In the road traffic accident investigation industry independent collision investigators often find themselves instructed in unusual cases.
Insurance companies are a growing client of road traffic accident investigator (traditionally, their work was funded by the LSC). One such case which I came across recently involved a lorry driver from France 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.
In order to get the investigation underway the expert decided to take the following course by investigating: time taken for the pedestrian (a pensioner) to cross to the point of impact, 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, 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, whether the driver was within his tacograph limits, as fatigue is a major factor in the loss of awareness, and a thorough review of the Police Collision Investigator’s report to establish whether they had considered all the factors.
In order to complete this investigation, the consultant had to travel to France to view the vehicle as well as visit the site of the collision.
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 was 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, 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 a pensioner 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, yet upon examination it proves to be a fascinating world.
Insurance companies are a growing client of road traffic accident investigator (traditionally, their work was funded by the LSC). One such case which I came across recently involved a lorry driver from France 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.
In order to get the investigation underway the expert decided to take the following course by investigating: time taken for the pedestrian (a pensioner) to cross to the point of impact, 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, 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, whether the driver was within his tacograph limits, as fatigue is a major factor in the loss of awareness, and a thorough review of the Police Collision Investigator’s report to establish whether they had considered all the factors.
In order to complete this investigation, the consultant had to travel to France to view the vehicle as well as visit the site of the collision.
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 was 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, 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 a pensioner 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, yet upon examination it proves to be a fascinating world.
