Example, Photo Documentation May Focus Almost Exclusively On The Outside Of The Subject Vehicle, Whereas The Injury Event(S) Often Occur Within The Vehicle. Also, Providers Of Vehicle Specifications Typically Provide Limited (If Any) Vehicle Interior Information. Finally, Depositional Information May Be Very Limited, Providing Few Details On Events And Conditions That May Have Contributed (Or Not) To Claimed Injuries. Thus, Exemplar/Surrogate Studies Can Provide A Wealth Of Information In The Analysis Of What Injuries May (Or May Not) Have Occurred Knowing The Physics Of The Accident Reconstruction And The Resulting Occupant Kinematics, Geometric Considerations, Claimant Characteristics, And The Associated Injury Mechanisms. A Series Of Situations Will Be Presented As Examples Of How Exemplar/Surrogate Studies Can Be Useful In Injury Analysis, Including Seat Belt Issues, Rear-End Collisions, And Pedestrian/Vehicle Incidents. General Protocol Considerations Will Also Be Presented.