Representative Projects

Seatbelt / Airbag Analysis - In this type of case, an engineering analysis is conducted to determine the role of a seatbelt or airbag in causing, preventing, or reducing an injury. These cases may range from a basic intersection accident to a multiple rollover situation. A Seatbelt / Airbag Analysis can be performed in conjunction with an accident reconstruction by Dr. Cummings or another accident reconstructionist.

Slip and Fall Investigations - Investigations of slip and fall accidents are conducted in a number of areas including the cause of the event, the accuracy of event descriptions by the victim and witnesses, the surface conditions, and the potential for the incident to cause injuries.

Falling Objects - Was the force of the impact sufficient to cause the claimed injury? What would have been the effect of a hard hat or other safety device? (If the person was not wearing one)

Materials Failure Analysis - Dr. Cummings' extensive background in materials science allows him to opine on the different types of failure modes and failure causation. Is the failure due to misuse of the tool or caused by poor manufacturing procedures? Examples include medical and dental devices that have failed during usage.

Automobile Component Failure and Defects - These cases begin with an automobile inspection and diagnostics reading. Specific component failures, defects, maintenance errors and/or automobile system problems will then be investigated in detail. The analysis includes research on recalls or consumer complaints. The role of the identified problem in causing the accident/ injuries will also be addressed. An example may be the identification of an anti-lock brake failure and how it causes an accident.

Automotive Inspections and Diagnostics - Dr. Cummings has the ability to conduct detailed inspections of the vehicles involved in the accident in question. These inspections will include crush measurements, analysis of the driver compartment for signs of contact, investigation of the functionality or usage of the restraint systems, and inspection for signs of component failure or defects. These inspections will include photographs and videos (if pertinent), and computer generated accident scene simulations.

Low Speed Impacts - These investigations are done to assess the potential for injury mechanisms during a possible low speed impact. An accident reconstruction is performed by Dr. Cummings to determine the severity level of injury. This is followed by an analysis to investigate the passenger(s) movement during the accident and an injury biomechanics analysis is also done to address the potential for damaging load on the bodies.

Who Was Driving Determination - During high-speed accidents, unrestrained occupants can be shifted inside the vehicle (or may even be ejected). In situations like these, it is not clear who was actually driving. Dr. Cummings will conduct a thorough analysis of who was driving as part of the accident reconstruction by taking scene measurements and reviewing the type of injuries sustained by the ejected occupant(s).

Fall Injuries - Are the injuries consistent with the physics of the fall sequence?