Knott Laboratory provides forensic engineering and animation, Civil & Structural, and Fire & Explosion Investigation services to reconstruct accidents.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
The motion of a commercial motor vehicle can be affected by a number of issues.
Reconstruction of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle, or tractor-trailer, can quickly become a very complex matter. The motion of a commercial motor vehicle can be affected by a number of issues including vehicular geometry, cargo loading, high cross winds, and the condition of the brakes and tires. The pure size and weight of the vehicles will limit braking capabilities and maneuverability in an emergency situation.
The height of commercial motor vehicles often leads to situations of semi truck underride in which the front of a passenger vehicle passes underneath the rear or side of a trailer. As the car continues, impact occurs between the bottom of the trailer and the passenger compartment of the car. Due to the geometry of the collision, accidents involving semi truck underride are often fatal.
Publications List
An Overview of Heavy Trucks/Buses Braking Performance
Forensic Engineering Use of Computer Animation and Graphics
A Method for Determining and Presenting Driver Visibility in Commercial Vehicles
Wind Effects on Dynamic Stability of Tractor Trailers in Winter Conditions
Danger! Falling Cargo, The Importance of Proper and Safe Securement of Your Load
Forensic Engineering Analysis of Trucking Accidents and Regulations
The Nuts and Bolts of Cargo Loading and Securement Cases
Experts in the Field
View Samples of our Work
What others have to say about our work
T.B., Attorney, Massachusetts
[Richard,].. Your assistance in the case has been invaluable. I am very pleased that you were able to rebut the findings of the two State Police officers and the defendants expert. No one else was sharp enough to focus on the oil spill in the photos and it was gone when the State Trooper did his final report.T.B., Attorney, Massachusetts
T.W., Attorney, Illinois
I wanted to personally thank you for all of your hard work and dedication in helping to get the case successfully resolved. If not for your hard work, your expert opinions and your keen analysis on this case, we would never have been able to settle it for the amount and/or in the time frame in which we did. It was truly a team victory.T.W., Attorney, Illinois
S.G., Attorney, Missouri
The work you did on the case was outstanding. Prior to going to the mediation, we sent your animation of what occurred to the defendants. I truly believe that your animation allowed the defense to see exactly what happened which, in turn, allowed them to appreciate their liability. Regardless, I think your work was outstanding and want to thank you.S.G., Attorney, Missouri
D.W., Attorney, California
I want to express our continued admiration for the quality of Knott Lab’s work both in accident reconstruction & in the preparation of demonstrative evidence. On the basis of your deposition testimony & the animation of the accident, the defense admitted the negligence of their employee, that it was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.D.W., Attorney, California
Anonymous
I am a Community Association Manager and have had a few opportunities to work with Knott Labs and each time I could not be more impressed. They are very professional and down to earth, they really take into account their client and want to do what is best for them. When I need an engineer Knott (Cade) is always the first call I make!Anonymous