Accident Reconstruction
Areas of specialty include Commercial Vehicle, Pedestrian, Motorcycle and Train Collision Reconstructions (including Speed Calculations, Crush Analysis, and Lamp Examinations). We also perform Time-Distance, Site, and Human Factors Analyses.

All accident reconstructionists working for GDM Accident Reconstruction are fully accredited by the Accreditation Committee for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) and hold memberships in a number of reconstruction societies. The background of our reconstructionists is based in long-term law enforcement careers with extensive training in a variety of accident reconstruction disciplines. Training has been received from widely recognized sources including the University of North Florida Institute of Police Technology and Management, Texas A & M University Engineering Extension, Northwestern University Traffic Institute and many others.

We work closely with our clients to evaluate each case and establish a reconstruction agenda to address all of the issues in a collision. We will conduct detailed examinations and analysis of the scene and physical evidence, the involved vehicles, injury patterns of involved parties, witness statements and all available reports and photographs. From these analyses, a collision dynamics assessment can be conducted to determine the speeds of the involved vehicles, time and distance relationships, human factors and contributing or causation factors. As a case progresses, we will evaluate ongoing discovery materials and transcripts and prepare the matter for appearance in deposition and trial.

We can provide an extensive expertise in reconstructions involving Commercial Vehicles. We will examine the vehicle thoroughly for operational capabilities and compliance with applicable regulations. We can also examine driver qualifications, training, and logbook maintenance for compliance and accuracy.

We maintain relationships with experts in a number of specialized areas in reconstruction and engineering in order to effectively manage all aspects of a case. We will work closely with these other experts as needed by the client to ensure the issues of your case are all addressed properly. 

Forensic Mapping/Diagramming and Site Analysis
GDM Accident Reconstruction utilizes Total Station Forensic Mapping Systems to accurately record physical evidence and roadway properties. With the data collected by the Total Station Forensic Mapping System, we are able to produce highly detailed and accurate scene diagrams. These diagrams include the roadway, impact, evidence, post-collision and a variety of reconstruction and time-distance scenarios. The roadway can be viewed as an aerial view, contour or profile as needed. Diagrams can be produced in any size required, including large-scale courtroom displays. Additionally, the Total Station Forensic Mapping System can be utilized to accurately measure the damage profiles of involved vehicles for use in crush presentation and analysis.

Our diagramming software uses the industry standard AutoCAD drawing format for easy interchange between parties and for use in forensic animations

Vehicular Forensics
We use the Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval System to download the Airbag System Sensing and Diagnostic Module in most late model General Motors cars, light trucks, vans, and SUVs.  A select portion of the Ford automobile line can be accessed as well. Additional Ford models and other manufacturers will come on line in the near future. This technology provides information used by the airbag control module in making deployment decisions. In many GM vehicles, it also can provide 5 seconds of data before a crash, including speed and seatbelt status. 

At right: This is a section of an ECM printout report showing the beginning of data for a recorded “hard braking” event. The top left shows the date/time, the top right shows the odometer and the lower section shows the readings at one minute before the triggering event. The columns in the report are (from left to right): Time, Vehicle Speed (MPH), Engine Speed (RPM), Brake, Clutch, Engine Load (%), Throttle (%), Cruise Control and Diagnostic Codes Stored. (Click to enlarge)

We can also provide the downloading of Electronic Control Modules from commercial tractors. We have the technology available for Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines. This system provides a wealth of data on the operational parameters of the engine and records hard braking events.

At left: Example of CDR Pre-Crash Graph depicting Speed, RPM’s, % Throttle & Brake Switch Status before Crash. (Click image to enlarge)

Photography
We are pleased to offer a full range of forensic photography and videography services in standard film and digital formats. We have a wide range of equipment to address the needs of any case, including photogrammetry. We can provide the client case photographs as individual prints, on CD-ROM or other standard format.