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Articles in This Edition:
Investigating Low Speed Rear-End Collisions
Case Study: Investigating Slip and Fall due to Lack of Lighting
Meet the Expert: William H. Daley, III, P.E.
On the Scene E-Newsletter Edition 101 Vol. I (PDF Version)
Investigating Low Speed Rear-End Collisions
 No damage, no injury? Although many think that this is true, it is a myth that does not hold water. When two vehicles strike each other in a rear end type collision there is always energy transfer from one vehicle to the other. This energy transfer will also be reflected in movement of the occupants. The position of the occupants at the time of the impact is a critical factor in assessing the mechanism and injury probability.
The important thing to remember is that when low speed impacts occur, lack of damage on a car's external appearance may not reflect the true damage. When investigating these types of accidents, one must look at the bumper isolation systems and the support structure of the vehicle for damage that could have occurred. The bumper isolation system is designed to protect the vehicles safety systems, such as the front and rear lights. The isolation system is not designed to prevent visible vehicle damage. Today's passenger cars, not trucks and SUVs, are required to have a bumper isolation system.
The assessment of a low speed vehicle impact accident also requires the inspection of both accident vehicles. It is very difficult to assess the impact forces from photographs or looking at the vehicles after they have been repaired.
It can also be difficult after a long period of time to determine that damage observed by the investigator is in fact related to the accident in question.
Due to the difficulty of assessing impact forces from photographs or repaired vehicles, some courts have banned engineers from testimony, if the accident vehicles were not seen prior to vehicle repairs.
CED's engineering experts have performed many low impact vehicle investigations over the past 20 years. First the accident reconstructionist will complete an analysis of the impact forces and determine the change in the velocity of the struck vehicle. This information is then passed on to a bio-mechanical engineer. The bio-mechanical engineer will then perform an analysis of the medical records documenting any injuries and the forces that are required to produce those injuries. The direction and magnitude of the forces, on the occupant can be compared to the injuries to determine if they are consistent with the accident scenario.
For more information on how CED Investigative Technologies can assist you, please click on the "Live Chat" button for immediate assistance, send us an email request at Case Manager or call us directly at (800) 780-4221.
Case Study: Investigating Slip and Fall due to Lack of Lighting
 Recently CED Investigative Technologies was retained by plaintiff's counsel concerning a slip and fall case. After a long day of work the plaintiff was late arriving back to their condominium complex. During the day, the condominium complex owner had arranged for a construction company to replace a piece of the walkway on a ramp in front of the plaintiff's unit with new concrete. The construction company removed the old and degraded piece but did not have time to install the new piece of concrete. At approximately 10:30 p.m., the plaintiff returned to the residence and upon walking to the condominium fell, causing severe injuries.
In complaint, the plaintiff's allegation was not a failure to warn because the construction company had left a sign stating a hazard but improper lighting because the plaintiff was unable to see the warning or hazard. In order to provide engineering support for the allegation, the CED engineer arrived at the site to perform an inspection. At the site inspection the engineer used instruments to obtain measurements, photography and video but most importantly, the engineer conducted a light study.
Using a light meter, the engineer was able to measure the Lux, the international system unit of illumination, at the point of the fall and several feet leading up to the fall from several heights to judge the eye sight of the plaintiff.
After the inspection, the pivotal point in this case was the research and analysis performed by the engineer. Using a system called “group counseling” where engineers from one discipline consult with experts from another discipline for a comprehensive opinion, the slip and fall engineer consulted with CED's construction expert to see if there were any codes concerning proper lighting at construction sites. After searching the extensive CED database, the engineers found a code for proper construction lighting. The code stated that general construction, or in particular, walkway repairs, require proper lighting, which was not provided at the site of the incident. The construction engineer also was able to rely on past construction experience stating that the general contractor could have installed a flashing warning device and or fencing to prevent access to the area as an alternative design.
CED engineers are skilled experts using a trained eye and have access to codes, standards the latest technology and hardware. The most important part of this case study was the ability for cross examination from several different disciplines. Because the engineers were able to cross examine their opinions, the client was able to provide a strong case to the court which resulted in a settlement prior to trial in this case.
For more information on how CED Investigative Technologies can assist you, please click on the "Live Chat" button for immediate assistance, send us an email request at Case Manager or call us directly at (800) 780-4221.
Meet the Expert: William H. Daley, III, P.E.
Mr. William H. Daley, III, is a senior mechanical engineer with CED Investigative Technologies Inc. He has over 11 years of distinguished background in such areas as safety operations, operation of mechanical devices and naval operations as a retired US Navy commander. Mr. Daley holds a B.S. degree from the United States Naval Academy and a M.S. degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining CED, Mr. Daley was the Director of Manufacturing for a custom builder of precision cleaning and plastic bonding machinery. During his 20 years of experience in the Navy, he was responsible for the repair and operation of shipboard weapons systems, steam propulsion plants, electrical plants and their supporting auxiliary equipment. Additionally, he was a master instructor and Associate Chairman in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the US Naval Academy.
Since joining CED in 1996, Mr. Daley has handled over 460 cases involving machinery accidents, vehicular accident reconstructions, slip and falls, and marine investigations among others. Due to the combination of Mr. Daley's experience, education and attention to detail, he has become highly regarded as an expert witness in the areas of mechanical systems, marine systems such as cruise line operations, machinery operation, guarding and worker safety.
Due to the combination of Mr. Daley's experience, education and attention to detail, he has become highly regarded as an expert witness in the areas of mechanical systems, marine systems such as cruise line operations, machinery operation, guarding and worker safety. To learn more about Mr. Daley please visit our website at www.cedtechnologies.com or click Case Manager to send an E-mail Request.
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