Infotainment
Vehicle infotainment and telematics systems contain a vast amount of previously unavailable data, such as which cellphone devices were connected to a vehicle and when, call and missed call logs, contact lists, time- and geo-stamped odometer readings, navigation history, and even when a vehicle’s door was opened or closed. Downloading this data can be extremely beneficial when investigating vehicle accidents, thefts, fraudulent claims, and arson.
Infotainment data can even coincide with Event Data Recorder (EDR) data to determine what happened to the vehicle before the accident. Where EDR records 5 seconds of data, infotainment & telematics systems can record months of data, enabling surveillance before the event.
ARCCA recently investigated a claim of a stolen vehicle involved in a collision where the driver fled from the scene on foot. The vehicle’s EDR detailed the collision event: 91mph at impact at a known odometer reading with one occupant. The infotainment system filled in the gaps –when the event occurred the system recorded an identical odometer reading to the EDR. At that time, a known device, belonging to the insured’s son. was connected to the vehicle. The theft was therefore determined to be falsely claimed.
Event Data Recorders (EDR)
ARCCA has the capability and expertise to retrieve incident specific data from Event Data Recorders (black boxes) in both passenger and commercial vehicles. Event data recorders may contain information regarding a vehicle’s instantaneous change in velocity (delta-V), as well as pre-crash speeds and vehicle behavior. Data retrieved from event data recorders can play a pivotal role in the reconstruction of a motor vehicle accident.
3D Laser Scanning
Three-dimensional laser scanning combines efficient evidence documentation with high accuracy visuals. ARCCA utilizes laser scanners produced by Artec and FARO Technologies that are capable of gathering millions of points in just seconds. The three-dimensional scanners capture imagery and data that are incredibly realistic and accurate and can be used to create three-dimensional point clouds. Three-dimensional scan data can further be used to form the layout and basis of animations.
ARCCA’s highly trained experts can perform three-dimensional laser scanning of any incident scene, vehicle, building, machinery, construction site, staircase, etc. Documenting evidence with laser scans allows for key measurements to be made after the conclusion of an inspection.
Drone Technology
ARCCA’s experts utilize the latest in drone technology to document evidence and capture imagery from the unique perspective that can only be obtained from the sky. Our drones are operated by FAA licensed drone pilots and are capable of capturing aerial photographs and breathtaking 4k stabilized video. ARCCA’s aerial surveys of incident sites and buildings can be used to create three-dimensional photogrammetry models that are dimensionally accurate and visually excellent. Photogrammetric point clouds produced from drone imagery can be combined with laser scan data to aid in accident reconstruction analyses.
ARCCA’s experts utilize aerial photography and video in rapid response evidence capture situations. Aerial imagery is the ideal documentation technique for the preservation of physical evidence such as roadway gouges, tire and yaw marks, and police markings which become more difficult to identify as time passes.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is the science of obtaining information and three-dimensional measurements from two-dimensional photographs. In situations where the vehicles involved in a collision are no longer available for inspection or the physical evidence on the roadway has faded away, photogrammetry can be utilized to determine data needed for a reconstruction analysis. By using one or more photographs in conjunction with scientific photogrammetric techniques, ARCCA’s engineers can determine crush measurements, the length of skid marks, and the location of physical evidence on the roadway from photographs alone.
Photogrammetry is an extremely useful technique, especially in combination with other methods like 3D laser scanning. By combining these techniques, more information can be concluded than using only a single method by itself.
ADAS & Autonomous Vehicles
ARCCA has the specific expertise to handle cases involving advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and all aspects of vehicle autonomy. ARCCA’s experts stay up to date on new vehicle technologies and industry trends and actively conduct research and testing in the field of ADAS and autonomous vehicles.
Animations, Demonstrative Evidence & Medical Illustrations
When accidents occur, we utilize the latest in 3D technology to digitally preserve and visually illustrate the physical evidence obtained at crash sites. And by using black box data, evidence and testimony, we can also simulate and represent vehicle kinematics. We are experienced in a wide variety of accident situations, including accurate depictions of impaired visibility such as fog and low light conditions. We believe that visually demonstrating key factors to a jury in an automotive incident, such as timing, speed, and line of sight, can bring the accident report to life and provide a much clearer and convincing depiction of the incident. Read more about our capabilities in this area here.
Contact ARCCA today.
ARCCA has the experts you need and the experience you can trust. We have seven locations across the nation to better serve our clients: Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Oakland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Tampa. Contact us today at (800) 700-4944 to discuss your project with one of our qualified team members.
