TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Are You Current?

Technology is changing our world exponentially.
From wireless computer networks, to "EZ Pass" toll collections,
we experience these advancements everyday.
These changes also affect the way your
expert views the "three-dimensional" world in which he/she works.
In all fields of science, engineering and medicine, new technology
is allowing for additional and more detailed data collection,
resulting in more specific and accurate analysis of the available data.
For example, in the field of collision reconstruction,
technology has enabled the engineer to view the world
in three-dimension, allowing for a more realistic and accurate analysis.

The technological advances begin in the filed where data
is no longer simply collected by hand. Field surveys are completed
using computer driven Total Station survey equipment.
The equipment records a measured position in three-dimensions.
A Laser Scanner, the most sophisticated measuring device available,
also takes three-dimensional measurements,
but at a speed of 1000 points per second.
The laser scanner can be used to create accurate
three-dimensional models of almost any object.
Once properly collected, the data can be utilized through classic
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) techniques to produce realistic
two-dimensional and three-dimensional exhibits,
models and animations in an accurate and cost-effective manner.
Digital technology allows video and photographs to be stored
and utilized on a computer. This technology allows the images to be
e-mailed/printed/plotted for whatever purpose is desired.

As a result of the ability to work with images on the computer,
engineers have the ability to take accurate
three-dimensional measurements from photographs or video tape
through Photogrammetry. The ability to create a three-dimensional
"world," through the available data collection and analysis techniques,
allows for the analysis and presentation of how a vehicle or
pedestrian may move within that "world."
This type of analysis is aided by the use of
Computer Reconstruction Programs, which are based
on the laws of physics. The use of new technology is
NOT cost prohibitive. If your goal is truly to evaluate
how the incident occurred, it becomes critical to be
sure that your expert, regardless of his or her field of expertise,
has available to them all that technology has to offer.

Steven M. Schorr, PE

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Forensic Engineering Services
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001

Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Dodge Ball Case Study

Case Synopsis:

Prior to school starting, children were permitted to enter the building and secure and sign out a playground ball for their enjoyment. The plaintiff, fifth grade girl, along with some of her friends played a game of "line dodgeball" near an alcove of the building. One teacher engaged the plaintiff in conversation from inside the building while speaking through a window. In doing so, the girl turned her head to speak to the teacher. While she was being distracted, one boy threw the ball from approximately sixteen (16) feet away. The hard rubber ball struck her in the left eye. She is blind for life in that eye today.

Expert Analysis:

The plaintiff's expert witness met with the child at the attorney's office to interview the parents and the child. After the interview was conducted, the meeting reconvened at the school site to take photographs and measurements. Within the expert's report, it was noted the concept of the game of "dodgeball" is inappropriate for students to play with a rubber ball. Since this game was around an alcove of the building, one teacher in a different area of the playground would not be able to supervise the game. Inappropriate supervision existed, since the teacher on playground duty may have prevented the game from being played. Also, the teacher inside the building had a duty to stop play, prior to speaking with the plaintiff.

Result:

This case settled out of court. Specific supervision was not afforded to the game itself, since the foreseeable consequence would be in dodgeball of getting hit in the head region.

Do you have a case where you need a recreational expert?
We have the right consultant for you…

( Thomas Bowler, CPSI, NPPS SAFE Certified )
Playground safety / equipment liability; playground supervision;
physical education; water safety instructor; athletics / recreation

( Thomas Griffiths, ED.D. )
Aquatic / water safety; pool safety;
lifeguard safety standards; scuba diving

( David Yeo, D.P.E. )
Athletic trainer; strength & conditioning specialist;
physical education; coaching; rehabilitation /
prevention & treatment of injuries

DJS Associates, Inc.-
http://www.forensicdjs.com

Expert Network
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001

Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Negligent Hiring and Falsification of Driving Hours

Case Synopsis:

A Jeep traveling west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike spun out of control, after trying to avoid debris that had fallen onto the highway, after a heavy rain storm. He came to rest in the passing lane facing east with its lights on. The first tractor-trailer steered around the debris, which was blocking the right lane of travel, and avoided striking the disabled Jeep. The tractor-trailer then pulled his commerical motor vehicle ( CMV ) to the shoulder of the roadway and activated his emergency signals. A second tractor-trailer, traveling at a high rate of speed, avoided the debris but failed to see the Jeep and impact occurred causing sever bodily injury to the occupants of the jeep. Atmosphere conditions at the time of the accident indicated that it was dark (nighttime) and that the roadway was wet.


Expert Analysis:

After review of the driver qualification file and log book entries, it was discovered that the trucking company failed to perform proper background investigations and administer the driver road test by a component person, failed to audit log book entries and permitted the driver to make false entries on his record of duty status as required by 49-Code FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations).

Result:

The case was settled in favor of the plaintiff.

Ronald E. Tomasetti, CDS

DJS Associates, Inc.-
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Trucking/ Tractor Trailer
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001

Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Forklift Incident

Case Synopsis:

A forklift operator is moving a large load onto a truck from a loading dock meant for larger trailers. The truck moves forward and the forklift, with the operator, fell off the dock causing injury to the operator. A reconstruction of the accident was conducted to evaluate the forklift operator's testimony as to how the collision occurred. A Laser Scan, (three dimensional imaging) was performed of the loading dock, the forklift and the truck in question.

Analysis:

Initial measurements were extracted from the scan including relative heights of various parts of the loading dock, the gate, and back of the truck. Using this data, an initial analysis was completed. At a later time, further analysis was needed. All the additional data required was already recorded in the scan. A three-dimensional model was quickly completed using the scan of the dock, truck and forklift and the load that was being moved.

Result:

By recreating the scene and walking through the forklift operator's actions in the virtual world, it was demonstrated that the incorrect manner in which the forklift operator loaded his cargo would have resulted in the operator's inability to view his approach to the dock's edge and truck. His inability to see ahead compromised the validity of the operator's testimony of what he saw with regard to the location of the stopped truck. Not only was this an invaluable reconstruction tool in evaluating the operator's view, and most specifically the location of the stopped truck, but it was also able to be quickly turned into an animation.


Andrew R. Durian, BSME

DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Laser Scanning Technology : HDS

1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com

Airbag Electronic System Operation

Case Synopsis:
A suit was brought against an independent automotive repair shop with allegations of defective workmanship. The plaintiff alleged that the front airbags in his vehicle failed to deploy during a single vehicle collision and that the defendant shop owner was negligent in servicing the airbag system just weeks before the incident.

Expert Analysis:
The defense expert examined the vehicle and incident site and determined that the airbags should not have deployed in what was largely a side impact collision. An examination of the airbag electronic system revealed that the system was operating as designed and further, that the recent diagnostic and repair procedures utilized by the repair shop indicated conformity to the manufacturer's standards.

Result:
The defense was able to show that the collision did not meet the criteria for airbag deployment and that the recent vehicle service was not related to the incident in any way. Plaintiff withdrew his complaint shortly before a motion for summary judgment.


R. Scott King, BSME-

DJS Associates, Inc.-
http://www.forensicdjs.com
Automotive Engineering

1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156

experts@forensicdjs.com