Examples of Our Work

Every case presents unique challenges, and every exhibit we create is purpose-built to communicate important technical issues with clarity, accuracy, and impact.

The examples shown on this page represent a variety of courtroom models, demonstrative aids, physical exhibits, test fixtures, photographs, videos, and visual presentations developed to support attorneys in negotiations, depositions, mediations, and trials.

Each project is custom-designed to address the specific facts and objectives of the case while helping judges, juries, and opposing counsel better understand complex engineering, accident reconstruction, and technical concepts.

From vehicle collision reconstructions and product liability exhibits to custom-built test fixtures and digital presentations, our goal is to create compelling demonstrative evidence that strengthens case strategy and clearly communicates key issues.

While many examples are shown below, every assignment undertaken by Courtroom Creations is tailored to the individual needs of our clients, with direct collaboration and input throughout the design and development process.

ADJUSTABLE VIDEO CAMERA MOUNTING FIXTURE

During an investigation of a complex multi-vehicle accident and following an interview with one of the drivers involved in the accident, it was alleged that the ABS braking system of that driver’s car was not working. Attorneys for the defense argued that this was highly unlikely even though brake signatures at the accident scene did not show classic ABS stop/start roadway signature. In order to be able to explain the workings of the ABS system to a Jury a courtroom model was created showing the wheel speed sensor that creates the signal used by the ABS computer to cycle the individual brakes at each wheel. The model could be, and was, taken to the Jury room during jury deliberations.

ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR DEMONSTRATIVE AID

ALCATRAZ ISLAND TROLLEY STEERING SYSTEM DEMONSTRATIVE AID

A trolley system used to transport visitors to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco bay was involved in an accident. One issue involved in the case was the unusual design of the four- wheel steering system of the trolley. To explain the system, the accident trolley was measured and photographed while raised on a lift. With measurements and photographs, a demonstrative aid showing the mechanics of the system and how it operated was developed and used to demonstrate the steering system to the various attorneys involved. The case was settled without trial, partly through the use of the aid.

A pick-up truck was being closely followed when it was rear-ended by the following vehicle. The pick-up driver strongly asserted that the following vehicle was “following too closely.” In order to strengthen his testimony, a video camera mounting fixture was constructed and attached to the rear of an exemplar pick-up truck. Videos made at varying spacing distances and speeds demonstrated that the pick-up driver had an excellent ability to judge both distance and speed. With this verification of his ability, the lawsuit was settled without a trial.

BUS ACCIDENT TABLETOP DIORAMA, FOXBORO STADIUM

A bus (shown in white) transporting patrons to a golf outing held at Foxboro Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, was traveling through a gate (shown in blue) when a large gust of wind blew the gate open and into the path of the bus. The gate pierced the front of the bus, severely injuring a number of passengers. A tabletop diorama was constructed to demonstrate the roadway position of the bus, the impact position of the gate and the motion of the swinging gate due to the wind. All roadway, bus and gate dimensions were accurately scaled. The diorama was movable and could be taken to depositions and the courtroom.

CHICAGO CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENT SCENE DIORAMA

A construction project in the Chicago metropolitan area required temporarily reducing traffic flow from two lanes to one lane. The zone was properly constructed according to ASHTOE standards, but nevertheless an accident occurred. Numerous photographs of the accident scene enabled photogrammetry to create an accurately scaled layout of the construction zone for Jurors to examine. From the diorama, attorneys could verify that the layout of the construction zone by roadway employees was proper.

TRAILER HITCH DAMAGED AND INTACT COMPARISON DEMONSTRATIVE AID

A heavy-duty trailer hitch attached to a work truck failed, allowing the trailer being towed to separate from the truck and crash into several vehicles. The failure involved parts internal to the hitch that were not visible from the exterior of it. An exemplar, identical intact hitch was procured and the two were compared side by side on a plywood frame. The demonstrative aid showed that a workman attaching a trailer to a hitch would not be able to determine that there was any issue or problem without completely dismantling the hitch.

FULL SCALE MOTORCYCLE TIRE TEST RIG

Motorcycle tires are not generic, and are specifically paired to individual motorcycle characteristics. A motorcycle involved in an accident was on tires not approved for it. In order to examine tire characteristics without a full-scale tire test rig, a towed rig was designed and constructed to perform several tests on the accident tires. The rig was equipped with custom sensors designed to measure various tire characteristics, and was mounted to the trailer hitch of a test vehicle.

F/C REAR AXLE ATTACHMENT ANALYSIS

As a result of a number of accidents that occurred in NHRA’s top classification of so-called “funny cars” or T/F cars, an analysis of the rear axle attachment methods was performed. A special fixture was designed to ensure proper alignment and attachment of the rear axle housing to the chassis. Various measurement techniques (strain gauges, optical and physical measurement devices, etc.) were employed to verify the connection points and examine any inaccuracies, should they exist.

MOTORCYCLE TIRE CUT MECHANISM DOCUMENTATION

A motorcycle rear tire experienced a sudden deflation, causing the rider to lose control and crash. In order to examine the mechanism that caused the tire to deflate, a close examination of the tire revealed that the sidewall had been cut by a portion of the motorcycle chassis. To document the phenomenon, an exemplar motorcycle identical to the accident motorcycle was fitted with a sacrificial tire and run on a test fixture to observe the cutting process as it proceeded. Videotape was used to document the failure mode.

IMSA PIT LANE FIRE RECONSTRUCTION

During an IMSA professional race, a race car entered the pit area to refuel. Before refueling was completed, the car was accidently reversed. However, the pit crew responsible for removing the fueling hose could not disconnect the hose from the car. As the car accelerated away, the fueling hose ruptured, spilling gasoline which immediately ignited on contact with the hot exhaust header of the car. An exemplar fuel rig valve was obtained and a plexiglass fixture built to illustrate the release mechanism of the fuel rig valve.

TEST RIG FOR DEMONSTRATING MOTOR TIRE CLIMBING

OF AN ADJACENT CURB

On a freeway in California, repaving activities had progressed such that one lane was finished while the adjacent lane was not yet repaved, allowing for the development of a step or raising of pavement surface parallel to the direction of travel. During the nighttime hours, a motorcycle traveling at highway speed attempted to change lane and inadvertently tried to climb the step with his front tire, causing loss of control. This test rig was constructed to demonstrate the importance of angle of attack of the tire with respect to the step and tire motion when contact occurred.

IN-CAR VIDEO TEST RIG

Many accident analyses involved visualization of the potential field of view available to the driver of the vehicle. A rig was developed that allows video to focus on any area of interest to the accident investigator: forward and/or rear view, view field available in either rear view mirror, or any other area desired by the investigator. The rig is attached via a large suction cup and can be attached to any reasonably flat surface of a vehicle, either interior or exterior.

RAILROAD BRIDGE PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

A group of playful teenagers were illegally walking across a railroad bridge when a train began to approach the bridge. In a rush to escape, one person slipped through and fell onto the water beneath the bridge. Questions arose as to the probably of even being able to cross the bridge while not on the tracks. An HO-gauge scale model of the bridge, augmented by photographs, was used during the trial to show the difficulty of pedestrians walking across the bridge.