6/14/2013· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that approximately 95,000 injuries occur each year due to forklifts.
By: Kristopher J. Seluga, PE
Tel: (203) 329-9909
Email: Technology Associates
In many vehicle accident investigations, it is necessary to know not only the speeds and motions of the vehicles involved, but the causes of injuries suffered by their occupants as well. Such investigations seek to answer questions regarding occupant ejection, effects of seatbelt use, airbag deployment and body-interior impacts. Such answers can sometimes be found through simple analyses, or they may require advanced three-dimensional simulations and computer modeling techniques. Once an analysis of this type is complete, it is often necessary to generate drawings or animations to communicate the findings to a judge, jury or mediator.
We have significant experience in many aspects of occupant dynamics including:
Through scientific analysis, we can help you answer pertinent questions such as:
SUV Rollover Ejection:
A woman driver was seriously injured when her SUV was struck sideways by a car causing her vehicle to roll over. The SUV driver was ejected because she was unbelted. The defense claimed that, based upon statistical studies, she would not have been injured if she had been belted. We demonstrated that her major injuries were caused by her impact with the door interior, which would have been inflicted even if she had been belted and was not ejected. The case settled in the plaintiff's favor.
Two Car Collision:
Two cars collided at an intersection because one driver was inattentive while crossing the intersection at high speed. Her vehicle collided with the side of the other vehicle and she was injured even though her airbag deployed. She later admitted that she was not wearing her seatbelt, but was still seeking compensation for her injuries. We reconstructed the accident and determined that if she had been wearing a seatbelt, she would not have been seriously injured.
Kristopher J. Seluga, PE, is a Mechanical Engineering, Accident Reconstruction, Biomechanics, and Safety Expert with over 20 years of experience. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Mechanical Engineering department at MIT where he worked on the development of novel three-dimensional printing technologies. Mr. Seluga is also a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and Connecticut, and has served as a member of the ANSI engineering committee for the Z130.1 and Z135 standards for golf cars and PTV's. His research interests and peer reviewed publications span the topics of Motor Vehicle Dynamics, Product Safety, and Biomechanics.
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6/14/2013· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that approximately 95,000 injuries occur each year due to forklifts.
11/12/2018· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Ready, Set, Fly! - Understanding Another Technology for Forensic Investigations
By: Thomas J. Kelly
This is the first blog in a series on integrating new technologies into the process of forensic investigations. Documenting the scene of an incident accurately, efficiently, and safely is a key step in every investigation. Busy roadways and unstable structures present hazards to the investigator during the investigation process. The use of remote sensors can reduce these risks and provide data that otherwise could not safely be obtained.
7/31/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Machine Guarding
The primary function of all guarding is to prevent an operator or bystander from being injured by a potentially dangerous portion of a machine. Often the hazard involves moving parts with the potential to cut, crush or draw-in body parts, although barrier guards may also be necessary when electrical, thermal or chemical dangers are present.