Case Examples Below
Anonymized examples showing how JZ Engineering applies accident reconstruction, video analysis, mechanical failure analysis, fire investigation, and product liability evaluation to legal and insurance matters.
These examples are intended to show the types of technical questions that may be evaluated, the evidence that may be reviewed, and how engineering analysis can help attorneys and insurers better understand a claim or case.
For privacy and confidentiality, the examples below are generalized and do not include identifying case details. Each example focuses on the technical issue, the type of investigation performed, and the value the analysis provided to the client.
Featured Case Example
A commercial truck turned across the path of an oncoming van. Dash cam video was available, and driver response, timing, and vehicle position were central questions in the reconstruction.
Drone reference measurements were used to establish accurate distances. The video was then analyzed frame by frame to estimate speed, reaction time, vehicle position, and the relative movement of the vehicles through the crash sequence.
The analysis helped evaluate driver perception-response and was later compared with crash data retrieved from the van. This provided a stronger basis for understanding the sequence of events and testing the video analysis against other available data.
When a crash occurs, time can be critical. Scene conditions may change, vehicles may be moved, and surveillance video may be overwritten.
An attorney contacted JZ Engineering about a crash that occurred within the last hour.
JZ Engineering responded to the crash site before the vehicles had been moved. Vehicle final rest positions, and key road evidence were documented with ground and aerial drone photographs. Contact information for the law enforcement investigator and tow yard destinations were collected. Perishable surveillance video, capturing the crash, was obtained in its native format for future analysis.
Timely evidence collection can help attorneys and insurers preserve important information early, before the available evidence changes or disappears.
A crash occurred approximately two years before the reconstruction was requested. The vehicles were no longer available for inspection or data download, scene evidence was gone, and only a limited number of damage photographs remained.
Photogrammetry techniques and crush analysis were used to evaluate the available vehicle damage photographs and estimate the impact speed of the striking vehicle.
The analysis provided useful insight even though much of the physical evidence was no longer available. This type of work can help evaluate a crash scenario when evidence is incomplete or delayed.
Pre-impact speed was an important issue in a motorcycle crash, and traditional reconstruction evidence was limited.
Available video from a Ring doorbell camera was analyzed to estimate the motorcycle’s pre-impact speed.
Video from common sources such as doorbell cameras, surveillance systems, dash cameras, and traffic cameras can provide useful information when evaluated carefully and compared with the rest of the evidence.
When there is a hypothesis that a crash may have been staged, the investigation must involve comparing the data and observations of the damage to the reported story.
An SIU professional presented a reported hit-and-run crash that they believed may have been staged.
JZ Engineering performed an inspection and EDR download of the subject vehicle and compared the evidence to the details provided in the sworn statements by the driver.
The SIU professional was provided with an objective written report that outlined why the EDR data and physical damage to the vehicle were not consistent with the reported details. The claim was denied.
Mechanical Failure and Accident Reconstruction
Some accident investigations require both crash reconstruction and mechanical engineering analysis.
A driver involved in a single-vehicle crash claimed that a mechanical failure contributed to the loss of control. Recent service had been performed on the vehicle’s suspension, making the mechanical condition of the vehicle an important part of the investigation.
EDR data was analyzed, service records were reviewed, and the vehicle was inspected to evaluate what damage occurred during impact and what conditions may have existed before the crash.
The analysis determined that a faulty repair caused a sudden loss of control that was consistent with the vehicle’s pre-impact trajectory. This helped connect the mechanical evidence with the accident reconstruction.
A large crane collapsed due to a catastrophic failure of the hoist motor.
There was a desire to determine if the root cause of the failure was due to the age of the equipment or recent service that had been performed.
The design of the motor was researched. Service records were reviewed. The remains of the motor were retained for further disassembly and inspection.
Close examination of all components in the system defined the sequence and root cause of the failure. Key component and tolerance measurements helped determine that the failure was connected to recent service that had been performed.
A fire involving a commercial truck that was subject to a safety recall.
The investigation needed to determine whether the fire origin and remaining evidence were consistent with the recalled component and a potential product defect.
Facts of the case, including witness and fire department reports, were reviewed. Surveillance video showing the entire fire sequence was analyzed to define an area of origin. The remains of the truck were inspected, and artifacts of key components of interest were retained. Laboratory examination of components confirmed the probable cause of the fire to be consistent with the recalled defect.
When a fire cause can be determined, the findings may help clients evaluate product defect issues, claim exposure, and potential subrogation opportunities.
Shipping Damage Evaluation
A piece of large equipment worth several hundred thousand dollars was damaged during shipping when it struck a bridge.
The client represented the cargo carrier. Fault for the incident was not the primary question. The key issue was determining what damage was caused by the bridge strike and whether the equipment could be repaired or needed to be replaced.
The equipment was evaluated to separate incident-related damage from unrelated conditions and to assess whether repair or replacement was appropriate.
Because of the value of the machinery, the potential insurance exposure was significant. The analysis helped the client evaluate the claim amount with more confidence.
Services Represented
The examples above reflect the type of work JZ Engineering performs across accident reconstruction, mechanical failure analysis, fire investigation, product liability matters, and expert witness support.
Crash analysis using physical evidence, vehicle data, video, scene documentation, photogrammetry, and engineering principles.
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Root cause analysis for mechanical systems, components, maintenance issues, product defects, and failure-related claims.
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Origin and cause investigation for vehicle and equipment fires, including recall-related and defect-related fire matters.
Learn MoreJZ Engineering is available for case consultation, inspections, expert review, and time-sensitive evidence evaluation.
We can help review available records, photographs, video, and data to identify potential engineering issues early in your case.
