Event Data Recorder (EDR) Evidence
Modern vehicles contain Event Data Recorders—essentially "black boxes"—that capture crucial data in the seconds before and during a crash. This technology has become one of the most powerful tools for proving speeding.
What EDRs Record: Depending on the vehicle, EDRs may capture vehicle speed, engine throttle position, brake application, steering angle, seatbelt status, airbag deployment times, and more. Some record data for 5 seconds before impact; others capture longer periods.
Accessing EDR Data: EDR data requires specialized equipment and training to download. The data belongs to the vehicle owner, but we can obtain it through discovery once litigation begins. For your own vehicle, we can download data immediately with your permission.
Time-Sensitive Evidence: EDR data can be overwritten if the vehicle is driven after the crash or connected to diagnostic systems. We act immediately to preserve this evidence before it's lost.
Legal Admissibility: EDR data is generally admissible in court when properly extracted by certified technicians. Courts recognize its reliability as an objective record of what actually happened.
Limitations: Not all vehicles have EDRs, and older systems capture less data. We combine EDR evidence with other proof methods when necessary.
What EDRs Record: Depending on the vehicle, EDRs may capture vehicle speed, engine throttle position, brake application, steering angle, seatbelt status, airbag deployment times, and more. Some record data for 5 seconds before impact; others capture longer periods.
Accessing EDR Data: EDR data requires specialized equipment and training to download. The data belongs to the vehicle owner, but we can obtain it through discovery once litigation begins. For your own vehicle, we can download data immediately with your permission.
Time-Sensitive Evidence: EDR data can be overwritten if the vehicle is driven after the crash or connected to diagnostic systems. We act immediately to preserve this evidence before it's lost.
Legal Admissibility: EDR data is generally admissible in court when properly extracted by certified technicians. Courts recognize its reliability as an objective record of what actually happened.
Limitations: Not all vehicles have EDRs, and older systems capture less data. We combine EDR evidence with other proof methods when necessary.
Accident Reconstruction Science
Accident reconstruction is the scientific analysis of crash evidence to determine what happened and how fast vehicles were traveling. Our expert reconstructionists use multiple analytical approaches:
Crush Damage Analysis: Vehicle damage patterns reveal impact severity and direction. By measuring crush depth and comparing to crash test data, experts calculate impact speeds with considerable accuracy.
Momentum Analysis: Using principles of physics, experts analyze how vehicles moved after impact. The direction and distance vehicles traveled post-crash reveal pre-impact speeds and angles.
Energy Analysis: Crashes convert kinetic energy into vehicle deformation, tire marks, and occupant injuries. By quantifying these energy dissipation mechanisms, experts work backward to calculate speeds.
Debris Analysis: Crash debris—broken glass, vehicle parts, tire fragments—scatters in predictable patterns. The location and distribution of debris helps establish impact location and vehicle speeds.
Simulation Software: Modern reconstruction uses sophisticated computer modeling. Experts input physical evidence and vehicle specifications to simulate crashes and validate speed calculations.
Expert Testimony: Our reconstructionists are experienced courtroom witnesses who can explain complex technical concepts clearly to judges and juries.
Crush Damage Analysis: Vehicle damage patterns reveal impact severity and direction. By measuring crush depth and comparing to crash test data, experts calculate impact speeds with considerable accuracy.
Momentum Analysis: Using principles of physics, experts analyze how vehicles moved after impact. The direction and distance vehicles traveled post-crash reveal pre-impact speeds and angles.
Energy Analysis: Crashes convert kinetic energy into vehicle deformation, tire marks, and occupant injuries. By quantifying these energy dissipation mechanisms, experts work backward to calculate speeds.
Debris Analysis: Crash debris—broken glass, vehicle parts, tire fragments—scatters in predictable patterns. The location and distribution of debris helps establish impact location and vehicle speeds.
Simulation Software: Modern reconstruction uses sophisticated computer modeling. Experts input physical evidence and vehicle specifications to simulate crashes and validate speed calculations.
Expert Testimony: Our reconstructionists are experienced courtroom witnesses who can explain complex technical concepts clearly to judges and juries.
Skid Mark and Tire Evidence
Tire marks are physical evidence that persists at crash scenes, often telling the story of what happened:
Skid Mark Length: Traditional locked-wheel skid marks occur when brakes lock and tires slide. The longer the marks, the higher the speed. Using friction coefficients for the road surface, experts calculate minimum speed at the point braking began.
Yaw Marks: Curved marks from wheels sliding sideways indicate loss of control. The radius and pattern of yaw marks reveal speed and driver inputs.
ABS Effects: Anti-lock braking systems prevent wheel lockup, which can reduce or eliminate traditional skid marks. This doesn't mean the evidence is lost—experts use other methods, and some ABS marks are still measurable.
Tire Examination: Inspecting tires themselves can reveal pre-crash defects, tread depth, inflation issues, and evidence of aggressive driving wear patterns.
Road Surface Analysis: Friction values vary by surface type, condition, temperature, and moisture. Our experts test actual road surfaces when necessary to ensure accurate calculations.
Photographic Documentation: Skid marks fade over time. We ensure immediate photography and measurement before weather and traffic degrade this evidence.
Skid Mark Length: Traditional locked-wheel skid marks occur when brakes lock and tires slide. The longer the marks, the higher the speed. Using friction coefficients for the road surface, experts calculate minimum speed at the point braking began.
Yaw Marks: Curved marks from wheels sliding sideways indicate loss of control. The radius and pattern of yaw marks reveal speed and driver inputs.
ABS Effects: Anti-lock braking systems prevent wheel lockup, which can reduce or eliminate traditional skid marks. This doesn't mean the evidence is lost—experts use other methods, and some ABS marks are still measurable.
Tire Examination: Inspecting tires themselves can reveal pre-crash defects, tread depth, inflation issues, and evidence of aggressive driving wear patterns.
Road Surface Analysis: Friction values vary by surface type, condition, temperature, and moisture. Our experts test actual road surfaces when necessary to ensure accurate calculations.
Photographic Documentation: Skid marks fade over time. We ensure immediate photography and measurement before weather and traffic degrade this evidence.