ATS uses vehicle forensics for accident reconstruction, automotive evaluation, product liability, and tire evaluation services. Our professional engineers work with passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, tractor trailers, and heavy equipment to identify the cause of a vehicular crash or failure. We find that the most common causes of failure include:
- Design flaws
- Manufacturing defects
- Poor maintenance and repair
- Operator errors
Additionally, our court-certified expert witnesses can report our findings for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Accident Reconstruction
Forensic experts use accident reconstruction to identify the cause, liability, and factors that contributed to a collision. We can compare reports and witness accounts of the collision with photos of the scene and vehicle damage. To learn more about driver reactions, we extract crash data from the vehicles’ event data recorders (EDR). We may perform a mechanical failure analysis to gather additional information.
After collecting data, we use VBOX Video 2 to simulate an accident consistent with the crash data. Finally, we can present our conclusions as an animated accident reconstruction to clients and a trial jury.
Automotive Evaluation
Our automotive evaluations determine the cause of an accident or failure and the conditions of the vehicles involved. We can also assess if the damages sustained by the vehicles are consistent with reports of the event.
As modern vehicles incorporate more information systems, ATS has adapted special tools, such as the Berla iVe, to access the following:
- Airbag Control Modules (ACM)
- Alarm systems
- Electronic Control Modules (ECM)
- Engine immobilizer systems
- EDR
- Infotainment systems
- Powertrain Control Modules (PCM)
- Roll-over sensors (ROS)
- Telematic systems
- Vehicle transponder
After a vehicle theft, a certified forensic locksmith (CFL) can perform key analysis and a post-theft evaluation to establish how the perpetrator gained access to the vehicle and, when applicable, their movements. We also evaluate for vandalism.
Vehicular Product Liability
Sometimes, a single component becomes instrumental in a vehicle forensics case. If we conclude that a specific component impacted the crash or vehicle failure, our experts can perform mechanical analysis to determine the cause and product liability. For instance, effective seatbelts and airbags mean the difference between life and death for vehicle passengers. We will inspect the vehicle and take samples for further testing in one of our forensic labs.
Tire Expert Evaluation
ATS’ tire experts perform forensic tire failure analysis after a blowout or tread separation that contributed to a loss of control or an accident. If the damaged tire is not available for inspection, we can use photographs of the tire and vehicle for visual inspection. Our state-of-the-art laboratories allow us to take a closer look through nondestructive x-ray scans, and fluid testing. If we suspect a manufacturing defect is responsible for the tire failure, ATS can subrogate the manufacturer for matching tires.
About the ATS Family of Companies
Founded in 1967, ATS has supported customers for over fifty years. Our services include consulting engineering, calibrations, inspections, and testing for a variety of businesses and industries. The growing ATS family of companies is always reaching new clients nationwide. We are proud to maintain ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditations in mechanical, nondestructive, chemical, and electrical tests, among others. For a complete list of our certifications, please click here.
About Our Forensic Experts
ATS is grateful for our experienced and educated professional engineers and technicians. Our experts understand the importance of safe testing practices, detailed analysis, and quick turnaround rates to inform our customers’ critical business decisions.
Most states hold ironclad requirements for practicing engineers to obtain a professional engineering license (P. E.), including:
- A completed 4-year degree in Engineering
- At least four years of experience working under a licensed P. E.
- Completing and passing rigorous comprehensive exams
- A license from the state’s engineering board
- Continued learning and education
Many of our vehicle forensics experts belong to professional organizations and have achieved forensic accreditation and certification in the following:
- ATS
- ASE
- CFEI
- CVFI
Contact Us
It is more convenient than ever to request ATS’ vehicle forensics services. Call +1 (888) 287-5227 or complete the webform on this page, then let us uncover the truth.
