Legal Aspects of Forensic Engineering Practice

Journal Article Title: Legal Aspects of Forensic Engineering Practice
Article Author(s): Lunch, Milton F., Esq.
Volume: 1
Volume #: 1
Month: June
Year: 1984

Abstract:

The development of the National Academy of Forensic Engineering as a new organization is an indication of forensic engineering as a recognized and important branch of engineering practice. Its growth in recent years is the logical result of the tremendous increase in litigation involving the assignment of fault in injury and property cases. This is not a new concern for engineers in private practice; for years they have been exposed to the "litigation explosion," in cases involving damage to physical facilities they designed, or in which they were involved during the construction process, including more and more of the "headline" cases in which construction workmen are injured or killed during the construction process. Likewise, the tremendous increase in product liability cases, with million dollar awards not uncommon, have naturally led to the increased need for engineering expertise to determine what happened, why it happened, and who was at fault.

National Academy of Forensic Engineers - Organization

Journal Article Title: National Academy of Forensic Engineers - Organization
Article Author(s): PRITZKER, PAUL E., P.E.
Volume: 1
Volume #: 1
Month: June
Year: 1984

National Academy of Forensic Engineers - President's Message

Journal Article Title: National Academy of Forensic Engineers - President's Message
Article Author(s): PRITZKER, PAUL E., P.E.
Volume: 1
Volume #: 2
Month: December
Year: 1984

Highway Speed vs. Sideslip (Critical Speed in a Curve)

Journal Article Title: Highway Speed vs. Sideslip (Critical Speed in a Curve)
Article Author(s): MANNING, LINDLEY, P.E., Bentson, Lynn, P.E.
Volume: 1
Volume #: 2
Month: December
Year: 1984

Abstract:

Is there a simple way to calculate vehicle speed based upon curved yaw marks on a road surface? J. Standard Baker, in his book Traffic Accident Investigation Manual, published by the Traffic Institute, Northwestern University, presents such a method. This method is taught by the Traffic Institute to thousands of police officers from all over the country. These people then use the method and abuse the method to bring criminal charges against drivers. Later, others use these calculations in civil actions for damages. The abuses will be addressed later on in this review (see Fig. 6 and 7), but what about the published method itself? What is it, and is it valid?