Collision investigators are sometimes instructed in unusual cases.
The majority of their work comes from LSC funded instructions although they are seeing a growth in the number of instructions funded by insurance companies. One such case which I came across recently was that of a French lorry driver who was charged with causing death by careless driving. The driver’s insurance company were looking for a dual skilled Collision Investigator and Vehicle Examiner who could bring their expertise to bear in investigating the causes of the accident.
The expert’s opinion was that there was a requirement to investigate the following: time taken for the pedestrian (a pensioner) to reach the point of impact Amir Johnson Celtics Jersey , the conspicuity of the pedestrian, given that a slower moving object in the peripheral vision is much less obvious, time taken to slow the vehicle at its weight at the time of collision from various speeds Al Horford Celtics Jersey , the sight lines from the vehicle across the cab given the driver’s weight (the adjustable, air ride seat found in such trucks sinks when the driver’s weight is applied), any other vehicle defect which may have resulted in it performing below its normal standard Walter Brown Jersey , whether the driver was within his tacograph limits, as fatigue is instrumental in the erosion of awareness, and a thorough read of the Police Collision Investigator’s report to establish whether they had considered all the factors. In this case the investigator actually had to travel to the place where the vehicle was located Tyler Zeller Jersey , which in this case was France.
His vehicle examination concluded that the the driver would have had a better view of the point of impact the further he was from it. Given that microscope analysis of the tacograph identified a speed of no more than 23mph, and that the consultant had been able to calculate deceleration rates under braking, he was able to piece together what was in view from the point where the pedestrian stepped from the pavement to her impact with the vehicle. All of this information was then pieced together in the form of a report Terry Rozier Jersey , plan, photo album and DVD video footage with the intention of attempting to explain the nuances of a highly technical investigation to a jury.
The outcome for the driver was that in this instance he had made a mistake with the terrible consequence that an elderly woman had been killed. The exact cause of the driver’s lack of awareness will be known only to him. From the legal point of view, they were able to advise that he was unlikely to be able to construct a reasonable defence and the insurance company were advised accordingly.
This case study reveals several interesting realities of the traffic accident investigation industry.
If nothing else it shows what a varied and complex role it can be. In our day to day lives we do not concern ourselves with the mechanics of how these kind of investigations work behind the scenes Shaquille O'Neal Jersey , yet upon examination it proves to be fascinating.
The author works closely with Wayman Consultancy who provide road traffic accident investigation and vehicle examination services for lawyers, transport authorities, insurance companies Robert Parish Jersey , and emergency services.