Case overview

The circumstances of a fatal rollover accident involving a utility vehicle based on a golf cart were investigated to determine the role played by both the design of the vehicle and by the operator. Our investigation used vehicle simulation and instrumented testing in conjunction with photogrammetric analysis of tire marks at the accident scene to establish the parameters under which the rollover occurred. We determined that rollover could only occur under the operator misuse trifecta of high speed, very high rate of steering, and extreme steer magnitude. When given the opportunity to present our conclusions at trial, the jury concurred, exonerating the vehicle manufacturer.