Reconstruction and Biomechanical Analysis of Low Speed Automobile Crashes

Biomechanical engineers are often asked to determine if and how the forces and motions in automobile accidents may be injurious to the vehicle occupants. In low-speed automobile crashes, where there is little or no vehicle damage and few if any distinct acute injuries, the materials available to analyze the crash may be sparse. The vehicles involved in low-speed crashes may not be available for inspection, or are only available after damage has been repaired or subsequent damage has been incurred. Repairs may be made “off the books” with no formal estimate or written record and no photographs. Medical records may be limited to an attorney’s recollection of an occupant’s complaints. In minor cases, police accident reports may be cursory and incomplete, summaries may be brief, and one or more vehicles may leave the scene prior to the police arriving.