Welcome to CollisionInvestigator.com, the on-line home of TAI (Traffic Accident Investigation) Associates, located on the San Francisco Peninsula and serving clients throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
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	California Private Investigator's License #10146 Member of the California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists (CA2RS)
"If the truth about your accident will help, we are here to help."

TAI Associates is a professional traffic accident investigation and collision reconstruction company offering the following services:

Initial Case Consultation & Preliminary Analysis
Preliminary verbal consultation via telephone to determine the status of your case and services required (no fee). A preliminary and confidential review, analysis and interpretation of collision reports and/or reconstructions prepared by others. A comprehensive and confidential examination, consultation and interpretation of any and all collision-related documents, photos, videos and other information provided by others for review by one of our professional associates. CDR (Crash Data Retrieval) from integrated "Black Box" Sensor Data Module (SDM) in many newer GM and Ford models.*
* Contact us with the vehicle year, make/model and VIN number to inquire about SDM support and compatibility. All 1990 and newer, General Motors vehicles manufactured with air bags and over 85% of the GM vehicles produced since 1996 are equipped with SDM "black box" technology. Most new model Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Oldsmobile and Pontiac vehicles are supported as well as some Saturn and Isuzu models.
Independent Investigation, Reconstruction & Detailed Analysis
Complete traffic accident reconstruction and analysis. Independent scene investigation, including relevant scene measurements, diagrams, photos, video, and other documentation as needed to supplement or counter existing accident reports, if any. Thorough examination/analysis of roadway surfaces, independent determination of coefficient of friction, examination of skid (and other tire and/or vehicle) marks and scene characteristics/environment. A detailed vehicle examination including; mechanical inspection (if needed), examination, documentation and analysis of relevant damage to all involved vehicles, if available. Detailed analysis of collision dynamics and reaction time/speed-distance based upon available physical evidence and documented collision reconstruction information. Medical report review and evaluation of injuries pursuant to a comprehensive analysis of occupant kinematics, magnitude of forces (with equivalent G-force ratings) and the likelihood of injury in a particular collision, if required. A complete report including all supporting mathematics formulae.	Copyright © 2003-2007, TAI Associates. All Rights Reserved.
2.   Expert testimony, if required, in Civil and Criminal Court and/or Depositions.     3.   Graphic computer simulations, 2D and 3D animations or scale models based upon crash data collected by our Associates or others.

Pictured above right is an example of "crush" measurements taken on a vehicle that was rear-ended while stopped for traffic at a red light. These measurements were used in conjunction with published stiffness coefficients extrapolated from government crash testing to show the closing speed was 26-28 MPH. Combined with fresh "skid" marks documented at the scene, it was proven the other driver was travelling in excess of 44 MPH (in a posted 25 MPH zone), before initial braking. Witness statements revealed the driver was driving inattentively (talking on a cellular telephone) when the collision occurred. Although the driver refused to acknowledge culpability and adamantly denied both speeding and using the cellular phone while driving, subpoenaed phone records and irrefutable physical evidence proved she was lying.

What is "Traffic Accident Reconstruction"?
Traffic accident reconstruction is the investigative science used to recreate the dynamics of a collision in an attempt to determine the primary and associated causes. A complete reconstruction requires a thorough investigation and analysis of all relevant evidence, statements of the parties and witnesses, and documentation of all aspects of the collision and resulting damage and injuries.

The reconstruction specialist will need to review any available information and documentation, including; police traffic accident reports and diagrams, statements by the parties/witnesses, reports by claims adjusters, vehicle damage reports by police and auto body shops, medical reports describing injuries, any available photos or video recordings of the collision scene, vehicle damage and occupant injuries and any other relevant documentation or other information regarding the collision.

Usually, unless there are significant time constraints, the reconstruction specialist will visit the accident scene and examine the involved vehicle(s), if available, to do a detailed forensic analysis of the environment and resulting collision damage. This is where the reconstruction specialist must be a good investigator; Collecting good forensic information from the site of the collision as well as vehicle damage and components requires experience in the skills of identifying, collecting and preserving evidence.

Once their analysis has been completed, the reconstruction specialist attempts to position the parties and determine their speeds prior to, at, and after the impact to better understand the dynamics of the collision to determine the causal factors. Once that is completed, the reconstruction specialist can form an opinion as to the primary and associated causes of the accident and testify in court as an expert witness.

Copyright © 2003-2007 TAI Associates. All Rights Reserved.

