Crash Simulation

The word “simulation“ comes up more and more in the field of crash investigation and reconstruction. Crashteams experts use simulation for the following purposes:

To verify results of calculations to determine impact speeds or impact positions.
To determine impact speeds or impact positions
To demonstrate why the conclusions advanced by other experts are incorrect.

At Crashteams we use the simulation software tools that are industry verified and widely accepted. These include HVE, PC Crash, and others. Crashteams experts use these tools only when the case requires they be used. Simulation of car crashes requires the user to input the conditions of the impact, which includes impact speeds, wheel resistance, roadway surface conditions, steering angles and more. Once those conditions are inputed, the user “ runs “ or “ plays “ the resulting simulation. The idea is simply to generate a simulation which is consistent with the actual vehicles motion, as exhibited by scene evidence.

The user then will assume that since the vehicle movement appears consistent with the real motion, then the inputted impact speeds must be correct. That is where the confusion and discussion comes into play. Experts then confuse the courts with very complex arguments about the input conditions, assumptions, and even the accuracy of the software. At Crashteams, we avoid simulations unless we can verify all of the input conditions and withstand a rigorous cross examination regarding the simulation software.

When to use crash simulations?

There are some cases that simulation software is highly useful, but that likely represents only about 5% of all crash cases.

Some situations that simulation can be applied to include:

Head on collisions to determine impact speeds ( other conventional reconstruction methods are not as effective )
Head on collisions to determine impact point ( who was on what side of the road, and when )
Critical analysis tool to show incorrect assessment of impact speeds by other experts

Let us review other expert's simulations

At Crashteams we are expert at showing the sensitivity of simulations by generating a simulation mirroring the input data used by the opposing expert ( you must obtain that for us ), and then ranging that data to show how even minor revisions of factors like wheel resistance and steer angles can lead to very large errors.

If you have a case that involves an expert's report founded on results from PC Crash, HVE, or any of the SMAC software applications, we can provide you with an opinion on the accuracy of those result within 48 hours. Our report will include not only an opinion of the accuracy of the results put forward, but also a detailed overview of the accuracy of the simulation software in use.

Expert simulation software reviews

As a general statement, both PC Crash and HVE are overused by experts who rely on the results too much, and apply those software applications in cases where they really cannot know the necessary input data to generate useful results.

Our Experts are knowledgeable in all software packages used commonly for simulations. Detailed reports form the backbone to our presentations in companion with other exhibits such as animation movies, photos etc.

Our Services

Crash Reconstruction

Our Crashteams reconstructionists are the most highly trained and qualified individuals in the industry.

Scene Surveys

All Crashteams experts utilize survey equipment to produce precision crash scene diagrams and 3D models.

Expert Witnesses Testimony

All Crashteams reconstructionists are qualified expert witnesses and have given testimony at all court levels and jurisdictions.

Witness Interviews

Your Crashteams experts can interview witnesses and secure detailed statements, as recorded interviews in audio and video formats.

3D Animations

Crashteams experts are all trained and certified as forensic animators. You will find it advantageous that your reconstructionist and animator are the same person.

Crash Simulation

Crashteams experts are qualified to use many different software applications to simulate the crash for the purposes of answering what if scenarios and exposing errors in the hypotheses advanced by oppsing experts.

Rebuttal Reports

You may send us reports from opposing experts and we will be able to tell you immediately if a rebuttal is useful and if so, we produce professional, objective, commentaries.

Managed Services

Crashteams have the expertise coverage and manpower to take on all the crash investigation requirements of a community as a public private partnership.