Accident Reconstruction and Crash Investigation Team Formed

Vehicle issues are making headlines almost daily, and Crane Engineering is providing the technical resources to investigate, analyze, and understand the causes behind them.

“Cars still look like cars,” says Dave Hallman, P.E., and head of Crane’s new Accident Investigation and Crash Reconstruction Team, “but in the past ten years they’ve become computers on wheels. The tried and true electro-mechanical components just aren’t there any more, or, if they are, they’re operated by computers.”

Now, claims people and attorneys have the tools to find the source of the problems they handle.

 

Accident Investigation

Crane Engineering accident investigation and crash reconstruction experts are trained in the latest methodologies for accident scene measurements, forensic mapping, data collection, and photography.

 

Crash Reconstruction

Human error is often difficult to prove, but is the real cause of some of the worst accidents. Our experts can test, measure, verify, and then reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to those unfortunate events.

 

Vehicle & Equipment Fire Investigation

Fire is the largest non-moving accident causes of large loss claims. Crane has the expertise to find the cause and describe the sequence of events leading up to the loss.

 

Automotive Systems & Component Failure Analysis

Crane has assembled a team of experts in mechanics, electronics, propulsion components, materials and accessory systems that can define the issues, test and measure them, and reconstruct the incident.

 

Forensic Mapping and Data Acquisition

Recovering data from on-board computers after an accident is possible with late model GM, Ford, and Chrysler products and will be a mandatory feature after 2013 for all car makers. The deployment of an air bag, sudden, severe braking, or the jolt of a damaging impact can trigger these “black box” devices. Crane has the instrumentation to use the data to prove key chronological events.