Accident reconstruction is the process of using physical and factual evidence,
in conjunction with mathematics and physics, to determine how a crash
occurred.
When conducting any investigation or reconstruction, FIAT Crash Investigators
use the “scientific method.” The scientific method is a process
of inquiry which relies on four elements: observation, hypothesis, theory,
and experiment. The underlying objective is always the same even though interaction
between these four elements may differ from one situation to another.
During motor vehicle crash reconstruction, we can determine the impact speeds
and directions of the vehicles involved, the time and distance relationships
between the vehicles prior to the incident, and the impact severity (Delta
V) relative to occupants or pedestrians.
We also attempt to find evidence relative to vehicle condition, operability
of lamps and lighting, condition of brakes, tires, and other components that
could play a role in a crash.
FIAT Crash Investigators use several methods of data collection and analysis,
including the methods of conservation of momentum, computer simulation, photogrammetry,
and component or full scale crash testing.
Felony
Investigative Assistance Team (FIAT) is a multi-jursdictional Police
taskforce based in DuPage County Illinois. Protecting approximately 300,000
people.
