Category Archives: motorcycle accident analysis

Motorcycle accident analysis Dr. John Lloyd has served attorneys nationwide for 25+ years in biomechanics, human factors, helmet testing and motorcycle accident expert

Why Do Motorcycle Crash Analysis and Accident Reconstruction Require Specialized Experts?

Motorcycle accidents are some of the most difficult to analyze in traffic accident reporting. Each crash has its unique dynamics, and when coupled with rider and environmental factors, it becomes more complex to analyze than a casual car accident. Unlike occupants of a car, who are usually protected by a frame in the event of a crash, riders are directly exposed to impact forces, making an analysis more complicated.

This is why specialty professionals have to be consulted for matters requiring motorcycle crash analysis and motorcycle accident reconstruction. It is the physics, biomechanics, and human factors involved in these accidents that only a specialized mind can grasp.

The Complexities of Motorcycle Crash Analysis

Motorcycles and cars differ due to their two-wheeled structure, center of gravity, and rider control for balance. Some of the factors that add to the complexities surrounding motorcycle accident analysis are:

Loss of Traction: Wet or slippery road conditions, tire grip, and sudden braking can all lead to skidding and the complete loss of control.
High-Speed Instability: Precise touch in handling a motorcycle at high speeds is a must; any inconsideration would make way for grievous crashes.
Rider Ejection Dynamics: Cars are designed in a way that they protect passengers with seat belts and airbags. Therefore, ejections during motorcycle collisions disturb the multiplicity of injury patterns and complicate the analysis of forces and impacts.
Very Few Onboard Systems: Comparatively, motorcycles are not often equipped with data logging systems. Though the information from these systems is always used to make accurate notes on a motorcycle accident reconstruction, the lack of such technology puts greater reliance on physical evidence and expert insight.

Why an Accident Reconstruction Expert is Important

An accident reconstruction expert works fundamentally in attributing fault to a motorcycle crash. Such scientists apply scientific principles to recreate the accident site, even considering:

Motorcycle Speed and Motion Analysis: Experts estimate impact speed based on skid traces, dispersed debris patterns, and footage from surveillance cameras.
Impact-Injury Correlation: Experts analyze rider injuries to recreate how the crash happened and determine if the rider’s protective gear worked as planned.
Environmental Conditions: How the road, visibility, and weather conditions favor accident reconstruction experts use for liability deconstruction.
Human Factors Analysis: Knowledge of rider reaction time, the decision-making process, and potential distractions prove valuable in determining the sequence of events leading to the crash.

an Accident Reconstruction Expert is Important

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does motorcycle accident reconstruction take?

It depends on how complicated the crash is. A simple case may require a few weeks of investigation, while a major requiring trial may need months.

Can reconstruction be used for cases in court?

Absolutely! Expert motorcycle crash analysis can provide critical evidence for lawsuits and help insurance companies, attorneys, and courts trace who is at fault or liable.

What would be the qualifications of a motorcycle accident reconstruction expert?

Experts would have backgrounds in engineering, biomechanics, or law enforcement. Certification in accident reconstruction and experience with motorcycle crashes would be equally necessary.

Final Thoughts!

Accidents require specialized motorcycle crash analysis because they are usually complicated, do not have enclosures, and highly depend on rider skill. Trained Accident Reconstruction Experts can shed plenty of light on the cause of a crash, both justly from a legal and insurance point of view.

Dr. Lloyd is a recognized authority in motorcycle accident and human factors analysis, having been in the field for decades. His understanding of motorcycle crash dynamics makes him the expert of experts.

Why Does a Comprehensive Motorcycle Crash Analysis Require Expertise in Accident Reconstruction, Injury Biomechanics, and Human Factors?

The motorcycle accident has a certain form of complexity requiring detailed motorcycle crash analysis needing determination of causes and contributory factors. Two aspects considered paramount for analysis include motorcycle biomechanics and human factors, providing the experts with ways to appreciate how the rider’s body responds in a crash and how human behavior affects the outcome of accidents.

The Role of Biomechanics in Motorcycle Crash Analysis

Motorcycle biomechanics is the study of how forces interact with the body in the crash. The study provides an understanding of injury patterns, helmet performance, and effectiveness of other protective gear.

The Key Components Of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction

Understanding Rider Kinematics

A motorcycle crash includes multiple forces acting on its rider. Hence, motorcycle crash expert analyze:

The ejection or throw-off of the rider from the motorcycle
Impact points on the rider’s body
Influence of velocity, angle, or surface conditions on injury

So, Dr. John Lloyd will use the biomechanics analysis to state how those forces induce injuries, thereby providing key information in accident investigations and law cases.

Performance of Helmet and Protective Gear

Another part of motorcycle crash analysis is the evaluation of helmet protection. The aspects considered by the motorcycle crash experts include:

Damage sustained by the helmet and forces due to the impact;
Compression of the liner and protection of the skull;
Compliance with safety standards (DOT, ECE, Snell).

Dr. Lloyd’s work in motorcycle biomechanics may help decide whether or not the helmet successfully prevented head injuries or that design faults caused injury.

