J.S. Held experts in accident investigations, computer visualization, and accident reconstruction support the State of California in a $94 million suit.
JERICHO, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The state of California retained accident reconstruction experts from J.S. Held to assess a devastating crash involving an autonomous vehicle on a California highway. The vehicle collided with a center median attenuator at 70 miles per hour. The car then spun back into traffic, impacting another vehicle and killing the driver.
The vehicle manufacturer settled with the driver's estate pre-trial, but the estate pursued damages against the state of California and CalTrans, claiming the previously damaged crash attenuator should have been repaired sooner.
J.S. Held experts have reconstructed thousands of accidents involving vehicles of all types, including motorcycles, commercial and industrial equipment, personal transportation equipment (like bicycles and scooters), boats, planes, and trains.
By employing cutting-edge simulation and analytical techniques, the team gathers, analyzes, and interprets physical and digital evidence to deliver an accurate picture of how an accident happened. Engineers and visualization staff work together to create visual products that represent and communicate the findings of investigations and analysis in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.
Based on the outcome of the autonomous vehicle accident investigation, a unique trial demonstrative was created by a team of visualization specialists at J.S. Held. The J.S. Held accident reconstruction expert testified that the driver's inattentiveness, due to playing a video game while behind the wheel, contributed to the accident. The driver avoided a similar accident at the same location previously. The expert testified that even if the attenuator had been repaired, the vehicle would have likely been impacted by the following vehicles, and the outcome would have been similar. J.S. Held's detailed analysis and visualizations, coupled with the expert's testimony, helped acquit CalTrans, saving the state of California $94 million.
J.S. Held's accident reconstruction experts deliver specialized expertise in forensic investigations, evidence collection and preservation, and scientific diagrams and animations. First-party and third-party clients retain the team of consultants, engineers, and PhD scientists to provide expert witness and litigation support, from discovery to decision. Leveraging diverse expert backgrounds in mechanical, civil, and biomechanical engineering, along with human factors analysis and event data retrieval, the firm addresses a wide range of accidents.
J.S. Held's forensic visualization experts specialize in the production of animations, graphics, interactive media, and virtual reality environments that communicate complex concepts in a simple form. Clients, jurors, mediators, and judges can benefit from the clarity of concise, targeted, scientific-based visual products created by the team. J.S. Held experts use industry-leading equipment and proven techniques that have been accepted and adopted by the accident reconstruction and visualization communities over the last two decades.
Visualization experts employ photogrammetry, nighttime visibility studies, video reenactments, photo analysis, video analysis, computer modeling, and simulations to analyze the core issues of a case. These findings and results are represented through graphics, animations, physical models, interactive exhibits, and 3D visualizations to clearly and concisely explain the firm's conclusions.
Beyond accident reconstruction, J.S. Held visualization experts are engaged in matters involving:
- Construction Defects & Delays
- Design, Manufacturing & Product Analysis
- Excessive Force & Shooting Incidents
- Wildfires, Combustion & Explosions
- Medical Malpractice
- Personal Injury & Sports Injury
- Property & Infrastructure Damage / Collapse
J.S. Held experts provide accident reconstruction and visualization training courses for accident reconstruction professionals, accident and crime scene investigators, fire investigators, engineers, and law enforcement officials.
About J.S. Held
J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.
More than 1,500 professionals serve organizations across six continents, including 81% of the Global 200 Law Firms, 70% of the Forbes Top 20 Insurance Companies (85% of the NAIC top 50 Property & Casualty Insurers), and 65% of the Fortune 100 Companies.
J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not certified public accounting firm(s) and do not provide audit, attest, or any other public accounting services. J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not law firms and do not provide legal advice. Securities offered through PM Securities, LLC, d/b/a Phoenix IB, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/ SIPC or Ocean Tomo Investment Group, LLC, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/ SIPC. All rights reserved.
Media Contact
Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held, +1 786 833 4864, [email protected], JSHeld.com
SOURCE J.S. Held
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