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“Black Box” Data & So Much More

May 23, 2022 in News & Events

Vehicle Data Beyond the “Black Box”

Although Event Data Recorders (EDR), commonly referred to as “black box” data, provide our experts with a wealth of information for passenger and commercial vehicles, that’s not the only source for critical information.   Today’s automobiles are constantly producing, downloading, and recording data outside of the EDR that tell investigators a fact-based story.

Vehicle Thefts & Mechanical Failures

Alarm Systems, Transponders, and Keys

Our mechanical experts and forensic locksmiths investigate vehicle thefts by conducting a physical inspection and analyzing data available within the vehicle and within its keys.   Data is being sent to and from the different systems – engine immobilizer, alarm system, transponder, and keys – with the purpose of proper operation of a vehicle.  When one of the critical elements is missing, the vehicle will not operate.  Our experts are able to investigate each of these systems to identify red flags.  This along with the physical inspection can uncover red-flags and possible motive.

Infotainment & Telematics Systems

Today’s vehicles can be extensions of the operator’s phone, downloading and recording data throughout operation of the vehicle.  By accessing the infotainment data, our experts can determine if a phone was tethered to the vehicle at the time of a theft, navigational data points during the time frame of the incident, and communications that occurred during that time.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC), Fault Codes, and Freeze Frame Data can provide our experts with information about the mechanical condition of the vehicle within a timeframe.  With the interpretation of the codes along with odometer reading markers, the mechanical engineer can determine whether the condition was long term; and if and when the operator was notified of the condition.

For more information, you may visit our Automotive SIU Evaluations page or contact an expert.

Vehicle Accident Reconstruction

“Black Box” or EDR Data

Nearly all Airbag Control Modules (ACMs) are equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDRs) or “Black Boxes.”  Beginning on or after September 1, 2012, each manufacturer with a motor vehicle equipped with an EDR was required to provide a tool commercially available to image event data.   Important information such as speed, acceleration, braking, steering angle, occupancy, and seat belt use can be recorded and analyzed to reconstruct the accident.

New Developments in EDR Recording

As technology develops within the automotive industry, the quantity and quality of the data available develops as well. Collision mitigation data, or front crash prevention systems, use cameras, radar, or other sensors to monitor the roadway ahead.  Some include forward collision warning systems to alert the driver of a hazard ahead.  Other vehicles systems go a step further and are equipped with Automatic (or Autonomous) Emergency Braking (AEB).  This information is beginning to be recorded within some EDRs.  This information is not typically accessible with the standard retrieval tool; however, our experts have access to advanced tools that can image this critical data.

Not only is the EDR or “black box” able to record data associated with that vehicle, but some newer vehicles are beginning to record objects outside of the vehicle.  Some will provide whether an object was present alerting the AEB system, what type of object i.e. car, and whether that object was moving or stationary.

For more information, you may visit our Accident Reconstruction Services page or contact an expert.

Employee Spotlight – San Antonio, TX Engineer

May 31, 2022 in News & Events

“Black Box” Data & So Much More

May 23, 2022 in News & Events

Aircraft Tire Failure

April 25, 2022 in Featured Projects, News & Events

Mr. Robertson, P.E. Joins Our Team of Experts – Raleigh, NC

February 2, 2022 in News & Events

2022 A.M. Best Expert Service Provider

January 20, 2022 in Awards

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Very easy to submit claim to US Forensics for them to start a case. Very quick response time with acceptance of case and updates on the case. Very detailed report that is easy to read and understand. Very pleased with experience."

"Always a pleasure to work with your knowledgeable staff and engineers."

"Very thorough, efficient and timely. Great communication throughout process."

"From submitting the claim through receiving results, I'm 100% satisfied, and will definitely be keeping US Forensic on speed-dial for any new claims in LA. Thank you so much!"

"I recently called Michelle Hughes for some help...Because of system issues US Forensic is unable to provide the engineers contact info with their [automated] email however, Michelle, quickly figured out a solution. I love working with Michelle, she really is the best rep I've personally ever dealt with! Thank you Michelle and to US Forensic staff! You guys really do make our jobs easier!"

"Kevin Brown conducted a mechanical engineering analysis for us...Kevin, however, was very skilled, knowing what to look for and what questions to ask. He let the evidence tell the true story. I learned so much watching him and learning from him. I was also impressed as to how fast our referral was accepted, assigned and conducted--all within two days! I am very grateful for Kevin and US Forensics. This was money very well spent."

"Mike Deharde was extremely knowledgeable and very thorough, his report was very detailed and helpful to overall resolution of the claim. I would love to work with him again."

"Friendly, knowledgeable and thorough staff. I always appreciate your assistance no matter the type of claim."

"Very satisfied with the services provided by US Forensic. Quick turnaround time, knowledgeable engineers, professional reports and easy to understand conclusions. Highly recommend them for any insurance related investigations!"

“I used them many times around the country for mechanical failure and fire O&C claims. They are very detailed and professional with their inspections and write a very solid easy to follow report.”

“Professional engineers that provide great, quality services. Michelle Hughes has done continuing education for our company... I’d definitely recommend US Forensic.”

“Prompt and courteous as always.”

“Great company to work with, the engineers are very well trained and knowledgeable in their prospective fields…I am always pleased with the service I receive on the assignments given to your organization.”

“USF is an absolute fantastic place to work with a great environment and culture!”

“The response is always very prompt with initial results reported promptly so we can take appropriate action.”

“This company is great. I would highly recommend them. I dealt with Rob and his customer service and attention to detail is superb.”

Employment Opportunities

U.S. Forensic: Family-Like Culture & High Quality Results

On October 23rd, The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate published an article highlighting the U.S. Forensic organization and why it was … Read More

Career Opportunity in Sales and Marketing

Sales and Marketing Associate About the job U.S. Forensic, a national forensic engineering firm, is seeking a Sales & Marketing Associate. The … Read More

Engineering Opportunities in Chicago

Hiring Civil & Structural Engineers U.S. Forensic is hiring civil and structural engineers in the Chicago area to perform forensic evaluations.  … Read More

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