Please visit us at booth 217 to learn more about our experts in Key Analysis, Post-Theft Evaluations, Damage Consistency and Hail & Wind Damage Evaluations.
Key Analysis
Were the keys taken into custody used to operate the vehicle? Was some other method used to bypass the transponder system and ignition?
In terms of wear and origins, U.S. Forensic can determine if a key was used every day, limited use, or never used. Was it a factory original or an after market duplicate? Was the key used as a guide to make a duplicate? Our experts can check the key code against the original manufacturer’s code to determine if a key could mechanically start or open a particular vehicle.
Depending on the striation patterns or marks transferred onto the wafers or tumblers, we can determine if a new or worn key was used to operate the vehicle, or if the ignition was picked.
Auto: Theft, Fire, Damage Consistency, Hail
While we are certainly capable of handling the common damage consistency claims, accident reconstructions and post theft evaluations, we pride ourselves on having experience beyond the average forensic firm.
In addition to the typical fire investigation, our experts examine the mechanical systems of the vehicle and perform a fluid analysis to determine the pre-theft or pre-fire condition of the vehicle. We utilize key analysis, ECM downloads, and our experience in accident reconstruction to piece together the facts of the case.
We also have testified in cases involving manufactured hail damage. Our team can microscopically evaluate damage to determine if it was caused by hail or some other source.
Property: Fire, Hail, Wind, Vandalism
Our structural engineers can provide you with the facts needed to determine if damage to property was due to wind, hail, or a mechanical source. In addition to the quality of the damage, we also evaluate collateral evidence and consider wind direction, wind pressure patterns, and consistency. We can also determine if the damage is congruent with the event details i.e. size of hail, intensity and duration of wind, wind direction, etc.
In addition, our team can evaluate whether or not damage is long-term or sudden. Was it a maintenance issue or was it caused by a storm or vandalism?