Who are Reconstruction Specialists and how are they trained? Reconstruction specialists are generally engineers, physicists, or specially trained law enforcement officers. Engineers and physicists are educated in the laws of physics, and therefore, are considered experts on objects in motion and the forces acting upon those objects. Most all law enforcement (patrol) officers are trained in the basic investigation of traffic accidents. Some specialized law enforcement investigators receive advanced training in accident reconstruction, as well as, physics as it applies to traffic collision investigations. Although it is generally true that engineers and physicists have a stronger background in physics, specially trained and seasoned law enforcement investigators generally have the stronger background in the identification, collection, and documentation of forensic evidence, as well as, courtroom testimony. It is also worth noting that while most reconstruction specialists may provide general collision reconstruction services, a few have specialized training and investigative experience in collision and reconstruction sub-specialties such as; Auto-Ped (car vs. pedestrian), bicycle, motorcycle, bus, big rig (and heavy commercial vehicle), train, streetcar/trolley, crush analysis, occupant kinematics and "low-speed" impacts. Often, if you are seeking a well qualified sub-specialist, you can obtain a referral from a general reconstructionist or one of many professional organizations, such as CA2RS (California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists), the ARC Network or SOAR (the Society of Accident Reconstructionists). Pictured left is an example of a simple graphic diagram of a collision, overlaid with the centers of mass, primary directions of force (PDOF, in cyan) and the independent kinematic vectors for both drivers. Diagrams like these are used to calculate closing speeds as well as impulse forces on occupants and can ultimately determine not only the cause of a collision, but aid in a determination of fault.

Why use a Reconstruction Specialist?
Attorneys must thoroughly understand the law and the procedures of a civil suit or criminal trial. However, most attorneys do not have the expert knowledge and training required to properly document and explain the causal factors of a traffic accident. Therefore, attorneys generally rely upon experts to assist them with their more complex cases. A good attorney knows when to call in an technical expert in order to help their case. A reconstruction specialist can evaluate and assist in the preparation and presentation of a technically involved case, as well as, testify as an expert in court or at a deposition. Sometimes it is also prudent to have an expert review the police and insurance reports to simply ensure all procedures were followed and documented properly.

In some cases, reconstruction specialists are hired by insurance companies to review police reports and verify that their determination of cause and fault are correct. Please keep in mind that although the police may be well intentioned, most patrol officers are inadequately trained to investigate a complex collision. In most cases, the police won't even take an initial report if no one is transported from the scene in an ambulance. This means a significant number of serious collisions are not documented properly at the time they occur and frequently, those that are investigated are poorly done, at best. The unfortunate truth is, fewer than 1% of the police officers on the street have adequate training in all but the most basic collision investigations, often overlooking or disregarding critical physical evidence and statements at the scene. Without "advanced" training in accident investigation and collision reconstruction, quite often their determinations of fault are based upon assumptions, guesses or misinformation.

Regardless of whether it was a low-speed or high-speed collision, if you or your client have been found "at fault" in a collision and you do not feel the police or insurance reports were correct, generally the only way to obtain vindication is to have a comprehensive reconstruction completed to prove what really transpired. Also, there are often associated factors that may mitigate liability. If you don't know where to turn for answers, call or e-mail us and we can review the merits of your case for free.

When you want the Truth, turn to Science.. An ethical and professional reconstruction specialist is generally paid by you, independently, by your insurance company or through an attorney. But, in order to maintain their credibility, these investigators must use scientific methods and exclusively labor to expose the honest truth. Manufacturing or slanting data in order to falsely portray a particular theory as being factual, probable or likely, in order to create doubt or misrepresent the truth is not what you are paying for. You are not paying for the results you want, but for an independent and scientific investigation documenting the facts to reliably prove what transpired in a particular accident. Collision Reconstruction is a true science and while some data may be open for limited interpretation, it should be the goal of every proficient reconstruction specialist to portray the facts candidly and truthfully in a comprehensive and cohesive case presentation, regardless of who is "footing the bill." In accordance with applicable criminal laws and the by-laws of the California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists (CA2RS), we are prohibited from committing perjury, deliberately concealing or destroying evidence, willfully and wantonly misusing accident reconstruction equations or intentionally misstating the laws of physics for the purpose of manipulating the facts or perception of the facts of any case.
Pictured above right is a reduced example of a real broadside collision scene diagram, without the roadway overlay. This basic diagram shows the vehicles at maximum engagement and at their final points-of-rest (POR). Because this was not a "fatal" collision, only a rudimentary on-scene investigation was completed by the police officers. As a result, V-2 (Lincoln, in blue) was incorrectly put "at fault" in the police report. The departure angles and relative weight of the vehicles should have tipped off the patrol officer to the fact that V-1 (Acura, in red) was travelling at a speed significantly higher than that of V-2 and was not even in the field of view of the driver when V-2 proceeded lawfully. V-1 was later proven to have been primarily at fault in this collision, based upon evidence uncovered in the independent investigation and professional collision reconstruction.

Copyright © 2003-2007, TAI Associates,. All Rights Reserved.

