Pedestrian / Bicycle / Motorcycle Collisions
Typical vehicle to vehicle collisions typically involve a momentum analysis, and possibly a crush energy analysis. Pedestrian collisions involve equations using the “throw” distance of the pedestrian to analyze the vehicle speed. Damage to the vehicle can also provide an indication of the vehicle speed, as well as the pedestrian speed (i.e. pedestrian running or walking across the vehicle’s path).
Bicycle collisions are often similar to pedestrian collisions. Generally, bicycles are traveling slower than the vehicle that collides with it, such that the collision is analyzed similar to a pedestrian collision.
Motorcycle collisions are analyzed using more traditional accident reconstruction techniques, such as a momentum analysis in many cases. However, motorcycles have a much lower mass than an automobile, so a momentum analysis can be very sensitive to this. Motorcycle braking is also a significant issue, as most motorcycle brakes employ a front hand brake and rear foot brake. Often, the evidence may not clearly indicate the amount of front or rear braking leading up to a collision.
Our engineering experts have extensive experience with pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle collisions, and can provide the answers you’re seeking, with the right evidence.
