Pedestrian Accident Reconstruction and Litigation, Second Edition

Jerry J. Eubanks (ACTAR #40) and Paul F. Hill, Esq.

Detailed table of contents
 
Contributing Authors: Roman F. Beck, David A. Casteel, Russell N. Malmsbury,
Gregory A. Schmunk, M.D., Stephen S. Solomon, O.D.
 
Acknowledgements
Introduction
 
Part I: Pedestrian Accident Reconstruction
Chapter 1: Pedestrian/Vehicle Interaction: General Considerations
1.1 The Problem
1.2 Complexity
1.3 The Elements of Pedestrian/Vehicle Interaction
1.4 Some Statistics and Demographic Aspects
1.5 International Aspects
1.6 Freeways
1.7 GESAC
1.8 Conclusion
1.9 Statistical Appendix
 
Chapter 2: Physics and Math Refresher
2.1 Basic Terms
2.2 The Laws of Motion
2.3 Application to Pedestrians
2.4 Math Review
     A. Trigonometry
     B. The Quadratic Equation
2.5 Applications‹Sample Problems
     A. Time for pedestrian to cross roadway
     B. Projectile to the ground over a known distance
     C. Example: Safe speed for a driver to travel at night
 
Chapter 3: Determination of Pedestrian and Vehicle Speeds
3.1 The Herms/San Diego Study
3.2 Recent Research
     A. Methodology
     B. Results
     C. Review of Other Studies
3.3 What is a "Safe speed" for Vehicles?
3.4 Safe Speeds and Stopping Distances
 
Chapter 4: Pedestrian Collision Investigation and Video Tape Documentation
4.1 Basic Considerations
4.2 The Importance of Vehicle Size and Shape-Bumper Lead Angles
4.3 Collision Sequence Overview
4.4 Typical Pedestrian Trajectories
     A. Wrap Trajectory
     B. Forward Projection
     C. Fender Vault
     D. Roof Vault
     E. Somersault
     F. Partial or Restricted Fender Vault
     G. Non-frontal impacts
     H. Post-Impact Movements of the Pedestrian
4.5 Evidence Left by Collisions
     A. Evidence found on the vehicle
     B. Evidence on the pedestrian's body
     C. Evidence on the roadway
4.6 Pedestrian Center-of-Mass versus Vehicle Leading
Edge Height
4.7 Effects of Pedestrian's Pre-Impact Direction
     A. Pedestrian moving at impact other than directly toward
or away from vehicle at impact
    B. Stationary pedestrian or pedestrian moving directly at
or away from vehicle at impact
 
Chapter 5: Pedestrian Accident Analysis: Equations
5.1 Techniques for Calculating Vehicle Impact Velocity--Other
Researchers' Equations
5.2 The Eubanks Research--The Early Equations
5.3 Recent Developments
     A. Analysis of travel on the vehicle
     B. Analysis of travel in the air
     C. Analysis of travel on the ground
     D. Analysis of total travel distance
     E. Impact correction factor
5.4 Applications and Limitations--Analysis of a Wrap Trajectory
5.5 Conclusion
 
Chapter 6: Photography in Pedestrian Accident Investigation and Reconstruction
Russell N. Malmsbury
6.1 Importance of Photography
6.2 Photographic Perception
6.3 The Camera and Lens
6.4 Photographic Films
6.5 Photographic Filters
6.6 Accessories
6.7 Photography and the Accident Investigator/Reconstructionist
     A. Scene documentation
     B. Vehicle documentation
     C. Reconstruction of witness/driver statements
     D. Aerial photography
     E. Presentation of photographic evidence
6.8 Pedestrian-Specific Accidents
6.9 Photography Terms--A Glossary
 
Chapter 7: The Eye and Visual Process
Dr. Stephen S. Solomon
7.1 Anatomy of the Eyes
7.2 Visual Perception
 
Chapter 8: Human Factors
8.1 Perception and Memory
8.2 Perception and Reaction
8.3 Response Time
8.4 Alcohol
8.5 Expectancy
8.6 Night and visibility
     A. The nighttime accident record and some reasons for it
     B. Contrast
     C. Causal Factors      
     D. Nighttime clothing
8.7 Speed and Distance Judgment
     A. Speed estimates
     B. Image size in photographic evidence
8.8 Age
     A. Children
     B. The Elderly
8.9 Conclusions
 
