NCJ Number
214154
Date Published
2006
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This chapter guides investigators of traffic deaths in corroborating autopsy findings with roadside evidence.
Abstract
In order to correlate autopsy findings with vehicular and roadside evidence, the investigating police officer should attend the autopsy, and it would be helpful for the pathologist to accompany the officer to observe the crash scene and the involved vehicles. Documentation of observations of the crash scene and the conditions of vehicles are essential for understanding the injuries documented in an autopsy. Even with comprehensive crash-scene and vehicle information, it is usually impossible to attribute a causative mechanism to every injury found in the autopsy, given the complex dynamics of the forces, both blunt and sharp that may impact the body in a crash. Although explanations may not be possible for every injury found in an autopsy, the pathologist should make every effort to document each injury. This requires that incisions be made in the body in areas known to be usually traumatized in certain types of accidents, even when there is no observable external signs of injury. This chapter discusses the types of injuries likely to occur in pedestrian, vehicle, and motorcycle accidents and describes how they can be documented through autopsy procedures. Various circumstances discussed are a car fire, whether a crash is an accident or suicide, sudden natural death while driving, perception and reaction time, and alcohol involvement. 1 table, extensive graphic and photographic exhibits, and 25 references