Photographic Documentation and Analysis in Vehicle Accident Reconstruction

The use of the camera has become increasingly important in vehicle accident reconstruction work. A number of practical techniques have been developed which go beyond simply documenting what is seen at a particular time. The camera may be used for making measurements, for establishing lines of sight and for analyzing photographs taken by others. This paper briefly reviews photographic methods currently in use in accident reconstruction and presents several techniques which have been developed to expand the use of the camera. Photographs taken from actual accident cases are used to illustrate these new techniques.