How We Do It

Drones

Crash Consulting Services, LLC

Drones have become an integral part of evidence collection in accident...

Drones have become an integral part of evidence collection in accident reconstruction. In the past, full size aircraft were hired to utilize as an aerial platform for photography. There were limitations due to altitude required and the photographic equipment. With drones, images are taken at low altitude with extremely high resolution. When taken in a grid pattern, these images can be rectified to produce a 3D model of the collision site. Additionally, a high resolution orthomosaic map can be produced with stunning accuracy and detail.

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Faro

Crash Consulting Services, LLC

The 3D scan scanner is utilized to document collision damage as well as site evidence...

The 3D scan scanner is utilized to document collision damage as well as site evidence.  This data can easily be imported into our software solutions for accident reconstruction animations as well as demonstrative evidence.  The scans can be used to print (in 3D) models of the vehicles or other evidence.  These scanners are commonly used in architecture, civil engineering, construction, forensics, industrial manufacturing and land surveying. With this instrument, the evidence can be digitally recorded in 3D space for further review and analysis.

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GPS Mapping

Crash Consulting Services, LLC
Crash Consulting Services, LLC

The Sokkia GPS system is used for field documentation of collision sites....

The Sokkia GPS system is used for field documentation of collision sites.   The single user unit is positioned atop a monopod with a data recorder to create a system that can collect point data quickly for use in collision diagramming or capture reference points for rectification of aerial images.  This unit provides data similar to that of a total station, but is much more efficient for large collision sites.

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Total Station

Crash Consulting Services, LLC

The total station has been a standard in field documentation...

The total station has been a standard in field documentation.  It allows the investigator to document evidence by capturing the horizontal and vertical angles as well as the slope distance.  This allows for recording of specific 3D position evidence and the creation of scale diagrams.]

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Pix4D

Pix4D

Accurately create 3D maps and models from images...

Accurately create 3D maps and models from images.  This allows us to quickly document a collision site or vehicle and have the ability to bring the vehicle or site back electronically.

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Passenger Vehicle - Event Data Recorders

In passenger vehicles the event data recorders are usually associated with the powertrain control system or the safety restraint system (airbags).  They are know by the following acronyms:

  • PCM, Powertrain Control Module
  • ACM, Airbag Control Module
  • RCM, Restraint Control Module
  • SDM, Sensing and Diagnostic Module
  • ABS, Anti-lock Brake System
  • ROS - Rollover Sensors
  • GPS - Global Positioning System

Currently Supported Vehicles - This is a list of all the vehicles that can currently be imaged with available hardware.  In the coming years this list will grow tremendously due to new Federal Regulations.

If a vehicle appears on this list, there is a good chance there is data directly related to your collision.

Sample GM Download
Sample Chrysler Download
Sample Ford PCM Download
Sample Ford ACM Download
Toyota Download Information

Heavy Vehicle - Event Data Recorders

  • "The Black Box"
  • ECM, Electronic Control Module
  • ECM, Engine Control Module
  • MCM, Motor Control Module
  • CPC, Common Powertrain Controller
  • PCM, Powertrain Control Module
  • ACM, Airbag Control Module
  • RCM, Restraint Control Module
  • SDM, Sensing and Diagnostic Module
  • ABS, Anti-lock Brake System
  • GPS - Global Positioning System

These terms are some of the lingo used to describes Event Data Recorders that can be accessed and interpreted by Accident Reconstructionists.  The terms vary, but those interested all want the same thing - data related to the crash or investigation at hand.

Let us help you by explaining what data is available and how you can get to it.  It doesn't matter if you have a Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth or another manufacture of a tractor; it's the engine manufacturer that determines what data is available in it.

Electronic Control Module Field Guide - This is a great resource created by Trooper Tim Austin, Wisconsin State Patrol and William Messerchmidt.

Sample Cummins Sudden Deceleration Report - This report shows speed and other parameters nearly 1 minute prior to a sharp application of the brakes or other cause that results in a large change in speed over a one second interval.

Sample Detroit Diesel Data Pages - These pages give the investigator considerable data related to the usage of the vehicle as well as information that may be related to the collision.

HVE is a complete 3-D simulation environment providing vehicle design engineers, safety researchers and accident reconstructionists with an extremely sophisticated tool for their routine work.

FARO® Zone 3D is the first of its kind to enable investigators to move fluidly between 2D and 3D environments and enhance the quality of their incident reconstructions, analysis, pre-incident plans, and courtroom presentations.