By: Kristopher J. Seluga, PE
Tel: (203) 329-9909
Email: Technology Associates
Heavy trucks, whether tractor-trailers, construction vehicles or garbage haulers, are involved in many serious traffic accidents due to their large weight, high centers of gravity, decreased visibility, poor handling and reduced braking efficiency. In addition, articulated tractor-trailers are subject to additional problems such as jack-knife and trailer sway instabilities. Truck tires and brakes also behave differently from those of passenger cars and require special consideration. Other truck issues that are frequently encountered include driver fatigue and clearance problems when driving through underpasses.
Expertise | Questions Answered |
| We have extensive experience in most aspects of truck accident investigation and reconstruction including: |
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| Through scientific analysis, we can help you answer pertinent questions such as: |
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Decapitation from Improper Cargo Stowage:
A car passenger was killed when the cargo of an oncoming tractor-trailer struck an underpass and separated from the trailer. We successfully demonstrated that the accident was not caused by an improper stowage design, but rather that the shipper failed to properly stow the cargo by not fully folding the structure before departing. This failure caused the cargo to strike the underpass, dislodging the snow plow-sized component that struck the passenger car, decapitating a passenger.
Dump Truck Loading:
A dump truck driver was sitting in the cab as his truck was being loaded with earth material when he was allegedly thrown into the roof by the force of the load landing in the dump body. The plaintiff claimed that this impact caused him spinal injures. We demonstrated, with a combination of truck and biomechanical modeling and testing, that even a full payloader bucket would not have caused a large enough truck vibration to have caused the driver to strike his head on the cab ceiling.
Kristopher J. Seluga, PE, is a Mechanical Engineering, Accident Reconstruction, Biomechanics, and Safety Expert with over 20 years of experience. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Mechanical Engineering department at MIT where he worked on the development of novel three-dimensional printing technologies. Mr. Seluga is also a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and Connecticut, and has served as a member of the ANSI engineering committee for the Z130.1 and Z135 standards for golf cars and PTV's. His research interests and peer reviewed publications span the topics of Motor Vehicle Dynamics, Product Safety, and Biomechanics.
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7/22/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Whiplash
A car is stopped for a light when it is unexpectedly rear-ended causing little or no damage to either vehicle. Nevertheless, the passengers of the struck vehicle complain of neck, shoulder and back pain. Insurance claim representatives, attorneys, medical, engineering and biomedical experts are then brought in and various conflicting allegations, testimony and opinions are expressed.
12/10/2014· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Clues: Fishing and Boating Accidents
Fishing and boating accidents result in thousands of injuries each year. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 3331 injuries and 709 fatalities due to boating accidents on both recreational and commercial vessels. There are many causes for these accidents, including collisions with objects or other vessels, drowning, electrical and mechanical failures, interaction with unguarded machinery, and others. There are various acts and laws that govern accidents at sea. This issue of Forensic Clues will examine some of the preventable accidents caused by defective machinery and equipment that occur at sea, and a brief overview of the laws and regulations affecting product liability litigation related to maritime accidents.
5/7/2015· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Clues: Climbing Accidents
Rock and ice climbing have become increasingly popular in recent years. Climbing is now a popular form of exercise and adventure, and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately the greater numbers involved in the sport has led to greater number of accidents. Climbing gyms have brought climbing to areas without outdoor rock resources. These indoor gyms use artificial holds to simulate rock walls. Indoor climbing gyms typically have climbs ranging from twenty feet to fifty feet, or more. Bouldering areas are shorter in height, with adequate padding to protect climbers from falls without the need for ropes.