Are Reconstruction Specialists expensive? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Collision reconstruction can be expensive if the case requires many hours of thorough documentation, critical evaluation and careful analysis. However, most reconstructions only require the expert to inspect, evaluate, analyze, and document "typical" collisions. "Typical" collision reconstructions generally take from 10-15 hours to complete. Ask the reconstruction specialist for the hourly rate they charge so that you can compare rates. Keep in mind that some reconstruction specialists are more qualified and/or are in greater demand, and therefore, charge more for their services. We have tried to keep our prices competitive, but realistic. Pictured left is an example of an exemplar vehicle being "faded" into an image of the actual damage to a case study vehicle. Graphics such as these give jurors a better perspective and understanding of the damage involved in a collision, as opposed to a static photo or even a video tape of the damaged vehicle alone. PLEASE NOTE: This (1.66mb) image has been significantly reduced and degraded in order to save Internet bandwidth and enhance download time. The original (2 gb) image runs for the same amount of time (approx. 10 seconds), but is full-screen and high-definition.. it could take over 4 hours to download the original file over a standard broadband connection. .

Sample 3D Collision Reconstruction Simulation [Full-speed/real time; 658K file] [1/10th speed/slow-motion; 1,418K file] These sample 3D simulations are an overhead view of an intersection collision involving a school bus and an 18 wheel truck-tractor combination (actual photo of bus pictured right). Based upon the reconstruction of this collision, it was determined the 18-wheeler was approaching the intersection at 55 mph, slowed to 53 mph just prior to violating the posted "STOP" sign, then slowed to about 49 mph at impact. The bus was traveling at 46 mph prior to impact and was accelerated to approx. 50 mph at impact. The 9 second "full-speed" version zooms to show both vehicles approaching the intersection, the crash and vehicle trajectories after impact. The 20 second "slow-motion" version is a static view from directly above the intersection.

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 Our Fees:

1. Minimum Retainer: $1000., to be paid in advance for the first 10 hours of work. The balance, less expenses, will be refunded if fewer than 10 hours are needed for your particular case.
2. Consulting Fee: $100. per hour* (as noted above, an initial telephonic discussion of the merits of the case is free-of-charge).
3. Reconstruction/Analysis: $100. per hour (10 hour minimum), plus expenses**.
4. Deposition: $125. per hour, plus expenses**.
5. Court: $1000. per day, minimum, plus expenses**.
6. CDR (Crash Data Retrieval): In most cases the cost is $360. for removal and data download, plus expenses**.
7. Reconstruction Simulation/Animation or Scale Models for Court Presentation: Please request quote, if needed.
   

Billing Policies:

1. Travel time will be billed at a negotiated hourly rate (usually $65. per hour) on a "time to and from only" basis. (for example, if it requires 1 ½ hours to make a round trip to a court appearance or crash scene or a meeting or deposition, then the travel portion of the billing would be for 1 ½ hours at the negotiated travel rate).
2. Transportation, lodging, travel, and miscellaneous expenses billed at actual cost.
3. Mileage will be billed at the rate of 40 cents per mile, round-trip.
4. Hourly rates are billed on the quarter hour (15 minute increments) and will be invoiced at the end of each week or when the total of hours and expenses reaches or exceeds $1000. total.  All bills must be paid within 5 full workdays of physical receipt.
5. Advanced Fees and Retainers must be paid prior to the commencement of any casework.

Please Note: The listed billing schedules and policies are for use under normal conditions. Fees for cases requiring significantly more time and resources may be negotiated. TAI Associates may change fees/rates and billing policies at any time and without notice. However, once a case has been accepted the billing and policies established and agreed upon, they will remain consistent for the duration of the accepted contract, unless both parties agree upon a change in writing.

Ordinary Expenses:

1. Copies of police reports, police photos and other related documentation, unless provided by the client.
2. Comprehensive vehicle statistics and stiffness coefficients derived from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and other accredited and/or industry recognized scientific testing, such as UMTRI, NUTI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
3. The actual scene, injury, exemplar and/or vehicle damage photographs (5" x 7" or 8" x 10" are standard, larger photos or enhanced images may be required for court presentations).
4. Video recordings, two copies of each (in DVD or VHS format).
5. Travel (mileage, coach class via commercial airlines, economy lodging, and rental vehicles), as needed. ***
6. Special large-scale diagrams (printed on plotters), MS PowerPoint, Flash video re-creations or other graphic media for court presentations, if deemed necessary by the client.
7. Miscellaneous special items required for the investigation/analysis or requested by the client, including exemplars, scale models, audio and/or video taped interviews, transcription services and aerial scene photographs.

NOTE: All outside expenses are billed at the amount of cost to TAI Associates, and, are due and payable when incurred by TAI Associates or may be paid in advance.

*** If more than one person is required at an accident site for documentation purposes, then each person's time/expenses must be reimbursed.

We are located in the San Francisco Bay Area and provide consultation services throughout the Greater SF Bay Area (San Jose to Santa Rosa and Livermore to Pacifica). If you are located outside the Bay Area, we suggest you go to the California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists (CA2RS). Visit them at www.ca2rs.com. You should be able to find a local specialist to assist you through them. Another option is to use the handy directory at the ACTAR (Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction) website. There, you can put in your city and state and search for accredited specialists near you. "If the truth about your accident will help.. we are here to help." Call or e-mail us if you have any questions. Mark@SanBrunoCable.com or (415) 606-1201