Chapter 9: Vehicle, Roadway and Other Factors
9.1 Vehicle Factors
     A. "A" pillar blockages
     B. Headlights
     C. Tinted windshields
9.2 Roadway factors
     A. Crosswalks
     B. Intersection and roadway design
     C. Signals
     D. Turning Vehicles
9.3 Pedestrian Crossing Behavior
     A. Basic patterns
     B. Delay/startup times
     C. Evasive maneuvers
     D. Gap acceptance
     E. Head movements
     F. Running across the road
9.4 Other Factors
     A. Driver behavior and response
     B. School zones
     C. Pedestrian legislation
     D. Pedestrian safety measures
     E. Pedestrian safety--attitudes
 
Chapter 10: Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities
Gregory A. Schmunk, M.D.
10.1 Population at Risk
10.2 Mechanisms of Pedestrian Injury
10.3 Potential Questions
10.4 Documentation of Pedestrian Fatalities
10.5 The Autopsy Examination
10.6 Pedestrian Injuries
10.7 Injuries to Specific Areas
10.8 Run-Over Injuries
10.9 The Cause and Manner of Death
 
Chapter 11: Vehicle Documentation Protocol for Motor Vehicles involved in Pedestrians Traffic Collisions
David A. Casteel and Roman F. Beck
11.1 At-Scene Investigation
11.2 Follow-up Investigation
 
Chapter 12: Pedestrian Throw Distance and Sliding Friction Rates
12.1 Pedestrian Movement before and after Impact
12.2 Throw Distance versus Impact Speed--Crash Test Data
12.3 Pedestrian Friction Values
 
Chapter 13: Work Book and Video Tape
13.1 Pedestrian Collision Problems
13.2 Answers
 
Chapter 14: Crash Test Documentation
 
Chapter 15: Pedestrian Collision Computer Programs
 
PART II: Pedestrian Accident Litigation
Chapter 16: Introduction to Part II
16.1 Purpose and Suggested Use
16.2 The Role of Statutory Law
 
Chapter 17: Driver and Pedestrian Lookout
17.1 Definition and Background
17.2 Driver Lookout
17.3 Pedestrian Lookout
 
Chapter 18: Pedestrian in Crosswalk
18.1 Statutory Background and Commentary
18.2 Cases
 
Chapter 19: Pedestrian Not in Crosswalk
19.1 Statutory Background and Commentary
19.2 Cases
 
Chapter 20: Pedestrian Standing or Walking on or along Street or Highway
20.1 Statutory Background and Commentary
20.2 Walking on or Along Road
20.3 Standing, Kneeling, or Lying on Road Exiting Vehicle from Driver's Side
 
Chapter 21: Pedestrians Lawfully Working on Streets or Highways
21.1 Statutory Background and Commentary
21.2 Cases
 
Chapter 22: Vehicles Backing
22.1 Statutory Background and Commentary
22.2 Cases
 
Chapter 23: Pedestrians at Disabled Vehicle or Accident Scene
23.1 Introduction
23.2 Cases
 
Chapter 24: Child, Aged, Infirm and Blind Pedestrians
24.1 Statutory Background and Introduction
24.2 Cases Involving Children
24.3 Cases Involving the Aged, Infirm or Blind
24.4 Mentally Impaired Pedestrians
 
Chapter 25: Secondary Collisions and Other Remote Causes
 
Chapter 26: Other Driver Duties   
26.1 Projecting Mirrors and Loads
26.2 Driver Motions Pedestrian to Proceed
26.3 Reasonable and Prudent Speed-the "Basic Speed Rule"
26.4 Sounding the Horn
 
Chapter 27: State, City or School District Liability
27.1 Introduction
27.2 Signals, Signs, Lighting
27.3 Sidewalks or Crosswalks or Lack Thereof
27.4 Shoulders or Lack Thereof
27.5 Parking, Including Failure to Enforce Laws
27.6 Bridges
27.7 School Bus or School Premises
27.8 Design and Maintenance
27.9 Accidents Involving the Police
27.10 Other
 
Chapter 28: Liability of Private Landowners
 
Chapter 29: Product Liability Claims
 
Chapter 30: Alcohol- or Drug-Impaired Drivers and Pedestrians
30.1 Introduction
30.2 Driver Intoxication
30.3 Pedestrian Intoxication
 
Chapter 31: Dram Shop Cases
31.1 Introduction
31.2 Dram Shop Cases
 
Chapter 32: Liability of Vehicle Seller and Use without Permission
 
Chapter 33: Insurance Considerations
33.1 Introduction
33.2 Who is a Pedestrian?
33.3 Physical Contact Requirement in Uninsured Coverage: "Through Being Struck By" Construed
33.4 Miscellaneous Insurance Cases
 
Appendix
Bibliography
Table of Cases
About the Authors
Index
 
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