Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Reconstruction
Pedestrian and bicycle accident reconstruction requires a very specialized skill set in order to accurately reconstruct the incident. Often times, there is very little physical evidence as a result of the crash, or the physical evidence is not properly documented by emergency personnel. Under these circumstances, the keen eye and experience of a well-qualified accident reconstructionist is crucial to understanding what happened, and why. Veritech’s forensic engineers are experienced with reconstructing all types of vehicle accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and in-line skaters.
Accident Reconstruction Services
Pedestrian vs. Vehicle Accidents
Veritech engineers are well versed in reconstructing pedestrian and bicyclist accidents involving a wide range of vehicles, including automobiles, semi-tractor trailers, trains, and construction equipment. These accidents can result in severe or fatal injuries, making careful reconstruction critical.
Key factors in pedestrian accident reconstruction include:
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Vehicle weight vs. pedestrian weight: The significant difference complicates speed estimation at impact.
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Impact geometry: Analysis of vehicle front-end design and the location of contact on the pedestrian’s body.
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Airborne trajectory: Determining whether the pedestrian was lifted or thrown by the impact.
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Environmental conditions: Visibility, lighting, sun glare, road conditions, and other factors that affect accident dynamics.
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Crosswalk specific conditions: The location of the pedestrian within the crosswalk, driver expectations for urban areas with many pedestrians
Specialized methodologies are used to account for these variables, providing accurate and scientifically supported reconstructions for legal or insurance purposes.
Skateboard, Longboard, and Inline Skate Accidents
Pedestrian reconstruction is not limited to walking individuals. Veritech also reconstructs accidents involving skateboards, longboards, inline skates, and similar wheeled devices.
Unique considerations in these cases include:
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Higher speeds: Skateboarders and rollerbladers travel faster than typical pedestrians, affecting impact velocity.
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Dynamic center of gravity: Rider posture and movement alter the pedestrian’s mass distribution during an accident.
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Acceleration and braking: Performance characteristics differ significantly from walking or running pedestrians.
Veritech has conducted real-world tests on skateboard and longboard riders to establish performance benchmarks, allowing for precise reconstruction of these specialized accident scenarios.
Bicycle and Electric Scooter Accident Reconstruction
Bicycles remain a common mechanized transportation method, both for commuting and recreation.
Bicycle accidents can involve:
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Collisions with vehicles or stationary objects
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Loss-of-control crashes on-road or off-road
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High-speed impacts resulting in severe injuries
Electric bicycles (E-bikes) and electric scooters have grown in popularity in urban areas, often rented through companies like Lime and Bird. These vehicles can reach speeds of 20 mph or more, which increases injury severity in accidents.
Key factors include:
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Operator inexperience: Many riders operate E-bikes and scooters without helmets or protective gear.
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Shared road risks: Interactions with pedestrians and vehicles increase accident frequency.
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Dynamic rider behavior: Understanding acceleration, braking, and turning behaviors is essential for accurate reconstruction.
Veritech engineers combine rider proficiency, mechanical knowledge, and accident reconstruction expertise to accurately reconstruct accidents involving bicycles, e-bikes, and electric scooters, both on and off-road.
Why Choose Veritech for Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Reconstruction
Veritech’s forensic engineers provide comprehensive accident reconstruction services for pedestrian-related incidents, including:
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Vehicle-pedestrian collisions
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Skateboard, longboard, and inline skate accidents
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Bicycle, E-bike, and electric scooter collisions
Our team integrates:
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Advanced analysis of impact dynamics
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Photogrammetry and videogrammetry for motion tracking
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Real-world instrumented performance testing for non-typical pedestrians
By combining practical riding experience with scientific methods, Veritech ensures accurate, reliable, and court-qualified pedestrian accident reconstructions.