Injury Causation and Severity Assessment

A biomechanical assessment allows experts to correlate accident dynamics and specific injuries. Such evaluations may include:

Fractures and soft tissue injuries
Head and spinal trauma
Injury severity as a function of crash scenario

Through the analysis of injury biomechanics, the analysis can prove whether safety systems were appropriate or if other factors aggravated an injury.

FAQs

How have biomechanics been useful in analysis?

Motorcycle biomechanics establish the timeline and how forces were acting on the motorcycle rider’s body, which explains the injury patterns and the level of effectiveness of protective gear.

What importance are human factors in accident reconstruction?

Motorcycle human factors study how rider perception, reaction time, and decision-making can help understand if human error played a role in the crash.

Is there an analysis of motorcycle crashes that can reveal a defective helmet?

Yes, the analysis of the helmet in the course of the analysis can indicate defects or poor design that could have contributed to head injuries.

Conclusion

The interlinking of motorcycle biomechanics and motorcycle-human factors is vital for realistic motorcycle crash analysis. Dr. John Lloyd, a professional in these fields, investigates injury causation, helmet effectiveness, and rider behavior in crashes based on scientific methodology. His knowledge will illustrate to legal teams, insurance companies, and accident victims the multifaceted dynamics of motorcycle accidents, leading to accurate evaluation and completion of many just cases.

Research Article “Biomechanics of Motorcycle Accidents” published in Journal of Forensic Biomechanics

Dr. John Lloyd is pleased to announce that his latest research on Motorcycle Accident Biomechanics was published in the Journal of Forensic Biomechanics on January 25th, 2016.

Abstract:

Motorcycles are a luxury in the developed world, where they are used mostly for recreation. Whereas in developing countries, motorcycles are required for utilitarian purposes due to lower prices and greater fuel economy. It is estimated that in 2016 there will be more than 134 million motorcycles worldwide, 60-80% of which are in the Asia Pacific and Southern and Eastern Asia regions. In 2011 there were more than 8.2 million registered motorcycles in the United States, representing 3% of all US registered vehicles, with California, Florida and Texas leading the number of motorcycles per state.

In the United States motorcyclists travelled 18.5 billion miles in 2011, which represents only 0.6% of total vehicle miles travelled, yet motorcyclists accounted for 14% (4,612) of traffic fatalities and 4% (81,000) of all occupant injuries ². According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when compared with automobiles, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists’ risk of a fatal crash is 35 times greater than that of a car occupant

In a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle and rider typically become independent, each following their own path to final rest. Consequently, the biomechanical analysis of a motorcycle accident is complex. A biomechanical model to assess rider kinematics associated with motorcycle accidents is presented, which may be important to forensic scientists involved in the analysis of such events. This model can also be applied to other activities, including cycling, equestrian sports, skiing, skating, running, etc.

It is first important to understand the mechanisms by which a rider may be ejected from their motorcycle and how drag factors affect the motorcycle and rider independently. Next we determine rider trajectory, taking into consideration rider anthropometry and posture, results from which are used to derive impact velocity as a function of linear and angular components. A case study is presented, demonstrating how the presented model can be applied to a collision involving a single motorcycle.

Crash Scene Inspection

Analyzing a crash scene may be somewhat complex, but can be critical to understanding the nature of the collision. Some of the questions I, as an experienced motorcyclist, consider when performing a crash scene inspection include: What was the general condition of the roadway at the time of the crash? Are there any hazards, such as potholes, gouges, debris, uneven lanes, tar snakes, cattle grids, etc., that could have affected the stability of a motorcycle? Did the topography of the roadway cause or contribute to the collision? Did fluid residue on the road surface affect braking efficiency? Were there any unexpected hazards, such as a hidden driveway? Did roadway design play a factor, such as traffic signals on a curve or below the crest of a hill? Many of these questions, and more, are best addressed through an in-person crash scene inspection.

motorcycle road hazard - gouges — tar snakes

Coefficient of Friction, or drag factor, of the roadway at the scene of the crash is an important measurement, but one that is rarely completed by law enforcement traffic investigators. Fluids, such as engine and transmission oils from poorly maintained vehicles, often accumulate at or near intersections, especially those with traffic signals.
This residue can reduce motorcycle braking efficiency by 50 percent, or more, especially when wet. The Drag Factor can be easily measured using a simple, but effective tool, known as a Braker Box.

Dr. Lloyd, has obtained his FAA part 109 unmanned aircraft systems pilot license. As part of his crash scene inspection he will fly a drone to capture aerial images and videos at the crash scene. Sometimes, if the crash scene is in the vicinity of an airport, special authorization may be required from the FAA.

By flying a grid mission, as illustrated below, an array of aerial images are captured. A ‘point cloud’ is created using specialized photogrammetry software, to produce a high resolution 3D model of the crash scene.

Please call Dr. Lloyd at 813-624-8986 or email DrJohnLloyd@Tampabay.RR.com to discuss how he can be of help to you with your case.

Dr. John Lloyd | Motorcycle Crash, Biomechanics, Human Factors Expert

813-624-8986 | John@DrBiomechanics.com